How To Use Crutches Properly

Get up slowly to a sitting or standing position. Move your injured leg forward and put your foot even with the crutches.

Crutches Physiopedia

5152014 Crutches should be adjusted while you are standing with the base of the crutches situated about six inches from the sides of your feet.

How to use crutches properly. This video draws upon the expertise of one of the physical therapists at The Nebraska Medical Center to show you the proper way to use crutches. It avoids putting pressure on the nerves that can cause numbness and tingling. 7212020 Move both crutches together a short distance in front of you about 18 inches.

Important tips to remember while using crutches. 10172019 Lean forward slightly and put your crutches about one foot in front of you. 1162020 Using crutches may simply be a temporary inconvenience or they may be a permanent part of your everyday life.

To take a step squeeze the crutches between your upper arms and ribs put the weight through your hands not your armpits. While supporting yourself with your hands allow your body to swing forward as if you were going to step on the injured leg. Always take short steps when on crutches.

Paul Steinke with Foot and Ankle Associates of North Texas demonstrates the proper way to use crutches after a foot surgery or injury. Go up and down stairs and ramps slowly and stop to rest when you feel tired. 6152006 A physical therapist will help you learn how to use crutches properly and can monitor your progress.

Here are a few tips you can follow to avoid unnecessary injuries while using crutches. Stand on your uninjured leg with your injured leg slightly bent and raised off the floor. Crutches provide temporary support if youre struggling to balance or need to take weight off of one or both of your legs.

Walk slowly and carefully with crutches. 342021 Keep your elbow bent when the crutch is in place under your arm. Keep the crutches close to your body.

Begin your step as if you were going to use the injured foot or leg but instead shift your weight to the crutches. They can feel more stable and secure than a walking stick but less than a walking frame. Instead of placing weight on the injured leg rest your weight on the crutch handles.

When you put your hands on the grips your elbow should bend slightly. While walking do not try to move too quickly or to cover too long a distance with each step. Your doctor may recommend at least a few sessions with a physical therapist to help you get the hang of crutches.

Try to make forward movement and placing of the tip at about 1 ahead of the feet. Bring your body forward slowly between the crutches. Learning to use crutches properly and to use the best type of pattern for you is important to simultaneously maximize your functional mobility and your safety.

Because crutches are often prescribed after an injury or surgery you may need rehabilitation as well. Hold the handgrips for support. Get your crutches fitted to.

Move the crutches forward. Finish the step normally with your good leg. The underarm supports should be two inches below your armpits.

Provide your body weights on the handgrip and take a step forward along with your injured leg. 8122016 A properly fitted crutch can decrease pain in the underarms wrists and hands. Fitting crutches correctly can minimize fatigue of your non-injured leg.

Put as much weight as you are allowed on the injured leg taking the rest of the weight through your arms and hands. Then swing your body in the front direction and place the other leg on the ground to complete a one-step walking. Advance the crutches about a foot in front of.

Walking with Crutches may seem simple but if you dont use crutches correctly or if the crutches are the wrong height you could hinder your recovery. 7232019 Place one crutch under each arm and grip the crutch handles. While some people may be comfortable using a cane others have shown great results with learning how to properly use crutches.

It helps reduce back and neck pain from poor posture from standing for long periods of time. Walking with the Crutches. While standing place the crutches 8 in-10 in front of you.

Crutches How To Use