How Do You Keep Crutches From Falling? 6 Effective Ideas
Crutches are essential mobility aids that can help people who have difficulty walking or standing on their own.
Crutches provide support and stability, allowing people to move around safely and comfortably. However, one common problem that users often encounter is the risk of crutches falling, which can cause injuries and accidents and potentially delay the healing of your injury or surgery. In this article, we'll explore 6 effective ways to keep crutches from falling and ensure a safe and comfortable walking experience.
1. Adjust the crutches properly
The first step to preventing crutches from falling is to adjust them properly.
Adjusting crutches properly is important for comfort, stability, and safety. Here are the steps to adjust different types of crutches properly:
Underarm crutches: How to adjust underarm crutches, follow these steps:
Stand upright with your arms at your sides and the crutches at your side.
Adjust the height of the crutches by loosening the wing nuts and sliding the cuffs up or down until they are 1-2 inches below your armpits.
Adjust the handgrip height by standing upright and placing the crutches under your arms. The handgrip should be at the level of your hip joint.
Tighten the wing nuts securely.
Forearm crutches: How to adjust forearm crutches, follow these steps:
Stand upright with your arms at your sides and the crutches at your side.
Adjust the height of the crutches by loosening the wing nuts and sliding the cuffs up or down until they are 1-2 inches below your elbow.
Adjust the handgrip height by standing upright and placing the crutches under your arms. The handgrip should be at the level of your wrist when your elbow is bent at a 30-degree angle.
Tighten the wing nuts securely.
Platform crutches: How to adjust platform crutches, follow these steps:
Stand upright with your arms at your sides and the crutches at your side.
Adjust the height of the crutches by loosening the wing nuts and sliding the cuffs up or down until the platform is at the level of your palm.
Adjust the handgrip height by standing upright and placing the crutches under your arms. The handgrip should be at the level of your hip joint.
Tighten the wing nuts securely.
When adjusting your crutches, it's important to ensure that they are at the correct height to provide proper support and stability.
Always test your crutches before using them to ensure that they are secure and comfortable.
If you're unsure about how to adjust your crutches, consult your healthcare provider or a physical therapist.
2. Use Crutch Tips or Ferrules
Another way to prevent crutches from falling is to use crutch tips or ferrules. These are rubber or plastic caps that fit over the bottom of the crutch legs, providing extra grip and stability. They can also help to absorb shock and reduce noise when the crutches hit the ground.
Crutch tips can be used on most types of crutches, including underarm crutches, forearm crutches, and platform crutches.
Underarm crutches, also known as axillary crutches, are the most common type of crutches and are used to support the weight of the body under the arms. Crutch tips for underarm crutches typically have a flat surface and fit over the end of the crutch legs.
Forearm crutches, also known as elbow crutches or Lofstrand crutches, are designed to support the weight of the body on the forearms. Crutch tips for forearm crutches are typically angled to match the angle of the crutch legs and fit over the end of the crutch legs.
Platform crutches are designed to support the weight of the body on the hands and arms. These crutches have a platform for the hands instead of a handgrip. Crutch tips for platform crutches are typically larger and wider than tips for underarm or forearm crutches and fit over the end of the crutch legs.
When purchasing crutch tips, it's important to ensure that you choose tips that are compatible with the type of crutches you have. Most crutch tips are designed to fit most standard crutches, but it's always a good idea to check with the manufacturer or your healthcare provider if you're unsure.
Here are some brands of crutch tips that you may consider using:
Medline Crutch Tips: Medline is a popular brand of medical supplies, including crutch tips. Their crutch tips are made of high-quality rubber and are designed to provide superior traction and durability.
Drive Medical Crutch Tips: Drive Medical is another popular brand of medical supplies. Their crutch tips are made of high-quality rubber and are designed to fit most standard crutches.
Vive Crutch Tips: Vive is a brand that specializes in mobility aids and accessories. Their crutch tips are made of durable, non-slip rubber and are designed to provide superior traction and stability.
Essential Medical Supply Crutch Tips: Essential Medical Supply is a brand that offers a wide range of medical supplies, including crutch tips. Their crutch tips are made of durable, high-quality rubber and are designed to fit most standard crutches.
3. Choose The Right Surface
When using crutches, it's important to choose the right surface to walk on.
Wet or slippery surfaces, such as polished floors, tile, or wet pavement, can be hazardous when using crutches.
These surfaces increase the risk of slipping, losing balance, and falling. Avoid these surfaces if possible, or use caution and consider using slip-resistant footwear.
Uneven or unstable surfaces: Uneven or unstable surfaces, such as gravel, grass, or dirt paths, can be challenging to navigate with crutches. These surfaces can cause crutches to sink or slide, making it difficult to maintain balance. Avoid these surfaces if possible, or consider using alternative mobility aids, such as a wheelchair or scooter.
Stairs without handrails: Stairs can be difficult to navigate with crutches, especially if they don't have handrails. Avoid stairs without handrails or have someone assist you when climbing or descending stairs.
Crowded or cluttered areas: Crowded or cluttered areas, such as busy sidewalks or crowded rooms, can be challenging to navigate with crutches. These areas can be hazardous as they may cause you to bump into people or objects, causing you to lose balance or fall. Avoid these areas if possible, or use caution and consider having someone assist you.
By being mindful of the surfaces you walk on when using crutches, you can reduce the risk of falls and injuries, and improve your mobility and overall safety. If you are unsure about the safety of a particular surface, always err on the side of caution and seek assistance when needed.
4. Use A Crutch Holder
A crutch holder is a simple device that can help to keep crutches from falling when you're not using them. It's a strap or clip that attaches to the crutch and allows you to hang it on a chair, table, or other surface. This can be particularly useful when you need to sit down or use your hands for other tasks.
Follow these steps to use a crutch holder to keep crutches from falling:
Attach the crutch holder to your crutch: Most crutch holders are designed to fit over the top of the crutch and are secured with a strap or clip. Check the manufacturer's instructions to ensure that you attach the holder correctly.
Find a suitable location to hang the crutch: Look for a nearby surface, such as a chair or table, where you can hang your crutch. Make sure that the surface is stable and won't tip over.
Insert the crutch into the holder: Once you have found a suitable location, insert the crutch into the holder. Make sure that the holder is securely attached to the crutch to prevent it from slipping or falling.
Adjust the holder if necessary: If the holder is not level or if the crutch is not secure, adjust the holder as needed. You may need to tighten the strap or clip or adjust the angle of the holder to ensure that the crutch is secure.
Retrieve the crutch when you need it: When you are ready to use your crutch again, simply remove it from the holder. Make sure that the holder is securely attached to the crutch before using it again.
Using a crutch holder can be a convenient way to keep your crutches secure and within reach when you are not using them.
5. Practice Good Posture and Balance
Good posture and balance are crucial when using crutches to prevent falls and maintain stability. Here are some tips for achieving good posture and balance when using crutches:
Keep your head up: Your head should be in a neutral position, facing forward. Avoid looking down at your feet or crutches while walking as this can throw off your balance.
Keep your shoulders back: This will help you maintain good posture and avoid slouching. Keep your shoulders relaxed but engaged to help distribute your weight evenly.
Engage your core: Your core muscles play an important role in maintaining balance. Engage your abdominal muscles and draw your belly button towards your spine to help stabilize your body.
Keep your feet shoulder-width apart: This will provide a stable base of support and help you maintain balance. Avoid standing with your feet too close together or too far apart.
Distribute your weight evenly: When standing on your crutches, distribute your weight evenly between both legs and crutches. Avoid leaning to one side or putting too much weight on one crutch.
Take small steps: When walking with crutches, take small steps to maintain balance and stability. Avoid taking large steps or overreaching, as this can cause you to lose your balance.
By practicing good posture and balance, you can minimize the risk of falls and enjoy a safer, more comfortable walking experience while using crutches.
6. Use Crutch Grip Strips
How to keep crutches falling is a question that we have addressed, and solved, with Crutch Grip Strips.
Crutch Grip Strips are adhesive strips that can be attached to the legs of crutches to help hold a crutch in the upright position when leaned against most surface edges. They are made from a specialty low-profile material, that when applied to the axillary type (underarm) crutch legs, provides non-sliding strong surface tension, yet is not “sticky” to the touch. Here are steps to use Crutch Grip Strips:
Apply strips to same crutch side, one strip per crutch leg
Start placement of strip typically 25”-27” from the bottom of the crutch
Remove adhesive backing
Continue to press strip onto crutch up towards the armpit pad
Repeat on opposite leg, same surface side of the crutch.
Trim strip if needed with scissors or utility knife.
Both legs need the strip installed to create the surface tension needed to resist slides.
Here are some of the benefits of using Crutch Grip Strips:
Improved stability: Crutch Grip Strips provide a solution that prevents crutches from slipping off edges like counters, desktops, tables and more.
Enhanced grip: The textured surface of Crutch Grip Strips provides added grip, which can help to reduce the risk of slipping and falling from surface edges.
Easy to install: Crutch grip strips are easy to install and can be attached to the legs of your axillary crutches in just a few minutes.
Overall, Crutch Grip Strips are a useful accessory for anyone who needs to use crutches for an extended period of time. They can help to reduce the risk of crutches slipping from edges, making it easier and safer for you to rest your crutches against objects.