How to Use Crutches: Tips and Techniques for a Safe and Comfortable Experience
Crutches are a mobility aid that helps individuals with temporary or permanent disabilities to walk or move around. They are commonly used to support an injured leg, foot or ankle, or to help redistribute weight to alleviate pain or reduce pressure on a particular joint.
Crutches can provide independence and enable users to continue their daily activities, but it's important to use them correctly to prevent falls or further injuries.
In this article, we'll cover the basics of how to use crutches effectively and safely. We'll answer some common questions you may have about crutches and provide helpful tips and techniques to ensure a comfortable and stable crutch experience.
How to Wear Crutches
Proper crutch height adjustment is critical to ensure that you maintain good posture, avoid muscle strain and prevent falls.
Before using crutches, adjust the height to ensure they fit you correctly. Here's how to do it:
Stand up straight with your shoes on.
Place the crutches under your arms with the pads resting against your ribcage.
Adjust the height of the crutches so that the top of the crutch pad is about 1-2 inches below your armpit.
Make sure that your elbows are slightly bent when you hold the handgrips.
Adjust the length of the crutch shafts so that the distance between the handgrips and the ground is about 1-2 inches below your hips.
Check that the crutches are secure and stable before you take your first step.
Once you have adjusted the crutch height, it's important to put them on properly to prevent falls or further injuries. Here are the steps for putting on and adjusting crutches:
Stand with the injured foot slightly forward.
Hold both crutches by the handgrips and lean forward slightly.
Place the crutches about one foot in front of you, with the tips pointing forward.
Step forward with your good foot and shift your weight onto it.
Use your hands to grip the handgrips of the crutches and lift them up to your sides.
Take a small step forward with your injured foot.
Lean your weight onto the crutches and swing your good foot forward to stand on it.
Adjust the crutches as needed to ensure they fit snugly under your arms.
Proper crutch grip is also crucial for a safe and comfortable crutch experience. Make sure to grip the handgrips tightly and keep your elbows slightly bent to prevent muscle strain.
If you're having trouble keeping your crutches steady against counters, coffee tables, chairs, or other edges, consider investing in crutch grip strips.
In the next section, we'll discuss walking with crutches, including which leg goes first and the basic crutch stance.
Walking with Crutches
Walking with crutches may feel daunting at first, but with a little practice, you can get the hang of it quickly. Here's how to walk with crutches:
Stand up straight with the crutches under your arms and the pads against your ribcage.
Place the crutches about one foot in front of you, with the tips pointing forward.
Step forward with your good foot and shift your weight onto it.
Lean forward and place the crutches about one foot in front of you.
Take a small step forward with your injured foot, keeping your toes pointing forward.
Lean your weight onto the crutches and swing your good foot forward to stand on it.
When using crutches, it's important to remember which leg goes first. If your right leg is injured, you should move your left crutch forward first, followed by your injured right leg. Similarly, if your left leg is injured, you should move your right crutch forward first, followed by your injured left leg.
To maintain stability and balance, keep your weight centered over your good leg, and keep your injured leg off the ground. This is known as the basic crutch stance, and it involves standing with your injured leg slightly lifted off the ground and your weight distributed evenly over your good leg and the crutches.
Walking with crutches on stairs or uneven surfaces requires a different technique. Here are some tips to help you navigate these situations safely:
To go upstairs, hold both crutches in one hand and use the handrail for support. Step up with your good foot, followed by your injured foot and crutches. To go downstairs, hold both crutches in one hand and use the handrail for support. Step down with your injured foot and crutches first, followed by your good foot.
When walking on uneven surfaces, take small, slow steps and use the crutches to stabilize yourself. Look ahead to identify any potential obstacles, and adjust your gait accordingly.
In the next section, we'll answer some more common questions you may have about using crutches effectively.
Non-Weight Bearing Crutch Use
If you're non-weight bearing on one leg, it means you cannot put any weight on that leg. In this case, you'll need to use crutches to help you move around safely. Here's how to use crutches when you're non-weight bearing:
Adjust the crutches to the correct height. The top of the crutches should be about 1-2 inches below your armpits, and the handgrips should be at hip level.
Stand with your injured foot off the ground and your weight on your good foot and the crutches.
Move the crutches forward about one foot's length, and then swing your injured foot forward. Make sure you keep your injured foot off the ground.
Transfer your weight onto the crutches and your good foot, and swing your injured foot forward to the crutches.
It's important to note that when you're non-weight bearing on one leg, you should not rest your foot on the floor. This can cause pain and prevent proper healing of your injury.
To maintain balance and prevent falls when using crutches for non-weight bearing, here are some tips to keep in mind:
Keep your weight centered over your good leg and the crutches. Avoid leaning forward or backward.
Take small, slow steps, and move the crutches a short distance ahead of you before taking each step.
Avoid carrying heavy objects or wearing shoes with a high heel on your good foot. This can throw off your balance and make it harder to use the crutches effectively.
Use crutch grip strips or other accessories to allow yourself to take breaks and confidently rest your crutches against tables, chairs, and benches to prevent crutches from slipping or falling from their resting position.
Tips for Using Crutches
Why do you use one crutch on the good side?
If you're using one crutch, it's typically placed on the side opposite of your injured leg. This helps to provide additional support and stability while walking. The crutch helps to distribute some of the weight off the injured leg and onto the crutch and the good leg.
Why use a crutch on the opposite side of the injury?
When using two crutches, it's common to place the crutches on the opposite side of the injury. This helps to maintain balance and reduce the amount of weight placed on the injured leg, which can help to promote healing.
Why is it hard to walk with crutches and how to overcome difficulties?
Walking with crutches can be challenging, especially if you're new to using them. Some common difficulties include feeling unstable, having trouble maintaining balance, and experiencing pain or discomfort. To overcome these difficulties, it's important to practice good posture and maintain a strong core. Additionally, taking small steps and moving slowly can help you to maintain control and balance while walking with crutches.
How to walk with crutches when both legs hurt
If both legs are injured or sore, it may be difficult to use traditional crutches. In this case, walking aids such as knee scooters or hands-free crutches may be a better option. These devices can provide support and help to distribute your weight evenly, making it easier to move around without causing further injury or discomfort.
Tips for preventing crutches from slipping or falling
To prevent your crutches from slipping or falling, you can use crutch grip strips or other accessories that provide better grip and traction. It's also important to regularly check the rubber tips of the crutches and replace them if they become worn or damaged. When not in use, be sure to store your crutches in a safe place where they won't accidentally fall or get knocked over.
Best Underarm Crutches
There are several types of crutches available on the market, including underarm crutches, forearm crutches, and platform crutches. Underarm crutches, also known as axillary crutches, are the most common type and are designed to fit under the user's armpit.
Features and benefits of the best underarm crutches
When it comes to choosing the best underarm crutches, there are several factors to consider, such as comfort, durability, and ease of use. Some of the top features to look for include adjustable height, comfortable grips, and non-slip tips for stability and safety.
Features and benefits of Carex crutches and axillary crutches
Carex is a well-known brand in the healthcare industry that offers a variety of high-quality mobility aids, including crutches. Their underarm crutches feature a comfortable, contoured grip and a lightweight, yet durable aluminum frame. They are also adjustable in height to ensure a proper fit for users of all sizes.
Axillary crutches are another popular type of underarm crutch that offer several benefits, including improved balance and stability. They are designed to distribute weight more evenly across the upper body, reducing pressure on the hands, wrists, and arms. Some of the top features of axillary crutches include adjustable height, ergonomic hand grips, and slip-resistant tips.
Overall, when choosing the best underarm crutches, it's important to consider your individual needs and preferences. Whether you choose Carex crutches or axillary crutches, be sure to look for features that provide comfort, stability, and ease of use.
Conclusion
In conclusion, crutches are an essential mobility aid for people who have experienced an injury or have difficulty walking. Proper crutch usage is crucial to ensure safety and comfort during the recovery process. We have discussed the correct way to wear and walk with crutches, tips for non-weight bearing crutch use, and how to prevent crutches from slipping or falling.
Using one crutch on the good side and a crutch on the opposite side of the injury can provide additional support and stability during use. Although it may be challenging to walk with crutches at first, with practice and proper technique, it can become easier and more comfortable.
To ensure a safe and comfortable crutch experience, it is essential to choose the right crutches for your needs. The best underarm crutches should provide comfort, stability, and ease of use. If you're in the market for a crutch accessory, be sure to check out our brand's crutch grip strips to prevent crutches from slipping or falling.
Remember, it's important to always consult with a healthcare professional for advice on crutch usage and recovery. We hope that this article has provided you with helpful tips and insights for a safe and comfortable crutch experience.