Related Videos Many people don't get the right instruction before attempting to use them. Place your crutches about 1 foot (30 centimeters) in front of you, slightly wider apart than your body. 460 Views. Crutches may seem simple if you've never had to use them, but a lot goes into safe and proper use. It helps reduce back and neck pain from poor posture from standing for long periods of time. Even though you plan to recover faster and to use it for a shorter time, the more you use your leg (which means using the cane), the quicker you will suspend it from your life. Now, you have been left with a sore back, tired arms, and the struggle of walking. Try to tuck your crutches beneath the armpit on the opposite side. How to walk with a cane after hip surgery. Unfortunately, there’s nothing you can do about it, as the doctor tells you that you need to remain in a non-weight bearing state while you heal. Place your crutches slightly in front of you. If the handles are too high or too low, it will likely to cause upper back, shoulder and neck discomfort. Then step up through the non-injured foot keeping the injured one behind. You’ve recently injured your foot or leg. Stand close to the step and place the crutches on ground level. For the swing movement, shift your weight from your healthy leg to your arms, swinging your body through the crutches as the crutches take up the weight. With your other hand, grasp the armrest of your chair. Squeeze the crutch underneath your armpit and grab the hand grip that's roughly in the middle of the crutch. Hold both crutches in the hand on your injured side. Crutches should hit about one to two inches below the armpit when you're standing straight and have the handles at wrist height, so that your elbows are slightly bent when you grasp them.. Wet or waxed floors and smooth cement floors can be slippery. Why is it important to adjust your crutches? Place both crutches in the hand on the affected side (i.e., if your right leg is hurt, hold them in your right hand). While there are multiple different types of crutches, many walk around with crutches that are too short or too tall. Adjust the height of the crutch: Adjusting the height usually involves pushing in a small button and adjusting its position within the base of the crutch. See more ideas about crutches, healthcare professionals, ankle surgery. To remember proper gait sequence, just recall "Good foot goes to heaven, bad foot goes to hell-o! When mobility issues happen from foot, ankle, or leg surgery it may become difficult to walk without aid until your injuries heal. Be sure to support yourself with the crutches held in front of you on the next lower step or use the handrail on one side while holding the crutches in the other hand. One of the most important things about crutches is to have the right height. Our new MA, Lorenzo, demonstrates the proper way to use crutches. Use your arms and weight-bearing foot/leg to lift yourself down one step. Crutches will help you to move around and prevent any form of strain on the injured area. Put slight weight on the injured leg on which you are wearing your walking boot and use your crutches to support the rest of your weight. Put the ends 12 to 20 cm (5 to 8 inches) to the side of your feet. Place one crutch under each arm and grip the crutch handles. Shift your weight to your good leg and start your next step by moving the crutches about one foot in front of you. Sign up and learn how to better take care of your body. Orthopaedic Associates of Central Maryland, Symptoms of Sports Injury-Related Knee Pain, Why a Podiatrist Might Be Important to a Dancer, Common Orthopedic Problems as You Get Older, physical medicine and rehabilitation doctor. While supporting yourself with your hands, allow your body to swing forward as if you were going to step on the injured leg. Canes. It may be smart to have someone assist you at first, especially if you don't have good upper-body strength. Make sure your shoes have low heels and good support. Updated February 2015. You were probably given a pair of crutches by a doctor or friend with little or no explanation on how to fit or use them. At the correct height, you should be able to place four fingers between your armpit and the top of the crutch. Try to keep arms strong with simple strengthening exercises to help reduce walking fatigue. Crutches should be adjusted while you are standing with the base of the crutches situated about six inches from the sides of your feet. Lean forward slightly and move both crutches about one foot in front of you. The hand grip should be at wrist level when your arm is hanging by your side. 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