Do not lean on the underarm supports; Always support your weight using the handgrips of the crutches. Using crutches isn't as easy as it appears. As the nurse you must know the following material about crutches: How to tell if the crutches properly fit the patient? When using crutches, put … Too much pressure under your arms could irritate the sensitive nerves in … If your injury or surgery requires you to get around without putting any weight on your leg or foot, you may have to use crutches. Hold both crutches in your hand on the same side as your weak leg. Move your crutches in front of you about 12 inches. Also use it whenever you’re standing for a length of time. Standing with crutches. Crutches are used to support mobility needs. Hold the injured (or weaker) foot off the floor. Crutches are used to help the injured person walk when the foot is broken. When walking using crutches it is important that they fit properly and that you use them correctly. If there are no stair rails, you should try to use one crutch. Slowly sit down. If you're unfortunate enough to have a lower limb injury or fracture that requires you to use crutches during your recovery, these tips may help you use your crutches … In this case, it’s actually better to ask for help or get the elevator as it’s going to be hard for you to walk up or down the stairs with two crutches… To stand up: Move to the front of your seat and move your weak leg forward. Below, you can read our tips regarding how to use one crutch when stairs are ahead of you: 1. It actually takes some instruction, a bit of coordination and then practice. Using a walking aid can help you be more safe and independent in your daily activities. Find your balance. Use your free hand to … How to Use Crutches Standing. Wet or waxed floors and smooth cement floors can be slippery. { "consumer": "A walking aid—a walker, crutches, or a cane—helps substitute for a decrease in strength, range of motion, joint stability, coordination, or endurance. Using your free hand, grab the armrest, the seat of the chair, or the bed or toilet. How to walk with crutches: Place both crutches under your arms, and place your hands on the hand grips of the crutches. Whether you need assistance during recovery with weight bearing restrictions or you’re looking for a long-term aid, crutches can help get you up and walking again. ; The different types of gaits used for crutches?. Correct crutch balance. Place the crutch under the arm opposite your injured leg. When using a single crutch, you'll have to decide which side to use it on. Medical professionals recommend placing the crutch under the arm on the side of your healthy leg — or in other words, on the opposite side of your injured leg. When standing up straight, the top of your crutches should be about 1-2 inches below your armpits. Watch out for small rugs or cords. Stand up straight with crutches placed slightly forward and out to the side. Use your crutches only on firm ground. Your doctor should adjust your crutches to fit you and show you how to use them. Make sure you know this part completely because exams love to ask questions about the different type of gaits. Use caution when you walk on ice or snow. Crutches are assistive devices used to help a patient ambulate. Proper Positioning. The handgrips of the crutches … This fact sheet has the #withconsumers tick from the Consumers Health Forum of Australia Crutches can help you recover from leg injuries such as a fracture, surgery, sprain (over-stretching of the ligaments) or strain (over-stretching of muscles and tendons). Use the balanced standing (tripod) position when you start or end a movement. It can also reduce the stress on a painful joint or limb. Be sure not to rest your armpits on the pads of the crutches. Download our fact sheet to provide your patients with easy to follow guidance on using crutches. Place your crutches slightly in front of you.