Page 2 Your weight bearing status is _____ Weight Bearing for ___ weeks. Make sure the crutches are safe to use by checking the wing nuts are tight and that the crutch tips (the rubber stoppers at the bottom of the crutches) are securely attached and not worn. Stairs If it is essential to use the stairs and you have not been advised otherwise, try Have someone guard you as you learn to use stairs. This design prevents damage to nerves and blood vessels under the arm. Move the affected leg to just behind the crutches and step the good leg forward to just beyond the crutches. How to Use Crutches 1/4 . When walking using crutches it is important that they fit properly and that you use them correctly. Put the ends 12 to 20 cm (5 to 8 inches) to the side of your feet. Support your weight evenly between the rail and the crutches. Crutches are awkward, they make your palms sore, they fall over when you try to lean them against the bench top, they are with us for what feels like an eternity (yes six weeks can feel that long) – and it’s a shame that the safe use of crutches is often left to the user to work out themselves. This crutch is for one hand use. In the U.S., forearm crutches are typically recommended for long-term or permanent disabilities, but more people are starting to use them for short-term injuries as well. Your child is now ready to walk on their crutches as they have been shown. Forearm crutches, sometimes referred to as elbow crutches, have a cuff that goes around your forearm (and sometimes elbow or wrist) to offer support. 4 Point Gait. Underarm or axillary crutches extend up to the armpit area. Prior to receiving your elbow crutches, you will have been assessed by a physiotherapist of a health care practitioner, who will have ensured the crutches are safe for use and measured them to your specific height requirements. Never try to climb stairs … Using Your Elbow Crutches Full , Protected and Partial Weight Bearing. Tip: Ask a friend to carry one of your crutches while you climb or descend stairs. Standing Up To stand up, hold both crutches by the hand grips in one hand and push up with the other hand on the chair. Your doctor should adjust your crutches to fit you and show you how to use them. To use your crutches, you need to learn a new gait, or way to walk. Lead with your unaffected leg 2. Crutches may also improve mobility and walking technique. Move the injured leg toward the halfway point, not all the way to the front of the walker. The 4 point gait is used where partial weight-bearing is possible. With the crutches and operated leg on the lower step, step up with your un-operated leg. With good techniques and some patience, you can master the art of going up and down the stairs using crutches. Here's how to use crutches on the stairs: Approach the stairs and have your therapist stand by for safety until confident of abilities. Use caution when you walk on ice or snow. This handout gives instructions on how to safely use crutches to help your recovery and healing. You may want to ask a partner to help you the first few times you take the stairs since it can be tricky to keep your balance. Try to take some weight through the arms while the good leg is off the ground. You can hold your other crutch in your hand or ask someone to carry it for you You can complete the stairs with 2 crutches or on your bottom if you find this easier Your crutch/’s always stay with your affected leg Going up: 1. Hold the rail with one hand and both crutches in the other. Adjust the handgrip height so the elbow bends slightly when your child is standing relaxed. Go up and down stairs and ramps slowly, and stop to rest when you feel tired. Your elbows should be slightly bent when holding the grips. Using elbow crutches You have been given crutches to help you move around. The first thing to remember when climbing stairs with crutches or a cane is always go up with your good leg, and down with your bad leg. Sitting Down To sit down, place both crutches in one hand holding the hand grips together and reach for the chair with your other hand to lower yourself slowly. Step up with your non-affected leg while leaving your crutches on the step below. Let your arm hang down relaxed. Go down stairs with your injured foot in front of you. How to Use Crutches Why should I use crutches? Here are 10 tips that will help you maneuver better. Place a crutch in the armpit on the opposite side of the railing. Then it is necessary to act in this way: Reach the railing, put one hand on them. How to walk with elbow crutches: 1. If you have any further questions, please speak to a physiotherapist caring for you. A guard stands below you. Then put one crutch under each arm. You have been provided with elbow crutches to help you walk safely whilst allowing you to protect the injured leg. Fitting Your Crutches • Adjust your crutches for your height. This means your wrist and elbow should be slightly bent when placing the hand on the hand grip. Always use an elevator if one is available. How to Use Crutches . These can cause falls. Your elbows should be bent slightly to about thirty degrees. But now you're faced with a new challenge: climbing stairs. As you walk, move the walker one step ahead holding on to the top of the walker. 2. It supports walking or climbing receiving pressure of specific portion of the body. 1. Making Sure the Crutches Fit 1. Walking up stairs. If you have any further questions, please speak to a physiotherapist caring for you. Stairs: Where possible use the handrail and 1 crutch to complete stairs. Be safe going up and down stairs. If you haven't already discussed it with your doctor or physical therapist, this article will teach you the basics of climbing stairs … So you've gotten used to walking on crutches while your broken or otherwise injured leg/foot is healing. Using crutches or a cane on stairs or steps can be a very scary concept. Walk slowly and carefully with crutches. ©Thinkstock, 2015 When standing up straight, the top of your crutches should be about 1-2 inches below your armpits. Arrange the crutches into a ‘H’ shape 3. If used correctly, crutches can accelerate the healing of certain injuries by reducing potentially detrimental weight bearing forces during walking or standing. If you have had an injury, a surgery, or a procedure on your leg or foot, it may need time to heal. The top of the crutch should be 1 to 2 inches below your armpit. When used properly, weight is placed in the handgrip and not in the armpit. How to walk with elbow crutches This leaflet aims to guide you on how to walk with elbow crutches. They can cause back pain and falls. Crutches: How to Use The following page will outline things to look for when getting crutches for your child, and instructions for how they should get around using crutches, depending on their level of injury. At first, using crutches may seem difficult. Hold the top of the crutches tightly to your sides, and use your hands to absorb the weight. The unhealthy leg and the two crutches move in sync and the other leg follows behind. Step up with your good foot, bring your injured foot up, then put your weight on the crutches. The main factor while climbing stairs on your crutches is to maintain your balance properly. To help it heal and to prevent pain, you need to keep all your weight off it. If you go up stairs without a railing, place a crutch under each arm. To turn, take small steps. Your elbows should bend a bit when you use the handgrips. This information reinforces the advice from your physiotherapist on how to use them . The first option is suitable for those cases when the stairs have reliable railings. The handgrips of the crutches should be even with the top of your hip line. Walking with your crutches. This is used in most cases where one leg is fine and another one is restricted to use. Using crutches will help you get around without putting any weight on your leg. The medical professional that you see will tell you how much weight you can put through your affected leg and which of the techniques below you should use to move around. Use your arms for support. Your elbows should be slightly bent when you hold the handgrips. Move to the front of your chair 2. 3. Stand on both legs and move the crutches one pace forward. Crutches are used to help the injured person walk when the foot is broken. This leaflet has been produced to give you general information about how to use elbow crutches. Forearm Crutches: Forearm crutches are also known as elbow crutches. Look straight ahead, and step through the crutches with your good leg. Walking. It will take a little bit of time to get used to using the crutches, so don’t be worried if it feels difficult at the beginning. Full and partial weight bearing style of walking Going up stairs 1. Going up stairs 1. you can put weight through your leg as normal. Stand straight. How to use elbow crutches on stairs with a rail This leaflet aims to guide you on how to use elbow crutches on the stairs. Put both crutches under the arm away from the railing (or hold as in the diagram below) and use both crutches as one. When using crutches, put your weight on your arms and hands. A way to remember is “The good go to heaven, the bad go to hell.” Get up slowly to a sitting or standing position. When you walk, the pressure should be on your hands, NOT your armpits. Remove the crutch nearest to the handrail/banister and place it on the outside in the opposite hand. Do not use crutches that do not match or are too short. If there is a handrail, use it. Learning to climb up and down stairs on your crutches will take a fair bit of practice in the presence of a friend. Hold the railing with your free hand and stand close to the rail. 2. Using elbow crutches will help you to get around during your recovery. This allows healing to take place in the absence of further tissue damage, thereby accelerating recovery. You should not try to hold your body weight with your armpits, as you can cause nerve damage. Using the stairs with your elbow crutches If you need to use the stairs at home you may be taught how to go up and down the stairs by a physiotherapist before you are discharged from hospital. • Make sure your elbows are slightly bent. If you are unable to bear any weight on your leg or foot, you may have to use crutches. Forearm crutches have a flexible cuff that goes around the arm just below the elbow. Use your crutches only on firm ground. 3. Crutches are often used after a leg injury, but you need to know how to use them properly. use crutches. This will help prevent dizziness and fainting. Here are a few tips to help you get safely up and down the stairs with crutches or a cane. Climbing stairs with crutches is possible with one support or two at once. Support your weight with your hands. Lean forward slightly and put your crutches about one foot ahead of you. There has a flexible round shaped brace at the top. On stairs without a railing: follow the instructions for going up and down stairs, … Watch out for wet surfaces and objects in your way. Don't let the tops of the crutches press into your armpits. It is All about Balance. Your doctor or therapist will tell you how much weight you can put on your leg. Push down hard on the crutches with your arms. Elbow crutches are used as mobility aids to assist with balance, take pressure off the legs and improve confidence when walking. The crutches are the correct length if there is a 2 to 3 … These are more commonly used in Canada and Europe. Walking . Precautions for using stairs. Full Weight Bearing You are allowed to put full weight through your affected (operated/injured) leg i.e. Place the top of the crutches under your arms. 2. Stand up straight! It is advisable that the second support bears the assistant. The crutches act as the support for one less leg and shift the weight elsewhere. It will take a little time to get used to the crutches and so it is important you try not to rush. It withstands weight of upper portion of body. Fitting Your Child With Crutches For crutches to be safe, they must be measured to fit your child properly. This prevents you from locking your wrist or elbow joint as you use the crutch. Forearm crutches, sometimes known as elbow crutches, are usually the best choice for children. Going Up Stairs If there is no handrail, use both crutches and lead with the good leg. 2. Don’t twist. A gripper in the middle helps to balance of upper portion of the crutch. Proper Positioning. Keep your elbow bent when the crutch is in place under your arm. Keep crutches down on lower level and do not place upward on the steps. He or she holds your belt (or a special “gait belt” you can borrow or buy) to assist you if you lose your balance. The presence of a friend them properly use elbow crutches to help recovery. 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