If you have injured your ankle, knee, or fractured your leg, your doctor may advise you to walk on crutches while you are recovering. These tools help you not to put the weight of the body on the affected limb when you are standing or walking. In addition, they allow you to maintain balance and carry out your daily activities safely during the healing phase. In some cases it is better to use only one crutch because you can have one hand free; for example, when you go to the grocery store or take the dog for a walk. This solution is much more comfortable even when you have to face a flight of stairs equipped with a handrail. But remember that switching from two crutches to one forces you to put pressure on your injured leg and increases the risk of falls. For these reasons, ask your orthopedist for advice first if you prefer to use only one support.
Steps
Part 1 of 2: Walking on a Flat Surface
Step 1. Place the crutch under the opposite arm from the affected leg
When using only one support you need to decide which side to use. Doctors recommend holding the crutch with the hand on the "healthy" side; in other words, the one opposite to the injured leg. Keep it snug against your body under your armpit and firmly grasp the handle in the center.
- If you keep it on the uninjured side, you can take body weight off the affected leg and load it onto the crutch. However, to walk with only one crutch you will still need to allow the affected limb to support some weight with each step.
- Depending on the type of injury, the orthopedist may feel that it is not a good idea at all to put pressure on the injured limb; in this case, you will need to use two crutches or a wheelchair.
- Adjust the height of the crutch so that there is a space of two fingers between the pad of the upper support and the armpit. It also changes the position of the grip, so that it is level with the wrist when the arm is left dangling.
Step 2. Get into proper posture and balance with the crutch
When the device is properly adjusted and placed on the healthy side of the body, you must make sure that it is 8-10 cm from the lateral medial point of the foot; in this way you are sure to enjoy maximum stability. Also, remember that most (if not all) of your body weight must be supported by your hand and outstretched arm; if you apply too much pressure to the armpit, it can cause pain and even nerve damage.
- To obtain a more comfortable support, both the handle and the upper support should be padded. This detail allows for a more secure grip and shock absorption.
- Do not wear bulky shirts or jackets when you have to walk with only one crutch, as they may hamper your movements and reduce stability.
- If you wear a cast on your foot, leg, or boot brace, consider wearing a thick-heeled shoe on your sound foot so that the limbs are not at too different heights. This small detail allows you greater stability and reduces the risk of pain in the pelvis or back.
Step 3. Prepare to take a step
When you are ready to walk, move the crutch forward about 6 inches and at the same time step forward with the injured leg. Next, bring your sound leg forward over the crutch while firmly grasping the handle and keeping your arm straight. To walk forward, respect and repeat this sequence: bring the crutch and the affected limb forward and then advance the sound leg over the crutch.
- Remember to keep your balance by shifting most of your weight onto the crutch as you bring your sound leg forward.
- Be very careful and go slowly when using only one support device. Make sure you have good grip on the ground and that there are no obstacles in the way that could cause you to trip. Allow more time to get from one place to another.
- Avoid supporting weight with your armpit to avoid pain, nerve damage, or a shoulder injury.
Part 2 of 2: Going up and down the stairs
Step 1. Make sure there is a handrail
Going up and down stairs with two crutches is more difficult than using just one. However, you can only use a single support when the flight of stairs is equipped with a handrail or railing. If there is a handrail, make sure it is firmly attached to the wall and sturdy enough to hold your weight.
- If there is no railing or similar support, then you have to choose between using two crutches, taking the elevator or asking someone for help.
- If there is a handrail, grab it with one hand and hold the crutch (or both) in the other as you go up the stairs. This technique could be easier or quicker without crutches.
Step 2. Grab the railing with the hand of the injured side
When climbing the stairs, you must hold the crutch under the arm corresponding to the uninjured leg and grasp the handrail with the opposite hand. Apply pressure to the handrail and crutch at the same time and take the first step with your sound leg. Then, bring both the crutch and the injured limb to the same step. Repeat the sequence until you have reached the upper floor, but be careful and move slowly.
- If possible, do this type of exercise with a physical therapist before doing it yourself.
- If there is no handrail, no lift, no one to help you and you have to go up the stairs, then use the wall as a support, just like a railing.
- Spend more time on very steep stairs with small steps, especially if you have large feet or wear a boot brace.
Step 3. Be especially careful when going down the stairs
The descent phase, with one or two crutches, is potentially more dangerous than the ascent, because the fall would occur from a greater distance if you lose your balance. For this reason, firmly grasp the handrail and place the injured foot on the lowest step; then, bring the crutch down to the opposite side and finish the step with the sound foot. Do not apply too much pressure on the affected foot, otherwise the intense twinge of pain could make you feel nauseous or dizzy. Always keep your balance and don't rush. Always follow this pattern: first the injured leg and then the healthy one, all the way to the bottom of the stairs.
- Remember that the sequence to go down is exactly the opposite of the one you have to follow to go up.
- Pay attention to all objects on the steps that could get in the way.
- It is always best to have someone ready to help you down the stairs if possible.
Advice
- Put all personal items in a backpack. This way you will have your hands free and you will be able to better maintain your balance when walking with only one crutch.
- Maintain good posture while walking. If not, you may experience pain in your back or hips, making it more difficult to use the crutch.
- Wear comfortable shoes that have a rubber sole with good grip on the ground. Avoid flip flops, sandals, or elegant shoes with slippery soles.
- Be especially careful when walking on wet or uneven surfaces.
- Keep in mind that it will take you longer than usual to get from one place to another on crutches.
- If you lose your balance, try to fall on the side of your sound leg to better cushion the impact.
- Check that the crutch is no lower than your arm / armpit; otherwise, it could slip, cause you to lose your balance or cause a fall.
