If you can't keep weight on one leg due to injury or surgery, you need to learn how to use crutches. It is important to use the correct technique to avoid doing more damage to the injured leg or foot. Learn how to use crutches for walking, sitting, standing, and climbing stairs.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Adjustments
Step 1. Get new or used crutches as long as they are in excellent condition
Make sure they are sturdy and that the rubber padding, where the armpit rests, is still elastic. Check the bolts or pins that adjust the length. Make sure they have a rubber base.
Step 2. Adjust the height of the crutches so that they are comfortable
Stand up and rest your palms on the handles. When you have adjusted the correct position, the crutch should be between 1 and 2 centimeters below your armpits. The handles must be in line with the top of the hips.
- Once the crutches are properly adjusted, your arms should be folded comfortably while standing.
- When adjusting your crutches, wear the shoes you use most frequently. They must have low heels and a comfortable sole.
Step 3. Keep the crutches in the correct position
Crutches must be held firmly at your hips for maximum control. The pads on the top of the crutches should not touch the armpits, rather, it is the hands that must absorb the weight of the body.
Method 2 of 3: Standing and Sitting
Step 1. Use crutches to help you walk
Lean forward placing both crutches in front of your body. Move as if you were stepping with your injured foot, but instead put your weight on the handles of the crutches. Rock your body forward and keep your sound foot flat on the ground. Repeat the movement to keep walking.
- Keep the injured foot slightly bent back, raised a few inches off the floor so you don't drag it.
- Practice walking like this with your head forward, and don't look at your feet. Movement will begin to become more natural with practice.
- Exercise to walk backwards as well. Always look behind to make sure there is no furniture or other objects in your path.
Step 2. Use crutches to help you sit up
Choose a sturdy chair that won't let you slide when you sit in it. Lean back on the chair and put both crutches in one hand, putting some weight and keeping the injured foot in front. Use your other hand to hold onto the chair and sit down.
- Place the crutches against a wall or a sturdy table with the support part of the armpit down. Crutches can fall out if you leave them straight and lean on them.
- When you want to get up, turn the crutches up and hold them on the side of the sound foot in your hand. Raise yourself with your weight on your sound foot, then pass a crutch to the injured side and balance using the grips.
Method 3 of 3: Doing the stairs
Step 1. Walk on your sound foot as you go up the stairs
Face the stairs by holding the handrail with one hand. Slip the crutches under the armpit on the opposite side. Step on your good foot and hold the injured foot back. Stand on the crutches to take the next step with your good foot and bring your injured foot forward again.
- Ask a friend to help you the first few times you walk up the stairs, as you can have a hard time balancing.
- If you go up stairs without railings, put a crutch under each arm. Step on your sound foot, follow the injured foot, and put weight on the crutches.
Step 2. To go down the stairs, hold the injured foot in front
Hold the crutches under one armpit and grab the handrail with the other hand. Carefully jump onto the next step. Go down one step at a time until you reach the bottom.
- If the ladder does not have a handrail, place both crutches on the lower step, move the injured leg down and come down with the other foot while keeping the weight on the handles.
- In order not to risk falling, you can also sit on the top step, and with your injured foot in front, use your hands to support yourself as if you were sliding down the stairs one step at a time. You will need to ask someone to take your crutches down.
