Are you forced to use crutches after a leg injury? You may soon realize that, in addition to the discomfort of the trauma itself, you also have to manage the discomfort associated with the action of constantly bending over the new points of support. However, by adding some padding and using crutches in a way that minimizes difficulties, you can make the healing process much more comfortable.
Steps
Part 1 of 2: Add the Padding
Step 1. Use towels or rolled-up blankets for padding
One of the oldest, simplest, and most effective ways to make crutches more comfortable is to make a makeshift cushioning layer out of pieces of fabric. There is no "right" fabric for this job - you can use towels, a piece of an old blanket or even small pillows. Here are some examples of how you can stuff a pair of crutches:
- Cut two 90x90cm pieces of fabric from an old blanket.
- Roll both of them to create two cylinders that are not too tight and slightly larger than the axillary support of the crutches.
- Use strong masking tape (such as silver or packaging tape) to secure each roll to the top of each media. Make sure the fabric is firmly in place; if it slips as you move, it can impair posture and cause additional discomfort.
Step 2. Alternatively, place more material under the original crutches pad
Many models come with a removable foam pad that sits above the underarm support. To make the crutches more comfortable, you can remove this element, stuff it with other soft material and put it back in its place. This may be difficult or impossible for some crutches, so be careful not to damage them by forcing the pad.
To make the supports softer, you can insert crumpled fabric or other materials such as wadding, the filling of an old quilt and so on
Step 3. Consider purchasing a pair of specific crutches pads
It is no secret to the medical community that these devices are uncomfortable. For this very reason, there is a small market for products to cushion contact and make crutches more comfortable. Typically, they are made of foam, gel or breathable material and are reasonably priced - a pair of pads costs around 25-30 euros.
You can buy these accessories in many pharmacies, but if you want to have a greater choice in terms of materials, sizes, decorations and so on, you should consult an online site of orthopedic products; in this way, you can also find trendy shock absorbers, such as those made of faux fur
Step 4. Consider padding the grip area as well
The armpits aren't the only part of the body that becomes sore when using crutches. Since a lot of the weight is carried by the palms, it is quite normal for the hands to start to ache as well. Thankfully, the padding for the knobs somewhat reduces this discomfort.
- You can improvise a soft structure by fixing rags or sheets with adhesive tape or by purchasing specific products. However, the second solution is much better, as it is important to keep a firm grip to avoid falling. Commercial paddings have ergonomic characteristics both in terms of materials and shape and are designed to ensure a secure footing.
- The padding for the knobs is particularly important for crutches with forearm support, because with these models most of the weight is carried by the hands.
Part 2 of 2: Using Crutches in a Comfortable Way
Step 1. Adjust them to the right height
Padded crutches can also cause pain if they are not set correctly. Fortunately, almost all modern devices have easy-to-use telescopic sections that allow you to adjust the height. The correct length of the crutches depends on the patient's height - procedures for correct adjustment are described below.
- High crutches with underarm support: wear the shoes you normally use and stay upright. Slip the crutches under your arms and place the toe a few inches in front of your foot. Adjust the height of the devices so that the top is 3-5 cm below the armpit. A friend should help you at this stage; remember that the supports should not touch the armpits.
- Traditional crutches or Canadian canes: wear the shoes you normally use and stay upright. Put your arms in the semicircular supports at the forearm and grab the knobs. Bend your elbows slightly, so that the inside is at the same height as your hips and has an angle of about 30 degrees. Adjust the height of the support devices so that the toe touches the ground as you assume this posture. The forearm support should support the largest part of the limb and the knob should be at wrist level.
Step 2. Make sure you hold the support devices correctly
Pain in the wrists or hands is a sign that you are exerting unnecessary stress on these parts of the body when using crutches; use a correct grip to reduce pain. Here's how to proceed:
For both types of crutches: You should keep your elbows slightly bent when using the supports. Forearms should be straight from wrist to elbow; do not bend your wrists as you walk.
Step 3. Pay attention to the pace
Staying out of balance when walking normally could indicate another underlying condition and cause persistent and lasting pain. The use of crutches can aggravate these problems, since it necessarily changes the usual gait. Maintaining a correct posture while walking is a fundamental aspect for constant comfort. Read on for more details on this, you will realize that they are almost identical for both models of crutches:
- High crutches with underarm support: grab devices securely. Put your weight on your sound leg and bring both crutches one step forward. Lean down in the same direction to sway your entire body towards the crutches. "Land" by placing your uninjured foot about one step forward of where the devices are. Bring the crutches back forward and repeat the sequence. Never put your injured leg on the ground.
- Traditional crutches or Canadian canes: grab them securely. Stand on your sound leg and take both crutches one step forward. Bend in the same direction by transferring your body weight to the devices and move forward. Use your forearms to maintain balance and control of movement; land on your sound foot one step ahead of the supports. During the sequence, never place the injured leg on the ground.
Step 4. Let the body "follow the movement" with each step
Walking with crutches requires some practice before getting used to it and being able to do it without unnecessarily stressing the joints. When you place your sound foot on the floor, try to keep your joints "soft" (especially the elbows and the uninjured knee) without letting your posture sag. By allowing the joints to bend slightly with each step, you save them some stress when walking and prevent discomfort.
Do not keep your joints stiff or locked when you hit the ground, because with each step you transfer more force to them that quickly causes pain.
Step 5. Be especially careful when approaching the stairs
It is hardly a surprise that certain daily activities become very difficult when using crutches. Knowing the correct way to do them not only makes you more comfortable, but you reduce the chances of getting hurt again. For example, climbing a flight of stairs is a torment on crutches, so use these mnemonic "tricks" to do it:
- Walk respecting the acronym SMB when you go up the stairs. First bring your leg forward sana, later that malata and finally i bastoni.
- Respect the acronym BMS when you go down the stairs. Bring i first brods on the lower step, followed by the leg mwinged and finally from that sana.
Advice
- Remember that crutches may need to be adjusted after adding padding.
- If you take off your shoes, don't forget to compensate for the height of the crutches. Even a small change can make a big difference in terms of convenience.
- Consider buying a backpack that fits your conformation well. Fatigue carrying a poorly adjusted bag or backpack when using crutches can cause muscle pain (and accidents). You should also purchase accessories similar to pockets or fanny packs to attach to crutches to carry personal belongings without altering the gait.
