The crutches are indicated to give more balance when the individual has injured leg, foot or knee, but they should be used correctly to avoid pain in the wrists, shoulders and back.
Although indications for using crutches are similar, specific care should be taken when using only 1 crutch or 2 crutches and therefore when your doctor or physiotherapist indicates your use, you should also guide the correct use. Here are 10 tips to eliminate back pain.
The crutch should be about 10cm away from the side of the foot so as not to trip over. The ideal height of the crutch is the support of the hand at the same height as the hip, with the arm stretched, as shown in the following images:
Care for walking and using the stairs with a crutch
When the individual only needs to use a crutch to be able to move it should be placed on the opposite side of the injured leg.
How to walk with only 1 crutch
The first step should be with the injured leg and the crutch at the same time because the purpose is to support and not put the full weight of the body on the crutch.
How to get up and down stairs with only 1 crutch
To climb the stairs with a crutch you should place the crutch on the opposite side of the injured leg and whenever you climb a step, support the foot first and the crutch on the step and then the injured foot, going up one step at a time.
To go down the stairs it is recommended to put the injured foot and the crutch first and then the foot are down one step at a time.
Care for walking and using stairs with 2 crutches
When it is necessary to use 2 crutches because you can not put the injured foot on the floor, it should be adjusted under the arm, but with a distance of 3 cm from the armpit not to hurt. The height of the handrest should be the same height as the hip.
How to walk with 2 crutches
To walk with 2 crutches it is recommended that the first step should be with the leg healthy and while the injured leg is slightly bent, both crutches should be supported at the same time.
If you can support the injured leg on the ground, you should take the first step with the crutches, then move forward with your injured leg and take a healthy leg step.
How to climb and descend stairs with 2 crutches
To climb the stairs with 2 crutches you should:
- Climb the first step with the leg healthy, keeping the two crutches on the step underneath;
- Place the two crutches on the same step of the healthy leg while lifting the injured leg;
- Climb the next step with your leg healthy, keeping both crutches on the step underneath.
To go down the stairs with 2 crutches you should:
- Raise your foot off the ground, keeping your injured leg well stretched forward so you can balance the body and decrease the risk of falling;
- Place the crutches on the bottom step,
- Place the injured leg on the same step as the crutches;
- Descend with a healthy leg.
One should not attempt to descend the ladder by placing a crutch on each step so as not to risk falling.
How Long Should I Use Crutches?
The time of use of the crutches varies according to the severity of the injury. For example, if the fracture is properly consolidated and the patient can support the weight of the body in both legs without limping the crutch is unnecessary. However, if the patient still needs some walking support and more balance, the physiotherapist will be able to indicate their use for longer.
Other important care
Care must also be taken to avoid wet or slippery floors. If you think you will not be able to walk, walk up or down stairs seek the help of a physiotherapist, sometimes it may be difficult to remember all the details in the first few days and so the risk of falling is greater.
It may be a good help to have someone close to you as a family member or caregiver to give you more safety, especially in the early days.
See too:
- How to Use the Cane Correctly
- How to speed recovery after hip prosthesis
