Now, follow by the crutch on the opposite side and your healthy leg. Indications: Used for weaning from two crutches and when starting to gain full weight bearing after surgery or injury. To use one crutch, hold the crutch on your strong side. There should be a space of 3-4 fingers' width between the armpit and the top of the crutch. Whether you have recently experienced intervention of your leg, or you have a broken ankle, using crutches must be the first step of your overall plan for rehabilitation. The top tip we can give you, on the other side, is to keep yourself stick to one rule: positioning and balance are the main factors of proper use of one single crutch only. Avoid wearing bulky shirts or jackets while walking with a single crutch as it can lead to reduced movement and stability. If your foot or leg is in a cast or walking boot, consider wearing a thicker-heeled shoe on your healthy foot so that there's not such a height difference between your two legs. This article has been viewed 227,357 times. References Be cautious and take it slow when walking with a single crutch. Partial weight bearing walking instructions: Bear some weight about 50 per cent on affected limb as one walks. They provide balance and enable you to perform daily activities more safely while your injury heals. 2. Take note of any objects lying on the stairs that might get in your way. The top of the crutch should be 1 to 2 inches below your armpit. Your doctor has decided how much weight you can bear on your involved leg. You might need to transfer the weight to your healthy leg. Here is our guide as to how to use one crutch…eval(ez_write_tag([[728,90],'selfhealthcare_net-box-3','ezslot_9',102,'0','0'])); Yes, there is. Traditionally and in case it’s your first time being your crutches (or if you feel quite difficulties in getting used to them) crutches come in a pair. However, most aluminum crutches are adjustable and the small piece that pops into the holes is easily bent or broken under too much weight. If you really can’t stand to see another ad again, then please consider supporting our work with a contribution to wikiHow. Once you begin climbing the stairs, take the crutch underneath the arm of your healthy leg side and then, take the railing with the hand from your traumatic side. Crutch Walking Instructions for Left Leg Protection . Use extra caution when walking on wet or uneven surfaces or on snowy or icy surfaces. Meanwhile, the type of injury and the stage of your rehabilitation also matter for choosing the way you will wear one crutch. (4) Move the right foot forward. Crutch Fitting and Walking Crutches are used to promote ambulation and independence in patients with affected lower extremities. Desire to have one of your hands-frees to serve your kid or help someone else Last, but not least, if you now have to take down the stairs, don’t forget that it’s hard to perform this activity both: with one and with two crutches. GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS AND PRECAUTIONS IN CRUTCH WALKING • Take care on slick or wet surfaces (for example, the kitchen and bathroom). There should be a two inch space between your armpit and the top of the crutch with your hands hanging relaxed. Walking (Touch-Down-Weight Bearing): Put the crutches forward about one step’s length. The proper sequence is: Place both crutches a comfortable distance in front of your feet. • Keep the crutches near you so they are always in reach. Walking with One Crutch . 2. Always ask your therapist if a certain use of crutches or one crutch only is appropriate for your individual medical case. There should be padding on both the hand grip and armpit support of your crutch. It’ll be awkward at first, but you'll get used to it. Crutch length (top to bottom): The total crutch length should equal the distance from your armpit to about 6" in front of a shoe. There’s a risk of falling Lift up your injured leg and then the … CRUTCHES WALKING INSTRUCTIONS Find the Proper Height: Stand erect with shoes on and shoulders relaxed. Bring the affected … As you walk, move the crutch about 12 inches forward at the same time as you step forward with your injured leg. Crutch Walking Crutches may be used to keep weight off a leg or foot while it is healing. wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Please follow the checked ( ) instructions below. Your injured leg, or the leg that had surgery, should be opposite the crutch. Crutch Walking . Crutch Walking Using Your Crutches Safely Crutches • Adjust the crutches for your height. If you are ever unsure of something, like whether or not you can safely get down some stairs, always err on the side of caution and ask for help. Allot more time for steep stairways and narrow steps, especially if you have large feet or are wearing a walking boot. 1. ", "Correct way to use a single crutch and other helpful ideas. Make sure you have firm footing and there is nothing in your path to trip you up — make sure the environment is clear of clutter and area rugs are rolled up. Swing the "good" leg forward. Relax your arms and let them hang down over the crutches. Post-operative crutch walking with partial weight bearing status. Leg while you stand when using only one crutch, keep your hands on the of... Narrow steps, especially if you really can ’ t stand to see ad! Foot of the crutch about 3 crutch walking instructions 4 inches away from the University Tennessee. Cautious and take it slow when walking on wet or uneven surfaces or on snowy or icy.... So that it 's possible, depending in the instruction of crutch use for clients must be fitted... Him to do the following: stand erect with shoes on and shoulders.! 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