Content

• Steps
• Method 1 of 3: Axillary Crutches
• Method 2 of 3: Forearm pad
• Method 3 of 3: Safety Tips

A person with a leg injury often needs crutches. If you've never used crutches before, you may find them very uncomfortable using them. To create all the conditions for a speedy recovery, as well as to increase mobility, we will tell you how to use crutches correctly.

Steps

Method 1 of 3: Axillary Crutches

1. 1 Wear comfortable, casual shoes. Low heels and stability are paramount. Put on the same shoes you wore before your injury.
2. 2 Relax your arms and let them hang down on the crutches.
3. 3 Adjust the crutch so that there is at least 5-10 cm between the armpit and the crutch pad. Many people make the mistake of thinking that the crutch should be exactly the same against the armpit. In fact, there should be a little space in there to allow movement. Crutches are designed to be lightly supported with your hands rather than your whole body.
   • If the crutches do not have a notch to make room between the armpit and crutch, manually adjust them. The smaller the distance between the armpit and the crutch, the higher the likelihood of dislocation of the shoulder joint.
4. 4 Then adjust the crutch handles. The arm should hang relaxed in an upright position. The handles of the crutches should be flush with the wrist.
5. 5 For more comfort, customize the crutches to suit you. Crutches are for added support and support, and you should feel comfortable using the crutches.

Method 2 of 3: Forearm pad

1. 1 Wear casual shoes. The shoes that were usually worn before the injury.
2. 2 Stand up straight with your arms relaxed.
3. 3 Take a crutch, place your palm on the crutch handle. The grip should be at about the same level as your wrist where you usually wear your watch.
4. 4 Semicircular or V-shaped forearm cuffs should support the arm between the elbow and wrist. They shouldn't push you up or make you hunch over.
   • This is important because when you use the crutches, you will bend your arm at the elbow. Correct adjustment will give you a range of motion and allow you to use the crutches as comfortably as possible.

Method 3 of 3: Safety Tips

1. 1 Choose between an axillary crutch and a forearm crutch. In most cases, the doctor will give you a pair of crutches and explain how to use them. Sometimes you are asked to choose by yourself. Here is a small description of these types of crutches:
   • Axillary crutches:
     • Usually for temporary use
     • The upper body is less mobile, but overall mobility is increased
     • More difficult to use and there is a risk of nerve damage in the armpit.
   • Forearm crutches:
     • Usually for long-term use, for patients with leg weakness.
     • The upper body is more mobile.
     • It is possible to move the forearm without putting off crutches
2. 2 Learn to walk with crutches. Place crutches at a distance of 15-30 cm in front of you, leaning on them, try to step forward.
3. 3 Learn to stand up with crutches. Hold both crutches in one hand and gently push off the chair with the other. Stand up, take a crutch in each hand and try to walk.
4. 4 Learn to sit down. Take both crutches in one hand, with the other lean on a chair and slowly lower the body.
5. 5 Learn to walk up and down stairs. Use a handrail. Carry the crutch under your armpit, with your other hand rest on the handrail.
   • Climb the stairs, alternating steps, do not forget the crutches.
   • Going down the stairs, lower one crutch onto the step. Step down with a strong leg. Then move the second crutch and step with the other leg.
6. 6 If you have an axillary crutch, place a pillow on the axillary pad to avoid damaging the axillary nerve. For this purpose, an old sweater or other soft item will do. Even with pillows, you shouldn't lean on the crutch with all your strength.