Table of contents:
- How to use crutches properly for leg injuries
- 1. Adjust the crutch stick size
- 2. Don't forget to check the bearing attached to the stick
- 3. Get up from sitting using crutches
- 4. Walk with crutches
- 5. Go up and down the ladder with crutches
- 6. Another thing that must be considered when using crutches
When you have a leg injury or a broken bone in your leg, you will need crutches to help you walk and perform daily physical activities. For people who are using crutches for the first time, it will be painful and uncomfortable. This is because most of the foot injury sufferers do not know how to use crutches properly and properly. Then how to use crutches properly?
How to use crutches properly for leg injuries
If your doctor recommends restricting movement, you may be asked to use crutches when you walk and do daily activities. crutches function to reduce the weight of the weight that was supported by your legs. Supposing, crutches serve as an extra leg for you.
If you have been asked to use crutches because of a leg injury, here are some ways to use it correctly:
1. Adjust the crutch stick size
The crutches are adjustable in height. This is to make it easier for you to adjust it to your height. make sure that you set it up properly, in the following ways:
- The very top of the stick - which is used as a cushion for the armpit - should be 2 fingers away from your armpit.
- The handle of the stick is right next to the palm or wrist.
2. Don't forget to check the bearing attached to the stick
You must do this, otherwise you will feel uncomfortable when using the crutches. The underarm pads should be soft. Also make sure the bottom stick bearing - which rubs against the floor - does not wear out and become slippery.
3. Get up from sitting using crutches
If you want to get up from a sitting position, it is recommended that you hold both crutches in one hand. Also try to place the stick on the side of your leg that hurts. For example, if you have an injured right leg, then hold your stick on the right as well to support your body. After that, you can stand up with your uninjured leg and a stick for support.
American Orthopeadic Foot & Ankle Society
4. Walk with crutches
First of all, move the two sticks together about 45 cm towards the front. Of course, the distance between the swing of the stick and the body must be adjusted, if it is too 45 cm too far, you can shorten it, and vice versa. Always take short steps when using the crutches so you don't fall.
While the two sticks are swung forward, the body is supported on the uninjured leg. after swinging the stick, you can move your healthy foot along in the direction of the stick swing. Remember not to put your injured foot on it.
5. Go up and down the ladder with crutches
We will climb the stairs, position your body as close as possible to the stairs that will be climbed. Then, move your healthy legs up the stairs and let the two sticks provide support for your body. after arriving at the top of the stairs, position the stick again at your side. You can repeat this until all the steps have been passed.
American Orthopeadic Foot & Ankle Society
Meanwhile, when descending, let your two sticks tread on the steps first. After that, you can step down by concentrating all your body weight on the stick.
6. Another thing that must be considered when using crutches
You may feel tired when walking or climbing stairs using crutches. However, you should never rest your shoulders on a stick, as this is bad for your posture and spine.
Also, when climbing or descending stairs, it's best to do it slowly. Also, always pay attention to the area of your walk, if it is wet and muddy, because it will make the bearings on the sticks slippery and you risk falling.
