In the case of a broken leg, injured knee, or other similar problems, you may come home with a pair of crutches. If you've never used crutches before, you need to know their proper use. Often, the lack of guidance about how to use crutches can be a problem.

Using crutches requires upper-body strength and flexibility. You also use crutches in case the injury is isolated to a single leg. Patients who are with an injured arm or two injured legs may require some other type of support.

Although crutches may be simple to use, you have to know the safe and proper use of the support. In this post, we’ll cover a few tips for the proper use of crutches. Here’s what to consider.

Size of the crutches

You should ensure that the crutches are sized properly so that you don’t have any problems. You may adjust the crutches to the right size depending on your requirements. If not, you may have to invest in the crutches the right size.

Essentially, crutches should be approximately one or two inches below the armpit when you're standing upright. The handles should be at waist height so that your elbows are slightly bent when you grab hold of the crutches.

Check the grips and padding

Make sure that the crutches have ample cushion on the armpit, grips, and the base that touches the floor. These parts of the crutches can be replaced at the medical store when they've worn out. If you don't have enough padding and grip, it may lead to pain.

• Standing up from a seated position

Place both crutches in the hand on the affected side. If your right leg is hurt, hold the crutches in your right hand. With your other hand, hold the armrest of your chair. Using your weight on the uninjured leg, push yourself up with your arms.

• Walking with crutches

To walk with crutches, move both the crutches together a short distance ahead, approximately 18inches. Always take short steps when you’re using crutches. With the support of your hands, swing your body forward. Instead of placing weight on the injured leg, rest your weight on the crutch handles. Do not allow the top of the crutch to touch your armpit. Keep your body supported with your hands.

Here are some things to consider when walking with crutches.

1. Taking up more side room on crutches can obstruct movement
2. Keep a wide area around you to move uninterruptedly
3. Look forward to where you are walking and not your feet
4. Take short steps and rest in-between
5. Keep the crutch top tightly against your sides and use your hands to absorb the weight

• Going Up Stairs

When moving up and down the stairs, take it one step at a time and ensure you rest at each step.

Here are some tips for moving up and downstairs in crutches.

• Stand near the step and place the crutches on the ground
• Use the crutches to support your weight and move your uninjured foot up the step
• Bring the crutches up to the step level.
• Repeat this for each step and take rests in between

Additionally, if there’s a handrail along your staircase, you can use another method:

• Hold both crutches under one arm
• Grab the handrail with one hand
• Move up with the uninjured leg

• Going Down Stairs

Going down the stairs while using crutches depends on whether you can bear some weight on your injured leg or not. For severe cases, it is always advised to seek the support of another person while climbing downstairs.

If you can’t put weight on your injured leg:

• Hold the foot of the injured leg up in front of you
• Hope down each step on your good leg
• Support yourself with the crutches in front of you as you lower yourself down the stairs
• You can also use the handrail for support

If you do not have enough upper body strength, you should always have someone to assist you.

If your doctor says you can bear some weight on the injured leg:

• Place the crutches on the next lower step
• Step down with the injured leg
• Quickly bring down the good leg
• Take it one step at a time

Warning: Armpit Danger

When using crutches, it's important to not let your armpits res on the crutches even when you are resting between steps. That's because allowing your weight to rest on your armpits can damage the nerves and muscles of your underarm.

Contact Medequip

If you are looking for crutches to help with your recovery, you can find the best quality crutches on medequip.co.in. From multi-function walkers to a variety of crutches, you can find top brands for assured quality home healthcare. Browse through our inventory for the best crutches and home healthcare equipment online. If you found this post useful, stay tuned for more about home healthcare from Medequip.co.in, the best home healthcare solutions in India.