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Crutches are indicated to give more balance when the individual has an injured leg, foot or knee, but they must be used correctly to avoid pain in the wrists, shoulders and back, and to avoid falling.
The guidelines for using 1 or 2 crutches are slightly different but in any case it is recommended that the body weight should be supported on the hand and not the armpits, to avoid damaging the nerves in this region, walking should be slow and you should to feel tired, the crutches must be used on regular ground, with special care being taken when walking on wet, damp ground, on ice and snow.
How to use crutches correctly
The following are specific rules:
Walking with 1 crutch
- Keep the crutch on the opposite side of the injured leg / foot;
- The first step is always with the injured leg / foot + the crutch at the same time, because the crutch must serve as a support for the injured leg;
- Tilt the glass slightly forward and start walking as if you were going to put the weight of the body on the injured leg, but support some of the weight on the crutch;
- When the good leg is on the floor, put the crutch forward and take a step with the injured leg;
- Keep your eyes straight ahead and don't just look at your feet
Up and down stairs with 1 crutch
- Hold the stair railing;
- Climb 1st with the good leg, which has more strength and then take the injured leg with the crutch, support the weight of the body on the handrail whenever you place the injured leg on the step;
- To go down, place the injured foot and the crutch on the step 1st,
- Then you should put your good leg, going down one step at a time.
Walking with 2 crutches
- Place the crutches about 3 centimeters below the armpit, and the height of the handle should be at the same level as the hip;
- The first step should be with the good leg and while the injured leg is slightly bent,
- The next step must be taken with both crutches at the same time
Up and down stairs with 2 crutches
To go up:
- Go up the first step with a healthy leg, keeping the two crutches on the step below;
- Place the 2 crutches on the same step as the healthy leg while raising the injured leg;
- Go up the next step with your healthy leg, keeping the two crutches on the step below.
To descend:
- Lift the foot off the ground, keeping the injured leg well stretched, forward to be able to balance the body and reduce 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 try to go down the stairs by placing a crutch on each step, so as not to risk falling.
Other important precautions
If you think you will not be able to walk, climb or descend stairs using crutches, seek help from a family member or friend to feel more secure, because sometimes it can be difficult to remember all the details in the first days, with a greater risk of falling.
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 is able to support the weight of the body on both legs, without limping the crutch will be unnecessary. However, if the patient still needs some support to walk and to have more balance, it may be necessary to use the crutches for longer.