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Extra Large Crutch Tips

An sprain or break to some part of the leg makes walking on your own difficult. If your lower extremity is the only thing that has been impaired a wheelchair may not be necessary. Crutches provide underarm walking support. They are designed to assist ambulation by allowing you to transfer your weight to the crutches instead of the injured extremity. Crutches are sized using general heights and weights and adjusted according person. If you are over the average height or weight you may be issued special re-enforced extra large crutches. These crutches are basically the same as others; some common problems can be solved with a few quick tips.

  1. Right Height

    • Correct crutch and hand-grip height will help your extra large crutches provide the most support. Adjusting crutches to the right height is crucial to correct crutch usage. Place the crutch 6 inches in front of your foot and 6 inches to the side of your foot. Stand with your back straight and your shoulders back. There should be 2 inches between your arm pit and the padding of the crutch. Most crutches come with a push button adjustment system. To adjust these types you simply depress the metal button on the inside of the crutch, and raise or lower the leg of the crutch accordingly. The handles of the crutch should be adjusted so that your elbows are slightly bent when you place your hands them. Most crutch handles are secured with a butterfly screw. To adjust them; twist the wings of the screw to the left until the handle is able to be moved.

    Crutch Ends

    • As crutches are used the ends wear down. This happens more quickly when more weight is placed on the ends of the crutch. Properly maintained crutch ends are an important factor in crutch use. The end of the crutch should be thick to provide traction and support when moving. This is especially important for extra large crutches because more support is needed. A thicker crutch end will also help prevent shock from traveling up the crutch and to the arm. To replace the crutch end pull of the old end and place the new end on the crutch. Press down on the crutch to make sure the end is in place before putting your full weight on the crutch.

    Additional Padding

    • Additional padding can be added to help provide more support and prevent chaffing. Gauze or padding can be wrapped around crutch hand-grips to provide a wider grip surface. The width of your palm should be able to rest comfortably on the hand-grip. Padding can also be added to the armpit supports to absorb shock and prevent chaffing. Be sure to re-size the crutches according to the padding if needed.

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