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Uses & Misuses of Crutches

Walking with crutches may be inconvenient, but it is not painful. Being rendered immobile from an injury is no picnic. A pair of crutches will help a patient gain a modicum of mobility while he is still recovering. Crutches take some getting used to, but once mastered they are an invaluable tool.

  1. Proper Positioning

    • The top of the crutches rests about 1 to 1.5 inches away from the armpit. The hand-grips will rest about hip level. The patient's hands will be carrying the bulk of his weight as he walks on the crutches. The padded top portion of the crutches will press into the patient's sides when weight is applied.

    Improper Positioning

    • The crutches are not meant to rest inside the patient's armpit. A crutch inside the armpit will transfer all the weight-bearing to the armpit and shoulder. This is less stable and can cause discomfort. Even with proper positioning the arms will grow fatigued. Simple shoulder and arm exercises will help strengthen this area For example, when a patient is sitting in a chair with armrests he pushes down on the armrests as he lifts his weight. This exercise can be performed in repetitions of 10.

    Walking

    • Crutches act as a false foot, or leg, and are meant to take on a patient's weight for the injured leg. A patient places the crutches about 1 foot ahead of himself, moves with his weight forward as if he was going to walk on his injured foot. The crutches take his weight and the patient moves forward. The patient walks normally with the uninjured leg.

    Improper Walking

    • Using a crutch to swing a patient's full weight, both legs off the ground, forward is dangerous. The crutches become unstable and have a tendency to collapse. The crutches are designed to be used at the same time, hence a pair of crutches. Using one crutch at a time is also unstable and may cause falls.

    Crutches on Stairs

    • Climbing stairs with crutches requires a certain amount of strength, as a patient must use his good leg to hop up the stairs. A patient should use the handrail while holding both crutches underneath one arm and lifting the injured leg behind him. The crutches can help lift the injured leg to each stair while the patient hops up with his good leg.

    Improper Stair Climbing

    • Using both crutches to climb stairs without a handrail is dangerous. One misplaced crutch can lead to a nasty fall. Even with proper use, stairs are a challenge. Always choose to use an elevator if one is available.

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