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Tips on Working With Crutches in the Mud

Working when you are on crutches can present many difficulties, as can being forced to work in the mud. If you are unfortunate enough to have to work on crutches in the mud, you will need to allot extra time to accomplish tasks that would usually be much simpler. If at all possible, put the work off until your time on crutches is over and the mud has dried.

  1. Boots

    • Wear sturdy boots when working in the mud. Knee-high, rubber boots, sometimes known as wellies, are the best. If you are on crutches due to a cast or some other condition that prevents you putting on one or both of your boots, be sure to thoroughly cover any parts that may be damaged by getting wet. Wear two pairs of socks under your boots; if your socks fit too loosely inside of your wellies, the wellies will suck your socks down and bunch them around your toes, a very irritating foot condition in which to work.

    Large Crutch Tips

    • If the mud is not too loose or watery, you may be able to prevent your crutches from sinking down into it by affixing extra-large tips to the crutch bottoms. Think of these as crutch snowshoes, spreading the weight of the crutches over a larger area to keep them on top of the mud. You may be able to buy these attachments at a local health supplies store, or you can try creating your own by using materials at hand: disks of wood, screws and duct tape may be helpful.

    Wide Base

    • When propelling yourself through muddy areas while on crutches, maintain a wide base for maximum stability. Rather than setting your crutches right next to you on the ground, as you would normally, splay them out to each side so that the tip of the crutch meets the ground at least a foot away from your leg. Take large steps, placing the crutches far in front of you, to minimize the number of times that you need to place the crutches and your feet in the mud.

    Short Days

    • Getting around on crutches in the mud is going to tire you out. Accept the fact that these work conditions are less than ideal, and quit for the day when you feel that you have had enough. Otherwise, you risk stumbling and falling into the mud, possibly injuring yourself yet again. Have a hot bath when you quit work and give your legs and feet a chance to heal, so you can get off the crutches quickly and solve your problem.

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