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Basic Guide For Crutches
Basic Guide For Crutches
Crutches help to take weight off one leg (completely or partially). The two most common types of crutches are: Axillary Crutches and Forearm Crutches
Canes & Crutches
 | When standing tall with arms at the side, adjust the crutch height so that 2 fingers can fit between the armpit and the axilla pad. Adjust the handle to wrist level so that the elbow is slightly bent when using the crutches. |  |
How to hold axillary crutches
Squeeze the top of the crutches between the arms and the rib cage while pressing down on the handles. Body weight should be taken through the hands (not through the armpits)
Forearm Crutches Adjustment
How to hold axillary crutches
With the handles facing forward, slide the forearms into the cuffs and grasp the handles.
How to walk with crutches: no weight through the affected leg
- Place the crutches one step length forward
- Support body weight through the arms and swing the sound leg forward (one step length past the crutches)
- Repeat the pattern
How to walk with crutches: Partial weight through the affected leg
- Place the crutches and affected leg one step length forward
- Support body weight through the arms and partially through the affected leg - bring the sound leg forward by one step length
- Repeat the pattern
Going up stairs
- Place the sound leg up one step
- Bring the crutches and affected leg up onto the same step as the sound leg
- Repeat the pattern
"Up with the good"
