What is the correct way to walk with crutches?
Lean forward slightly and put your crutches about one foot in front of you. Begin your step as if you were going to use the injured foot or leg but, instead, shift your weight to the crutches. Bring your body forward slowly between the crutches. Finish the step normally with your good leg.
When teaching a client how do you use crutches The nurse should instruct the patient to place the crutches how many inches diagonally in front of the foot?
When a patient is ready to start ambulating with crutches, they will start in the tripod position as demonstrated in the picture below. Each tip of the crutch will be about 6 inches to the side of the feet diagonally.
What is one of the rules for fitting a patient with crutches?
Tips for Proper Crutch Sizing
- The top of your crutches should be between 1 1/2 inches to 2 inches below your armpits while standing up straight.
- The handgrips of the crutches should be even with the top of your hips.
- There should be a slight bend in your elbows when you use the handgrips.
How do you teach someone to use crutches?
Lift the crutches and move them a step ahead of you. Move your injured leg between the crutches and slowly bring your body forward. Shift your weight onto the crutches using your arms. Take a normal step with your uninjured leg. If you are using your crutches for balance, move your right foot and left crutch forward.
How do you use crutches for walking?
Walking To take a step, squeeze the crutches between your upper arms and ribs put the weight through your hands not your armpits. Move the crutches forward. Step past with your stronger leg. In summary, move the crutches first, your injured leg next, and then your stronger leg.
How do you use toe touch weight bearing crutches?
It’s important to know that toe touch weight bearing does not mean that only your toe can touch the ground. It is important to allow your entire foot to rest flat on the ground. If you are non-weight-bearing then you can’t put any weight through your foot. You should push through your hands on the crutches to keep the weight off of your foot.
How high should a crutch be adjusted?
The height of the crutch should be adjusted so that there are 1-2 inches of space between the top of the crutch and your armpit. This is roughly the width of two fingers. Use your crutches only as instructed. Place only the amount of weight through your surgical/injured leg as specified by the physician.
Can You Lean on the top of crutches?
No matter what your weight-bearing restrictions are, make sure that you never lean on the tops of your crutches. You can hurt a nerve causing numbness and tingling in your arm. Put all of your weight through your hands, not your armpits. Stand tall with your shoes on. Make sure your shoes have low heels and good support.