Thorpes Physiotherapy

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Instructions for Using Crutches

GENERAL INFORMATION

  • You have been given crutches so that you can rest your injured leg.
  • You should wear a shoe with a non-slip sole on the uninjured foot to prevent slipping.
  • The handle of the crutch should be level with your wrist crease
  • The weight should be taken on the handgrips.
  • Regularly check the ruber stoppers for adequate tread.

BATHING OR SHOWERING WITH PLASTER OR A COMPRESSION BANDAGE

  • Keep the leg up on the side of the bath and protect the area with a plastic bag.
  • When showering cover the area with a good quality plastic bag and tape the bag to the skin above the injured part.
  • Apply cling wrap over the bag and sticky tape the join.
  • A chair placed in the shower may be useful.

WHEN WALKING WITH CRUTCHES

  • Place each crutch 4-6 inches to the front and side of each foot.
  • Allow time to get your balance.
  • Move both crutches forward, and then move your injured leg to the crutches (when familiar with this you can move the crutches
  • and leg simultaneously).
  • Next move the uninjured leg forward to the level of the crutch tips, you may swing past the level of the crutches when feeling more confident OR partial weight bearing.
  • Repeat the above steps.

STAIRS

  • Remember:   ‘Good leg to heaven’ – ‘Bad leg (with crutches) to hell!’

GOING UP STAIRS

  • Lift uninjured leg up first, then both crutches, then the injured leg.

WHEN GOING DOWN STAIRS

  • Place crutches onto step below then injured leg, then uninjured leg.

jonathan smith, thorpes physiotherapy sandhurst

Jonathan Smith

Director of Thorpes Physiotherapy

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