How to use crutches
Crutches. Those are often uncomfortable, sometimes awkward, but ultimately essential tools for recovery. Whether you’ve suffered a sprain, or fracture, or undergone surgery, crutches can play a crucial role in your healing journey. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about crutches, from proper usage and fitting to understanding their importance in your overall recovery plan.
Table of Contents
Why Crutches? The Science Behind Support
Crutches are designed to transfer weight away from an injured leg, foot, or ankle, allowing it to heal properly. By reducing the load on the affected area, crutches minimise pain, prevent further damage, and promote healing. They provide stability and support, enabling you to maintain mobility while your body recovers.
When Do You Need Crutches? (And When You Don’t)
The decision to use crutches is made by your doctor or physiotherapist based on the nature and severity of your injury. Common conditions that may require crutches include:
- Fractures: Broken bones often necessitate the use of crutches to immobilise the injured area and allow for bone healing.
- Sprains and Strains: Severe sprains or strains can make weight-bearing painful or impossible, making crutches a temporary necessity.
- Post-Surgery: Many surgical procedures on the lower extremities require a period of non-weight-bearing or partial weight-bearing, making crutches essential for mobility.
- Other Conditions: Conditions like tendonitis, arthritis flare-ups, or nerve injuries may also require the use of crutches to alleviate pain and promote healing.
It’s equally important to know when not to use crutches. Using them unnecessarily can hinder recovery and lead to muscle weakness. Your healthcare provider will guide you on the appropriate weight-bearing status and duration of crutch use. Don’t assume you need crutches just because you’re experiencing pain. Always seek professional medical advice.
Types of Crutches: Choosing the Right Fit
There are two primary types of crutches:
- Axillary Crutches: These are the most common type, fitting under the armpit. Proper fitting is crucial to avoid nerve damage.
- Forearm Crutches (Lofstrand Crutches): These crutches have cuffs that fit around the forearms, providing more freedom of movement. They are often used for long-term conditions or when less support is needed.
Our physiotherapists will help you determine which type of crutch is best suited for your needs and will ensure they are properly fitted.
The Crutching Commandments: Proper Usage for Optimal Recovery
Using crutches correctly is essential to prevent further injury and ensure a smooth recovery. Here are some key points to remember:
- Proper Fitting is Paramount: When standing upright, the top of the forearm crutch handle should be in line with the wrist. Your elbows should be slightly bent when you grip the hand rests, allowing for comfortable weight-bearing. Your physiotherapist will adjust the crutches to the correct height for you.
- Weight-Bearing Restrictions: Follow the Rules: Your doctor will prescribe specific weight-bearing restrictions, such as non-weight-bearing (NWB), partial weight-bearing (PWB), or weight-bearing as tolerated (WBAT). Strictly adhere to these guidelines. Putting too much weight on the injured limb can delay healing and cause complications.
- Walking with Crutches: The Art of the Gait: There are various walking gaits, including the three-point gait (for NWB), two-point gait (for PWB), and swing-through gait (for NWB). Your physiotherapist will teach you the appropriate gait for your condition. Practice in a safe environment until you feel confident.
- Stairway to Safety: Navigating stairs with crutches requires extra caution. “Up with the good, down with the bad” is a helpful mnemonic. Lead with your stronger leg when going up and with the crutches and injured leg when going down. Take it slow and use the handrail for support.
- Sitting and Standing: The Crutch Dance: Position your crutches securely when sitting or standing to prevent them from slipping. Use a stable chair with armrests for support when transferring.
- Listen to Your Body: Don’t push yourself too hard, especially in the early stages of recovery. Rest when you need to and don’t hesitate to ask your physiotherapist for guidance.
How to use and fit crutches
The Physiotherapy Partnership: Crutches and Beyond
Crutches are often just one component of a comprehensive physiotherapy program. Our physiotherapists will develop a personalised treatment plan that may include:
- Exercises: Strengthening and range-of-motion exercises to improve muscle function and joint mobility.
- Manual Therapy: Hands-on techniques to address pain, stiffness, and muscle imbalances.
- Pain Management: Modalities like ultrasound or electrical stimulation to reduce pain and inflammation.
- Gait Training: Instruction and practice on walking with crutches and progressing to weight-bearing as tolerated.
The Road to Recovery: Patience and Persistence
Recovering from an injury takes time and effort. Be patient with yourself, follow your healthcare provider’s instructions, and don’t hesitate to ask questions. Crutches can be a valuable tool on your road to recovery, providing the support you need to heal and regain your independence. Working closely with our physiotherapists will ensure you’re using your crutches correctly and making progress toward your goals. At Williams & Locke Physiotherapists, we are dedicated to helping you get back on your feet – literally and figuratively. Contact us today to begin your personalised recovery journey.