Contents:
- Medical Video: How to Use Crutches Correctly - Ask Doctor Jo
- How to use the right crutch stick when a foot injury
- 1. Adjust the size of the crutch stick
- 2. Don't forget to check the pads attached to the stick
- 3. Wake up from sitting using a crutch stick
- 4. Walk with a crutch
- 5. Go up and down the stairs with a crutch
- 6. Another thing to consider when using a crutch stick
Medical Video: How to Use Crutches Correctly - Ask Doctor Jo
When you have a leg injury or a broken bone in your leg, you need the help of a crutch to walk and do daily physical activities. For people who are using the crutch for the first time, it will feel painful and uncomfortable. This is because most leg injury sufferers do not know how to use crutches properly and properly. Then how do you use the crutch stick correctly?
How to use the right crutch stick when a foot injury
If your doctor recommends limiting movement, you may be asked to use crutches when you walk and do daily activities. This crutch stick works to reduce the weight burden that was previously supported by your legs. It's like a crutch stick is useful as an extra foot for you.
If you are asked to wear a crutch because of a foot injury, then here are the various ways to use it correctly:
1. Adjust the size of the crutch stick
The crutch can be adjusted in height. This is to make it easier for you to adjust it to your height. make sure that you set it correctly, in the following ways:
- The top of the stick - which is used as an armpit bearing - must be 2 fingers apart from your armpit.
- The handle part of the stick is right next to the palm or wrist.
2. Don't forget to check the pads attached to the stick
This you have to do, otherwise you will feel uncomfortable when using the crutch stick. Pads in the armpit must be soft. Also make sure the bottom stick pads - which rub against the floor - are not worn so they become slippery.
3. Wake up from sitting using a crutch stick
If you want to get up from a sitting position, you should hold both crutches with one hand. Also try to place the stick on the side of your aching leg. For example, if you have an injury to the right leg, then hold your stick on the right to become the body's pedestal. After that, you can stand by making the injured leg and stick as a support for the body.
4. Walk with a crutch
First of all, move the two sticks together about 45 cm forward. Of course the swing distance of the stick with the body, must be adjusted, if it is too 45 cm too far, you can be a stressor, and vice versa. Always take short steps when using crutches, so you don't fall.
While the two sticks were swung forward, the body was supported on the foot which was not injured. after swinging the stick, you can step a healthy foot in the direction of the swing of the stick. Remember, don't let your feet get injured.
5. Go up and down the stairs with a crutch
When going up the stairs, position your body as close as possible to the steps to be climbed. Then, step your healthy foot up the stairs and let the two sticks support your body. after arriving at the top of the steps, position the stick again beside the body. You can repeat this until all the steps have passed.
Meanwhile, when going down, let your two sticks stick on the steps first. After that, Ada can step down by focusing all the body weights on the stick.
6. Another thing to consider when using a crutch stick
Maybe you will feel tired when walking or climbing stairs using a crutch stick. However, you should never rest your shoulder on a stick, because this is bad for your posture and spine.
Also, when climbing or descending stairs, it should be done slowly. In addition, always pay attention to your road area, whether it's wet and muddy, because it will make the pads on the stick slippery and you risk falling.
