When you use the crutches, you will place the arm pads under your armpits, not right inside them.
When you first get crutches, your doctor or a nurse may help you adjust them for the first time.
A walker or cane may be an option if you are allowed to bear some weight on the leg. [5] X Research source Crutches require a fair bit of arm and upper body strength. If you are weak or elderly, your doctor may recommend a wheelchair or walker instead. [6] X Research source
Your doctor may recommend at least a few sessions with a physical therapist to help you get the hang of crutches. If you cannot put any weight on your leg, your doctor will likely send you to the physical therapist before you leave the hospital so that you can learn how to move around properly. [7] X Research source If you have had surgery on your leg or knee, you will likely need to see a physical therapist for rehabilitation. Your PT will make sure that you are stable and able to walk safely using your crutches. The PT will also work with you to develop your strength and mobility.
If you need to, hold on to something stable like a piece of heavy furniture or a railing while you are adjusting to moving around independently.
When pivoting, pivot with the strong leg, not the weak leg. [10] X Research source As your injury begins to heal you will feel more comfortable taking larger steps but the crutches should never be much farther forward than your bad foot’s toes; otherwise, you’ll most likely be caught off balance and increase the possibility of falling. Be careful especially the first few days on the crutches. They can be a challenge to many people.
When leaning, don’t lean on your armpits; it will hurt and may cause you to develop a painful rash. Instead, lean on your hands using your arm muscles. You can put socks or a rolled up towel on the armpit pad to help prevent a rash. [11] X Research source Leaning on the armpit can lead to a condition called radial nerve palsy. If this happens, the wrist and hand can become weak, and occasional the back of the hand can lose feeling [12] X Research source The good news, is if the pressure is relieved, the injury usually heals itself. Leaning on the armpit could also cause brachial plexus injury, or “crutch palsy,” or rotator cuff tendonitis, which causes inflammation and pain in the shoulder and outer arm. [13] X Trustworthy Source Cleveland Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source
If possible, have someone carry the unused crutch for you. Whenever possible, take the elevator instead of the stairs while you are on crutches. [16] X Research source
If you get confused about which way it goes, the good leg is always the highest on the stairs, as it always takes the strain of moving your body’s weight. Try to remember the saying, “Good leg up, bad leg down” Good leg goes first when you go up the steps, the bad (injured) leg is first when going down the steps. With practice you can also use both crutches to take the stairs, but you need to be very careful on steps. The same concept is done, “down with the bad leg. ”[18] X Research source
