MedlinePlus Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 18,272 times. Research also suggests that it's important to take precautions to prevent falls by wearing sturdy, well-fitting shoes and avoiding slippery surfaces. These nerves are responsible for sensation and movement for your arms and hands, and putting all of your weight on these nerves can cause By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy. Usually made out of aluminum, they consist of a forearm cuff and handgrip. For most conventional crutches, you can adjust the height by sliding the lowermost part up or down while pressing the buttons on it, using the numbers inscribed on them as your guide. Using the steps described in this article, you can now easily adjust your crutches to make sure you get the best performance out of them. Adjusting Cuff Height Some Walk Easy forearm crutches use a double push-button for cuff height adjustment. Sizing Crutches Even if you’ve already been fitted for crutches, make sure your crutch pads and handgrips are set at the proper distance, as follows: Crutch pad distance from armpits: The crutch pads (tops of crutches) should be 1½" to 2" (about two finger widths) below the armpits, with the shoulders relaxed. Put the crutches under your arms. With your other hand, grasp the armrest of your chair. Lightweight, but sturdy, lovely colourful (bumblebee) crutches. You can also wrap towels around the top of of the crutches and then tape them on with duct tap to provide more cushioning. If either of the above measurements are incorrect, adjust the height of the crutches. Go to source. 60% OFF RRP Last Updated: June 9, 2020 As improper handling of the grips will induce discomfort and additional pain, you need to be careful. If they are not, your crutch could slip and may cause an accident. Collection of medical information sourced from the US National Library of Medicine The tips of your elbow crutches provide stability and if they are cracked or torn, they could cause you to slip. I believe cuff size is one size fits all. Sizing Crutches . In order to ensure accurate adjustments, follow these simple steps: Weight Capacity: Select a pair of crutches that are appropriate for the weight of the patient. To avoid these potentially embarrassing situations, prepare a list of what you’ll need for the week and ask someone to go shopping for you. Amid the current public health and economic crises, when the world is shifting dramatically and we are all learning and adapting to changes in daily life, people need wikiHow more than ever. How to Adjust Crutches. Safety. Most models of crutches are available in adjustable lengths, ensuring they can be set for maximum comfort for the user. In this position, the crutch pads should hit about two inches below your armpits. Adjust the crutches so that at least 2–4 inches (5.1–10.2 cm) separate armpit and crutch pad. Forearm, or elbow crutches have a cuff that encircles your forearm and a handgrip that you hold onto. Before using them, however, it is important to adjust the crutches to the appropriate height to prevent nerve damage and provide proper support. If it doesn't move, the spring button is probably not completely pushed in. Please help us continue to provide you with our trusted how-to guides and videos for free by whitelisting wikiHow on your ad blocker. Crutches make it possible for you to get around when one of your legs can’t support your body weight. X Dr. Matsko earned a Research Writing Certification from the American Medical Writers Association (AMWA) in 2016 and a Medical Writing & Editing Certification from the University of Chicago in 2017. 3. Adjust the height of the crutches so your elbow is at a slight bend and your back is straight (figure 1). They are used to support you when walking. Some Helpful Tips. Or if you’re preparing for a surgery and will need to use crutches afterwards, why not contact us on 020 3422 6655 or info@physiomotion.co.uk to arrange an appointment pre-operation to ensure you are fully prepared for after the surgery? Adjust Your Crutches. Is it okay to stand in the shower, or should you take baths instead? 7. Before you intend to walk with the crutches, make sure that you have already adjusted the cuff placements of the crutches. Every day at wikiHow, we work hard to give you access to instructions and information that will help you live a better life, whether it's keeping you safer, healthier, or improving your well-being. Fully adjustable with built in shock absorbers, knee rest, padded grip, non-slip caps, reflectors, panic buttons and safety lights. A doctor or physical therapist should assist you in adjusting forearm crutches and show you how to use them properly. This article has been viewed 18,272 times. • To adjust the cuff height, depress the spring buttons on each cuff, What is the proper posture to maintain while using crutches? Ask someone to help you balance if necessary, and place one crutch at your side. If the crutches are too high: it will feel like you are pole vaulting over the crutches with each step. Many of the models here are frequently prescribed by the NHS. He holds a BS in Nutritional Science from Cornell University and an MD from the Temple University School of Medicine in 2007. To view pricing and availability. How do I use my crutches correctly? We use cookies to make wikiHow great. If either of the above measurements are incorrect, adjust the height of the crutches. • Rotate all collars to secure leg extensions. Push the button in and shift the cuffs up or down according to your requirements. When you put your hands on the grips, your elbow should bend slightly. The underarm supports should be 2” from your underarms’ pits. 1. To adjust the crutch, push the pins in and slide the crutch to the correct height. There should be a two inch space between your armpit and … The hand grips should be even with the top of your hip line. Move the crutch up or down so the top aligns with the top of the ribcage, approximately 1 to 2 inches below the armpit. https://www2.gov.bc.ca/assets/gov/people/seniors/health-safety/pdf/forearm_crutches.pdf, http://www.passitoncenter.org/kb_article.php?id=150, https://static1.squarespace.com/static/54d96b48e4b04bc268f6fde7/t/552b3b68e4b043705b2a7386/1428896616631/Sizing+and+Using+Forearm+or+Elbow+Crutches.pdf, https://www.redcross.ca/crc/documents/What-We-Do/Health/Crutches-2013.pdf, consider supporting our work with a contribution to wikiHow. They should not restrict your ability to bend your elbow. If your cuff is more of a horseshoe shape and has an opening, the opening should be facing forward, the way you are facing. This article was co-authored by Chris M. Matsko, MD. Make sure your shoes have low heels and good support. The extra weight can create extra unnecessary pressure on your armpits. To adjust the crutch, push the pins in and slide the crutch to the correct height. Then step up through the non-injured foot keeping the injured one behind. These crutches have a fixed height top section, but the lower section from the hand grip to the floor is adjustable. Check the rubber tips for wear and tear. After checking this, tighten the ring you can find below all the adjustment holes. How Do I Adjust the Forearm Crutches? When you are first learning to use your walking aid, you may wish to have a friend or family … They are a common assistive device used after injury or surgery. How to Use Crutches When Walking. He received his PhD in Genetics from the University of Cambridge in 2014, and completed his MD shortly thereafter, at Baylor College of Medicine in 2015. Place the crutches beside your feet, about 6 inches or 15 centimeters away from each foot. You can also use an online delivery service for these things if you can afford it. Crutch length from top to bottom should equal armpit to six inches in front of foot. Last Updated: May 27, 2019 The crutches available here are manufactured to a high standard, ensuring their robust quality. This article has been viewed 74,219 times. Stand up straight and place your palms on the hand grips. % of people told us that this article helped them. Figure 1 – Crutches Setup. When standing up straight: Adjust the crutches’ length so the underarm supports are 1-½ to 2 inches below your armpits; The hand grips should be parallel with your hips, so your elbows are slightly bent and can be fully extended when taking a step Sometimes with forearm crutches you can widen or narrow the width of the cuffs so you get a good fit around your arm. Using crutches, a cane, or a walker can help keep your weight off your injured or weak leg, assist with balance, and enable you to perform your daily activities more safely. Using crutches, a cane, or a walker can help keep your weight off your injured or weak leg, assist with balance, and enable you to perform your daily activities more safely. Place each hand into the crutches one at a time and separate the crutches in front of you. If you really can’t stand to see another ad again, then please consider supporting our work with a contribution to wikiHow. Place your weight on your uninjured leg and push up with your arms. Before you begin using crutches, your doctor, nurse, or physical therapist will show you how to adjust the crutches so they are the right height for you. If a patient has never used a crutch, they should not do so without instructions and ideally, to be safe, a trained assistant. To walk: First put the crutches forward, then the operated leg (between the crutches… These Adjustable Elbow Crutches are sold as a pair. Clean your crutches with a mild detergent. • Move your body forwards between the crutches, supporting your body weight through your hands and good leg, to bring your body level with the crutches once again. If the cuffs are not in right place, you will need to make some adjustments to enable you to use the crutches easily and safely. How to Adjust Crutches. Fitted with a large non slip ferrule for extra user safety. References. Make sure the holes line up so they click and the buttons pop out. Then adjust the height so there’s a space of about 2 fingers between the top of each crutch and your underarms. arm inside the loops of the crutches) 4. Toe-touch weight-bearing (TTWB) This means that the tips of your toes can rest on the floor, Cart All. When you put your hands on the grips, your elbow should bend slightly. To get into and out of a chair safely: Make sure the chair is stable … Although, if your insurance will pays for it, you can have customized crutches made to fit you perfectly. Place both crutches in the hand that's on the same side as where you had your procedure. Time to start walking! Menu. Can you just use one crutch as a cane? 2. When your hands are on the grips, there should be a slight bend in your elbow. This is where many people get things wrong, thinking that the crutch pad should sit right beneath the armpit. We know ads can be annoying, but they’re what allow us to make all of wikiHow available for free. The forearm cuff acts as a clamp to the forearm and is expandable with varying sizes of forearms. Make sure your shoes have low heels and good support. Adjust the height of the crutch so that: a) The handle of the crutch is in line with the bone that sticks out above your wrist - that’s the end of ulna bone (see picture 1). Holding the Crutches with Perfection. You can contact our team to arrange this. If you put the goods you want to purchase in a bag, it can look like you are trying to steal it. Cuffs are not designed to hold your weight, they are designed to give you more stability when you use elbow crutches. Cuff Adjustment • The cuff should be adjusted to 1-2 inches below the bend of the elbow. 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