On crutches without one leg. Useful tips on how to learn to walk on crutches with a broken leg

Trauma is an unpredictable event and can sometimes lead to limited movement. If, after a fracture or operation on the leg, the doctor recommends that the affected limb be completely relieved of the load, it is necessary to use the help of such an aid as crutches.

Crutches are medical devices that can be used to maintain mobility during the treatment of an injury or during the rehabilitation period.

There is a high probability that you will not be able to manage them right away, so let's look at how to walk on crutches correctly with a fracture.

When there is no need for a cast after a fracture, crutches will only be needed for a couple of months.

Fixture adjustment

To ensure that walking with crutches does not cause severe discomfort, it is important to take care of all the intricacies of this medical device. First of all, about regulation.

To properly adjust crutches, use the following algorithm:

1. Put on your casual shoes so you can navigate through them.
2. Calculate the required crutch height based on your height. In the normal position of the body, when the pads are located just below the armpits (and not directly in them), the distance between the armpits and the top of the crutches is four centimeters. This is necessary so that the lining does not crash into the side.
3. Set the height of the crutches also so that in the “hands at the seams” position the handles are located directly under the palms, and the clamps are three centimeters above the elbow;
4. Align the handle to the thigh: to do this, unscrew the wing nut and pull out the bolt, and then, having positioned the handle in the right place, place the bolt back and tighten the nut.

If you are given mobility aids at the hospital, your doctor or nurse will help you adjust them and take the first steps.

Possible problems

If even after several attempts you still feel insecure or unsafe, contact your doctor.

The doctor will be able to solve the problem in the following ways:

• replace crutches with walkers or a cane if a slight load on the sore leg is allowed;
• replace crutches with a wheelchair if the strength in the arms and upper body of the patient is not enough to use them;
• give a referral to a physiotherapist, under whose supervision you can quickly learn how to walk correctly on crutches;
• Recommend strengthening and developmental exercises to develop strength in the arms.

By the way, if the injured leg cannot be loaded at all, the attending physician should refer the patient with a fracture to a physiotherapist even before discharge from the hospital, so that he learns to move independently with assistive devices.

Principles of movement

It takes practice to learn how to walk properly on crutches. Therefore, to begin with, take the devices in hand.

Position the crutches strictly vertically so that the shoulder pads are a little wider than shoulder width apart, the legs are next to the legs, and the handles are under the arms.

Grasp the handles and shift your weight onto your good leg. Lean on them, keeping the sore leg on weight. Try leaning on a more stable object to begin with—a heavy object, a handrail, or the body of a close helper.

To take the first step, move the legs of the crutches a small distance forward (but no further than thirty centimeters), increasing the distance between them slightly wider than shoulder width.

When you are sure, lean on both crutches and, pushing off the handles, straighten your arms and transfer your weight to them. Move like a pendulum, place the whole body between the crutches, and bring the healthy leg forward. In this case, the diseased limb must remain on weight all the time. Move like this all the time.

Attention! Do not move your crutches too far when walking, even if you want to take a long step. Most likely, you will lose your balance, and from here it is not far to fall.

Some subtleties:

• while walking, follow the correct distribution of weight;
• when swinging forward, move the weight with the help of the forearms, not the elbows;
• bend your arm at the elbow;
• when moving, use the strength of the muscles of the hands, and do not lean on the armpits;
• use a soft pad in the form of a sock or a roll of a rolled towel to avoid a rash in the armpits.

If you are afraid, squeezing the handles will not help, but will only provoke cramps in the fingers and numbness of the upper limbs, so try to relax them, keep your fingers in the shape of a bowl to reduce pressure on the palms.

Moving up the stairs

To climb stairs, remember the following sequence:

1. Place your healthy foot on the step.
2. Pull the injured leg behind her.
3. Place your crutches on the same step you start on.

Descent down the stairs is the following sequence of actions:

1. Placement of crutches on the step below.
2. Descent of the sore leg.
3. Descent of a healthy leg to the same step where the crutches are.

Use the railing whenever possible while holding both crutches in one hand. Use your hands for balance, and leave all the load to your healthy leg.

To quickly replace an injured leg with crutches, you can use the following tips:

1. When on a slippery or oily surface, take the smallest steps possible so as not to let go of the crutches.
2. Follow the road! In ordinary life, you often do not notice how much everything can be under your feet. Rags, toys, or completely unexpected obstacles can become a dangerous enemy.

1. Avoid shoes with heels and other unstable models.
2. Stop over long distances to give your arms and legs a rest.
3. Use a backpack to carry things, not a shoulder bag.

If you have questions that you have not received answers to either from our article or from friends, be sure to contact your treating specialist, but do not experiment with your health.

If you have an ankle or knee injury or a broken leg, your doctor will likely recommend that you use crutches for the duration of your recovery. Crutches are supportive devices that allow you to take weight off your injured leg while standing or walking. They help a person stay balanced and carry out their usual activities more safely while the injury is still healing. In some cases, it is more convenient to use only one crutch, because it is a little easier to move around in the environment, in addition, one of the hands is freed up, which allows it to perform some manipulations, for example, to carry a bag of groceries. A single crutch may also be more comfortable for climbing stairs if they have railings for extra support. However, it should be remembered that the use of only one crutch puts some strain on the injured leg and slightly increases the possible risk of falling. In fact, if you want to use one crutch, you should first consult with your doctor about this.

Steps

Part 1

1. Place the crutch in the armpit of the arm located at the healthy side. When using one crutch, you will have to decide which side to substitute it from. Professional traumatologists recommend installing a crutch under the arm on the side of the healthy leg, or, in other words, on the opposite side of the injured leg. Grasp the crutch under your arm and grab the crutch handle, located approximately in the middle of the crutch.

   • Using a crutch on the healthy side allows you to deviate the body from the injured area in order to put less stress on it. However, in order to walk on one crutch, you will have to provide some load on the injured side with each step.
   • Depending on the specific injury, the doctor may decide that weight bearing on the injured side is undesirable, in which case you will need to use two crutches or a wheelchair. Be sure to follow the recommendations of the traumatologist so that the recovery process goes according to the best possible scenario.
   • Adjust the height of the crutch so that you can fit at least three fingers between the top support bar and your armpit while standing. Adjust the handle of the crutch so that it is at the level of the wrist of the freely hanging arm.

2. Learn how to properly position your crutches. Once the crutch is properly adjusted (or fitted) and positioned on a healthy side, rest the lower end of the crutch on the floor at a distance of 7.5-10 cm (to the side) from the midpoint of the outer edge of the foot to ensure stability. If not all, then most of your weight should be supported by a straightened arm with a crutch, as excessive stress on the armpit can lead to pain and possible nerve compression.

   • Soft pads should be present on the support bar and handle of the crutch. These pads will provide a more secure grip on the crutch, and will also act as shock absorbers to some extent while walking.
   • Avoid wearing bulky shirts and jackets while walking with a crutch as this can limit your mobility and stability.
   • If the injured leg is in a cast or splint, it is wise to put shoes with a slightly raised heel on the healthy leg so that there is not much difference between the two legs. Equal leg length provides greater stability and reduces the risk of hip or back pain.

3. Prepare to take a step. In preparation for walking, you need to bring the crutch forward about 60 cm and at the same time step forward with the injured leg. Then bring your healthy leg forward past the crutch, holding the crutch firmly with your outstretched hand by the handle. To move forward, keep repeating the above steps: step with the crutch and the injured leg, and then bring the good leg forward past the crutch.

   • Remember to maintain your balance by putting most of your weight on the crutch as you walk with your injured leg.
   • Be careful and take your time when walking with one crutch. Make sure that you have a safe surface under your feet and that there are no obstacles in the way that can interfere with you, make sure that there are no randomly scattered things under your feet and that all slippery rugs are removed. Give yourself extra time to get from one place to another.
   • Refrain from supporting the weight of the body under the armpit to avoid pain, pinched nerve and/or any injury to the shoulder.

   Part 2

   Climbing and descending stairs

   1. See if the stairs have railings. In fact, walking stairs with two crutches is a much more difficult task than with one. However, with one crutch, you can only climb stairs if they have railings or handrails. Even when stairs have railings, make sure they provide good support and are securely in place to support your weight.

      • If the stairs don't have railings, you'll need to use two crutches or an elevator, or have someone help you.
      • When the stairs are equipped with railings, you can grab them with one hand, and in the other, on the way up, just carry your crutch (or both crutches) - sometimes climbing without using crutches at all can be easier and / or faster.

   2. To climb stairs, grab the railing with the hand on the side of the injured leg. Climbing the stairs, hold the crutch under the arm of your hand on the side of your healthy side, and grab the railing with your hand on the side of the injured leg. At the same time, lean on the railing on one side and on the crutch on the other, and then step forward with your healthy leg. Next, pull up the injured leg and place the crutch next to the healthy leg on the same step. Repeat the above steps until you reach the very top, just be careful and take your time.

      • If possible, you can first practice this skill with a physical therapist.
      • In the event that the stairs do not have a railing, there is no elevator nearby and no one can help you, and you urgently need to climb up, try using the wall of the stairs as a support in the same way as if you were using a railing.
      • Spend more time climbing steep flights of stairs and narrow steps, especially if you have large feet or wear a brace.

   3. Take extra care when descending stairs. Going down stairs with two or one crutches is potentially more dangerous than climbing up because of the height you can fall from if you accidentally lose your balance. The essence of the descent is to firmly grasp the railing and first of all step onto the step below with the injured leg, and then lower the crutch from the side of the healthy side and the healthy leg. However, don't put too much stress on the affected leg, as a sudden burst of pain can make you feel nauseous or dizzy. Always keep your balance and take your time. Repeat the above steps, first stepping with the injured leg, then the healthy one, and so on to the very bottom of the stairs.

      • Remember that the sequence of steps for going down the stairs opposite their order in ascending.
      • Pay attention to any objects on the steps that may get in your way.
      • For descending stairs, it is always best to have someone help you, if at all possible and applicable to your situation.
      • Carry personal items behind your back in a backpack. This frees up your hands and allows you to better balance when walking with one crutch.
      • Maintain correct posture while walking. Otherwise, you may experience pain in your hips or back, making it even more difficult to use a crutch.
      • Wear comfortable shoes with rubber soles for better traction. Avoid flip-flops, sandals, or dress shoes with slippery soles.
      • Consider the extra time it takes to get from one place to another on crutches.
      • If you lose your balance, try to fall on the uninjured side, as it will take the impact of the fall more easily.

      Warnings

      • If you have any doubts, such as whether you can safely descend certain stairs, always lean towards the precautionary side and seek help.
      • Be especially careful when walking on wet and uneven surfaces, as well as on snow or ice.
      • Also make sure the crutch is not too short for your armpit. Otherwise, it may slip out of your armpit and cause you to lose balance and even fall.

Before you stand on crutches, you need to adjust them (the design of the crutch allows you to set the desired length). You need to know how to hold the crutch correctly: the upper part of the crutch should not rest against the armpit. The back of the person on crutches should be as straight as possible. See how to choose the right crutches.

How to walk on crutches:

Insurance is required at all stages of training;
The patient stands on a healthy leg, holding on to a support, for example, a rectangular table, with one hand, and a crutch with the other.
Then:
puts the crutch forward at the length of the step;
transfers the weight of his body to the crutch;
transfers a healthy leg to the length of the step;
repeating all this over and over, moves along the table;
reaches the end of the table, turns around, swaps the crutch and support, and moves back in the same way.
The patient stands on a healthy leg, crutches are in both hands.
Then he:
brings one crutch forward to the length of the step;
brings another crutch forward a stride length;
transfers his weight to crutches;
transfers the healthy leg to the length of the step;
repeats it all over and over again.
In the future, you can move on to walking, when both crutches are brought forward at the same time.

When a person is standing with two crutches, they should be slightly apart - this gives the person greater stability.

When using crutches of various types, remember that:

body weight should be transferred to the arms, and not to the armpits, to avoid damage to the axillary region;
maintain a wide base for support even during rest;
hold the crutches about 10 cm from the edge and in front of the leg;
when using crutches with emphasis on the armpits, the support posts should be close to the chest for better balance;
keep your head straight and keep your body straight while walking.

The best position of the patient: the head is raised high, the back is straight, the healthy knee is slightly bent. For support, you can lean your back against the wall. The tips of the crutches are placed about 15 cm from the toes and slightly forward. If the patient has wide hips, it is better to move the tips to the side for a greater distance. The distance between the armpit and the top of the crutches should be about 2-3 fingers. The elbows are bent at an angle of 25-30 .. With a push, you can check whether the body easily comes off the floor. The arms should be almost straight. Crutch tolerance is tested during the walk.

In order to get up from a chair, crutches folded together are placed on the injured side and grasped from the inside. Then they throw them with the other hand over the chair, straighten the healthy leg.
To sit down, repeat the same movements, starting with placing two crutches on the injured side. Then the patient straightens his back and sits down. At the same time, he must be sure that the chair or chair does not swing.
When walking with crutches, both crutches are placed simultaneously 30 cm in front and 15-20 cm towards the toes. They carry, leaning on the handles, the weight of the body forward. You can swing on crutches. Land on the heel so that the crutches are behind the patient.
The shuttle gait is the easiest and safest for those who are starting to use crutches. You need to start by bringing the crutches forward, transfer the weight of the body forward, leaning on your hands, and slide in the same direction with your healthy leg.
When going up or down stairs, you can use the following method. The patient takes both crutches under one arm, holds them from the inside with his thumb. The other hand grabs the railing (hand slightly in front of the body).
When lifting, the crutches are left at the level where they stand. Then evenly distribute the body weight on the hand holding the crutch and on the railing. Raise the good leg up the step, leaving the bad leg behind, straighten the good leg and move the crutches forward.
When descending from the steps, crutches are placed on the lower step and the sore leg is pulled out. Then they evenly lean on the hand holding the crutches and on the railing. Move the healthy leg forward to the lower step. It is recommended to use this method when descending or ascending narrow stairs.

First of all, when learning to walk on crutches, you need to choose the right size and adjust the height. The platform for armpit support (the top of the crutch) should be on 3-4 centimeters below the armpit. Elbows should be bent when grasping the handle about 30 degrees.

How to learn to walk correctly on crutches with a fracture (instruction)

It is better to start learning at home and only when you are sure, go outside. If it is difficult to immediately start using two crutches, then you can first learn to walk with one crutch. To do this, you need to take a crutch with one hand, and hold on to a support (for example, a table) with the other hand.

1. 1. Put the crutch forward at a step distance.

1. 1. Shift your body weight onto the crutch.

1. Move your healthy leg to the length of the stride.

With a large weight, it is not recommended to walk with one crutch. One crutch can withstand from 80 to 120 kilograms of weight. It turns out that a pair of crutches can withstand 2 times more. Therefore, in order to avoid damage to crutches with a lot of weight, it is better to learn to walk on 2 crutches at once.

After you have learned to cope with one crutch. You can try walking in two.

1. 1. Extend one crutch forward at walking distance.

1. 1. Set the second crutch to the same distance.

1. 1. Shift body weight onto crutches.

1. Move your healthy leg a step distance.

As soon as everything starts to work out, try to carry two crutches forward at the same time.

The figure shows 5 options for movement on crutches. Choose which one you like more.

Helpful Hints:

• It is better to place the crutches a little to the sides. This way you will be more stable.
• Try not to lean on your armpits. At first, you will feel that it is easier to walk, but over time, you will get pain due to constant friction.

Most of the good videos on how to learn how to walk properly on crutches are in English. Here is one of them. Everything is clear and without translation.

How to walk on crutches without one leg

Walking on crutches without one leg is almost no different from walking with a cast leg. The only difference is that with a cast leg you can sometimes lean lightly.

Walking problems can only occur if you have weak hands. In this case it is recommended to do hand exercises. For example, lifting light dumbbells.

Some will find it more convenient to walk around the apartment with a walker instead of crutches. And don't forget about physical activity.

Losing a leg is a very big grief. For inspiration, you can watch the excellent film “1 + 1”, based on real events.

You can read the biography of Nick Vuychich, who was born without arms and legs, and now the whole world knows him. His book Life Without Limits has helped many people.

The main thing is not to sag!

In the next video, a man on crutches builds his house and runs a business.

How to walk on crutches on stairs and steps

Climbing stairs

1. 1. Put your healthy foot up a notch.

1. 1. We pull the injured leg behind her.

1. We put the crutches on the step on which we stand.

Descending the stairs

1. 1. We put the crutches on the step below.

1. 1. Lowering the injured leg.

1. We put a healthy leg on a step with crutches.

If there is a railing next to the steps, you can take both crutches in one hand, and lean on the railing with your hand. When descending and ascending stairs, most of the load should fall on the good leg. Hands mainly help to keep balance.

In the next video, you can see how the girl goes down the stairs on crutches.

How long do you need to walk on crutches after a fracture

With hip fracture skeletal traction is done first. It takes 1.5-2 months. After that, plaster is applied, and stepping on the foot is allowed only after 3-4 months.

Hip fracture treated in various ways:

1. 1. Immobilization - a cast is applied and the leg is kept still. It is not recommended to treat a hip fracture in this way, as muscle atrophy may occur.

1. 1. Osteosynthesis - reposition of bone fragments with screws or a pin is done. This technique is slightly better, but scarring may form.

1. Endoprosthetics - a metal prosthesis is inserted. The best option. But in this case, you will have to walk on crutches. 3-6 months.

If ankle fracture are treated without a plaster cast, then you will have to walk on crutches for only 1.5-2 months. When applying plaster and surgical treatment, the period may slightly increase and amount to 2-2.5 months. In the worst case, with skeletal traction, the treatment period will be extended, it can stretch up to 4-6 months.

How to teach a child to walk on crutches

It is usually more difficult to teach a child to walk on crutches. I recommend watching how it's done in the video. The main thing is more patience and attention.

Unfortunately, the video is in English, but even without knowing the language, everything is quite clear.

How to walk on elbow crutches (Canadian)

Walking on elbow crutches is almost the same as walking on axillary crutches. If you have weak arms, it is better to prefer underarm crutches. This will make walking easier.

Benefits of elbow crutches that they are lighter and take up less space.

To choose the right elbow crutches:

1. 1. Stand up straight, and take the tip of the crutch away from the foot by about 15 centimeters.

1. 1. Bend your arms at the elbow 15-20 degrees.

1. 1. The cuff around the forearm should be located at a distance of 5-10 centimeters from the elbow.

1. The cuff should not be too tight or too loose.

How to walk on crutches after removing the cast

After removing the plaster, second stage of rehabilitation. You need to walk on crutches for a week, but fully stand on your foot. The first few days on the leg should be an elastic bandage. After a week, you can start using a cane instead of crutches. Massage courses and physiotherapy will greatly help in recovery. In about a month, it will be possible to fully walk and engage in heavy physical labor.

At first, it is very scary to step on an injured leg. There will be pain in the leg. This is due to the fact that the muscles did not move for a long time and the bones did not receive a load. But you still need to try to walk more and more. Swimming can help with recovery.

Serious leg injuries during convalescence require walking with crutches so as not to overload the feet, shins and knees. Before you learn how to walk on crutches, you need to know the rules for choosing and customizing them for a specific person.

How to walk on crutches and is it difficult?

Selection rules

The main rule: the length of the crutches should be equal to the height of the patient minus 40 cm. Depending on the length and purpose, crutches are divided into three types:

Children (90-116 cm);

Teenage (116-127 cm);

Adults (120-150 cm).

There are other rules for setting up crutches so that they are comfortable to move around.

First, the axillary roller should be 5 cm below the armpit.

Secondly, the height of the part for supporting the hands should be slightly higher than the wrist. In this case, the elbow should be bent at an angle of approximately 30 degrees. These rules apply to axillary crutches.

There are also crutches under the elbow. When choosing them, pay attention to the location of the cuff. It should be at a distance of 6-7 cm from the sharp point of the elbow (with average height). The elbow is bent at an angle of 15-20 degrees.

Rules of movement: how to walk on crutches

So, the vehicle has been chosen, now another question arises: how to walk on crutches correctly. The tactics of advancing forward depends on the direction of walking. If you need to go straight, act according to the following algorithm:

1. Bring the crutches forward, leaning on a healthy lower limb from behind.

2. The injured leg is carefully moved forward and, if possible, leans a little on it.

3. After making sure that the mobility aids are secure and stable, bear the weight of the body on them.

4. They put a healthy lower limb in front of the damaged one by a couple of centimeters.

These rules are easy to follow if the road is flat and straight. If you need to go up or down, you need to carefully monitor that the weight of the body is in the middle between the means of transportation and a healthy lower limb. Otherwise, you can easily fall.

Ladder

Many are interested in how to walk on crutches up the stairs. Yes, it requires special skill. When descending, they act like this.