Using crutches after surgery can be challenging, but following these 10 tips will help you stay safe, avoid pain, and recover faster:
- Adjust Crutches Properly: Ensure a 1-2 inch gap below your armpits and align handgrips with your hips.
- Walk with Good Form: Keep your back straight, elbows slightly bent, and weight on your hands – not your armpits.
- Master the 3-Point Walk: Move crutches forward, step with your uninjured leg, and follow your doctor’s weight-bearing instructions.
- Handle Stairs Safely: Use the handrail if available and lead with your strong leg going up, crutches and injured leg going down.
- Navigate Rough Surfaces: Take small steps on uneven ground and check crutch tips for grip.
- Make Your Home Safe: Remove loose rugs, secure cords, and ensure clear pathways.
- Protect Your Arms: Add cushioning, wear soft fabrics, and avoid leaning on your armpits.
- Build Arm Strength: Do light exercises like arm curls to reduce strain.
- Inspect Crutches Regularly: Check for wear on tips, handles, and frames to prevent accidents.
- Call Your Doctor When Needed: Watch for severe pain, numbness, or balance issues.
Key Takeaway: Proper technique, a safe environment, and regular crutch maintenance are essential for a smooth recovery. Follow these steps to stay mobile and avoid setbacks.
How to Walk with Crutches – Non-Weight Bearing
1. Get the Right Crutch Fit
Making sure your crutches fit properly is essential for a safe and comfortable recovery. A good fit helps you move with ease, protects your nerves, and promotes healthy posture.
Set the Correct Height
When adjusting crutch height, aim for a 1-2 inch gap between the crutch top and your armpit while standing upright.
| Measurement Point | Correct Position | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Crutch Top | 1-2 inches below the armpit | Prevents nerve damage |
| Handgrip Height | Level with your hip line | Balances weight properly |
| Elbow Bend | 15-20 degrees | Supports good posture |
Place Crutches Correctly
Fitting your crutches isn’t just about height – it’s also about positioning. Your weight should rest on your hands, not your underarms, to avoid nerve compression. Keep your elbows slightly bent (15-30 degrees), align the handgrips with your hips, relax your shoulders, and stand tall with your head up.
Key Adjustment Tips:
- Always adjust your crutches while wearing the shoes you’ll use during recovery. This ensures better stability, as shoe height impacts the fit.
Once your crutches are set up correctly, the next step is mastering proper walking form for safe and effective movement.
2. Walk with Good Form
Using crutches the right way helps you avoid strain and stay steady during recovery. Starting with good habits makes a big difference.
Keep Your Back Straight
Good posture is key for safe crutch use. Stand tall with your chin level, and keep your shoulders in line with your hips. This not only helps with balance but also reduces unnecessary strain.
| Body Part | Correct Position |
|---|---|
| Back | Straight, no leaning |
| Shoulders | Relaxed and level |
| Head | Facing forward |
| Elbows | Close to your sides |
Make sure to support your weight with your hands, not your armpits. The crutches should rest against your rib cage without pressing into your underarms.
Learn the 3-Point Walk
This walking method keeps you stable and helps prevent falls while you’re healing.
- Start Position: Place the crutches about 2-3 inches to the sides of your feet. If you’re non-weight-bearing, keep your injured leg slightly lifted. If partial weight-bearing is allowed, let it lightly touch the ground.
- Walking Motion: Move both crutches forward about 12 inches. Step forward with your uninjured leg, using the crutches to support your weight. Then, bring your injured leg forward to meet your other leg or leave it slightly behind, depending on your weight-bearing instructions.
Tips for Success: Keep your eyes forward, take small, steady steps, and practice in a safe, open area until you feel comfortable.
Once you’ve got the hang of walking, let’s move on to handling tricky surfaces with confidence.
3. Handle Tricky Surfaces
Getting around on different surfaces can be a challenge when using crutches, but learning the right techniques can help you move safely and confidently. Each type of terrain requires some adjustments to ensure you stay steady and avoid setbacks during recovery.
Use Stairs Safely
When it comes to stairs, the golden rule is simple: lead with your strong leg when going up, and lead with your crutches and injured leg when going down.
Tips for Stair Navigation:
- If there’s a handrail: Hold your crutches on the side opposite the rail. Use the rail for extra support while following the basic rule.
- No handrail available: Keep both crutches under your arms. Make sure they stay firmly in place as you move, and evenly distribute your weight between the crutches.
Move on Rough Ground
Uneven surfaces like gravel or slopes can be tricky, but with a few adjustments, you can handle them safely. Keep a slight bend in your elbows for better control, and press the crutches against your ribs to stay balanced.
Safety Tips for Rough Terrain:
- Place crutch tips 2–3 inches away from your feet for better stability.
- Move slowly and stay in control, especially on bumpy or uneven surfaces.
- Keep your elbows close to your body to maintain balance.
Specific Surface Advice:
On slopes, lean slightly uphill or stay perpendicular when going downhill. For gravel, take smaller steps and plant the crutch tips firmly. On wet surfaces, check that your crutch tips have rubber grips and avoid sudden movements.
Once you’ve got the hang of handling tricky surfaces, it’s time to focus on making your home safer for crutch use.
4. Make Your Home Safer
Creating a safe home environment is crucial when you’re recovering with crutches. By making a few adjustments to your living space and using the crutch-walking techniques mentioned earlier, you can lower the risk of accidents and make your recovery smoother.
Clear Walking Paths
Loose rugs are a leading cause of falls. Start by removing them, especially in high-traffic areas like hallways and living rooms.
Simple Safety Tips:
- Keep cords secured and clutter out of the way.
- Use bright lighting, motion-sensor lights in hallways, and bedside lamps for nighttime visibility.
- Ensure floors are clean and dry to prevent slipping.
Arrange Easy Access
Make sure pathways are wide enough for easy movement, allowing you to turn without needing to back up. Place essential items at waist level to minimize reaching or bending.
Room-by-Room Suggestions:
| Room | Adjustments to Make |
|---|---|
| Living Room | Arrange furniture with at least 3 feet of space between pieces. |
| Bathroom | Keep toiletries within easy reach. |
| Bedroom | Ensure a clear path to the bathroom and set up your nightstand for convenience. |
| Kitchen | Remove obstacles and store frequently used items at waist height. |
For narrow spaces like doorways, move slowly and, if necessary, use one crutch to navigate. Keep pathways clear and address spills or obstacles immediately.
Once your home is set up for safe crutch use, it’s time to focus on managing discomfort and pain during recovery.
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5. Reduce Pain While Using Crutches
Staying comfortable while using crutches is crucial for focusing on recovery and moving around without unnecessary strain. Crutches can put pressure on your upper body, but there are practical steps you can take to ease discomfort and avoid injuries during your healing process.
Protect Your Underarms
Using the right technique is key to avoiding soreness in your underarms. Don’t rest your weight on your armpits – this could compress nerves and blood vessels, causing pain or even injury.
| Strategy | How to Apply It |
|---|---|
| Distribute Weight Properly | Keep your elbows slightly bent and press down through your palms. |
| Add Cushioning | Use crutch pads or cushions for extra comfort. |
| Choose the Right Clothing | Wear smooth, moisture-wicking fabrics to reduce friction. |
| Check Crutch Position | Make sure there’s 2-3 inches of space between your armpit and the crutch top. |
Build Arm Strength
Stronger arms can make using crutches less tiring and more manageable. Incorporate exercises like arm curls, shoulder presses, and tricep dips into your routine 2-3 times a week. Start with light weights or resistance bands, and give yourself rest days to recover.
Additional Pain Relief Tips:
- Take breaks and ice any sore muscles for 15-20 minutes after using your crutches.
- Try ergonomic crutch handles for improved grip and support.
Once you’re managing pain effectively, it’s also important to ensure your crutches are well-maintained for safe and reliable use.
6. Check and Clean Your Crutches
Taking care of your crutches is essential for staying safe and avoiding setbacks during recovery.
Look for Damage
Inspect your crutches daily. Place them on a stable surface under good lighting to easily spot any signs of wear or damage that could affect their safety and performance.
| Component | What to Check | Warning Signs |
|---|---|---|
| Tips | Wear and grip | Smooth spots, cracks, uneven wear |
| Handles | Stability and padding | Looseness, tears, exposed metal |
| Frame | Structural condition | Cracks, bends, unusual noises |
| Height adjusters | Locking mechanism | Loose pins, adjustment issues |
Replace Worn Parts
Keep your crutches in good shape by cleaning them regularly and replacing damaged parts as needed.
How to Clean:
- Use a soft cloth with mild soap and water. Avoid harsh chemicals.
- Dry all parts thoroughly to prevent rust.
Replace crutch tips if you notice cracks, wear patterns, or reduced grip. Squeaking or odd noises often mean something is loose or needs attention, so inspect your crutches right away.
Store your crutches in a dry, temperature-controlled environment to protect them from damage.
7. When to Call Your Doctor
Warning Signs to Watch For
Keep an eye out for these signs that might need medical attention:
| Warning Sign | What to Look For | Urgency Level |
|---|---|---|
| Pain Changes | Severe or worsening pain, especially at the surgical site | Immediate |
| Circulation Issues | Numbness, tingling, or weakness in your arms or legs | Within 24 hours |
| Infection Symptoms | Fever, chills, or redness and swelling near the surgical area | Immediate |
| Balance Problems | Trouble staying steady or frequent near-falls | Within 24 hours |
When to Reach Out for Help
Emergencies that require immediate attention:
- Falls or intense pain that interferes with crutch use
- Trouble breathing while moving
- Signs of infection like a fever over 101°F or chills
Non-Urgent Issues that still need follow-up:
- Trouble sticking to your recommended weight-bearing limits
- New swelling in the affected limb
- Crutches that don’t fit properly or feel unstable
"Significant pain or discomfort can delay healing – consult your doctor promptly", says Dr. Sarah Chen, physical therapist at Mayo Clinic.
Using proper crutch techniques, as covered earlier, helps avoid many of these problems. But if something feels off, don’t wait – reach out to your doctor. Early action can make a big difference in your recovery.
Conclusion: Keys to Safe Recovery
Using crutches after surgery requires attention to technique and consistency. How you move and set up your environment plays a big role in your recovery.
Here’s a breakdown of what people using crutches effectively tend to focus on:
| Key Area | What to Do | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Form | Keep your back straight, elbows bent | Prevents strain and falls |
| Weight Support | Rely on your hands, not armpits | Avoids nerve damage |
| Walking Pattern | Stick to a three-point stride | Keeps you stable |
| Home Adjustments | Clear walkways, remove obstacles | Lowers risk of accidents |
Physical therapists often stress the importance of gradually building strength and sticking to proper techniques for a smooth recovery. Don’t forget to inspect your crutches regularly – check the rubber tips and handgrips for wear and tear. This simple step can help you avoid accidents and keep your crutches working as they should.
FAQs
How do you use crutches after surgery?
To use crutches effectively after surgery, follow these steps:
- Move both crutches forward about 6-8 inches.
- Step forward with your stronger leg.
- Bring your recovering leg forward, following your doctor’s weight-bearing instructions.
Remember to put your weight on your hands, not your armpits, to avoid discomfort or injury. For more detailed instructions, check out the ‘3-Point Walk’ technique mentioned earlier.
| Step | Action | Safety Tip |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Move both crutches forward | Keep steady and balanced |
| 2 | Step forward with strong leg | Focus on maintaining good form |
| 3 | Bring recovering leg forward | Stick to your weight-bearing limits |
What are 3 common mistakes people make using crutches?
Using crutches incorrectly can slow recovery or cause harm. Here are three frequent missteps:
- Improper height adjustment: Crutches should be set 1-2 inches below your armpits.
- Resting weight on armpits: This can lead to nerve damage; rely on your hands instead.
- Unsafe stair use: Moving too fast without proper technique can be dangerous.
How to make crutches less painful?
Using crutches doesn’t have to be painful if you’re mindful of technique and equipment. Here’s how to ease discomfort:
- Add cushioned handgrips or ergonomic handles to reduce pressure.
- Keep your elbows slightly bent for better support and control.
- Take regular breaks to avoid overexertion.
- Practice arm-strengthening exercises, as previously discussed.
If the pain continues, speak with your healthcare provider. Persistent discomfort might mean your technique or crutch setup needs adjustments.