Can you visit the beach when you are on crutches?
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Summertime is here and with it comes fun time on the beach. But, having to rely on crutches for movement due to an unfortunate leg injury could come in the way.
Besides, using crutches on the sand might not be a walk in the park, as they sink right away. Luckily, it might not be a deal breaker and it may still be possible to go relax and enjoy the breeze.
Consult a doctor before you go to the beach
Before you grab your sunscreen and a towel, consider checking with your doctor first. Whether you can go to the beach or not depends on your injury. Struggling with a non-weight-bearing disability might make it unsuitable to visit the beach.
Even with crutches, a non-weight-bearing disability requires rest. It is important for you to avoid applying any pressure on your injured leg. This may prolong the healing process and adds up to the pain. Your doctor will tell you according to the degree of your injury. Thus, make it a priority to check beforehand.
Only your doctor understands your condition. It is up to him/her to determine whether you are capable of traveling.
Do you master the use of crutches?
You should now have a solid idea about how tough it is to use crutches. Coordinating between your legs and the crutches takes time and effort for you to master. Note that the difficulty of handling crutches changes according to the terrain.
If you have recently started using crutches, you may still need to take some time and practice. Before you can easily handle your movement on the sinking sand, you need to adjust to using crutches. Understand that the risk of you falling increases and that the last thing you want is to worsen your injury.
It is advisable that you take it slow with every swing and every step you take. Do not rush yourself and make sure you get familiar with the motion before taking it to a much trickier terrain.
Confirm whether the sand on the beach is hard or soft
Sand on beaches differ, some beaches have it hard and easy to talk on, while others have it soft and loose. For this reason, it might not be a bad idea to ask about the sand condition on the beach you are going to visit. Having a prior idea about the condtion could prepare you for the challenge.
Hard-packed sand might not be as challenging and tiring in comparison to a soft flabby one. Soft sand tends to sink with each step you take with your crutches, requiring more effort for you to pull. Your crutch tips might get deep inside that can cause you to fall if not careful.
Ask a friend about the beach you are going to visit and the type of terrain it has. you can also choose one that you already know.
Be careful and walk with caution
It is crucial that you take time with every step you take and not rush yourself. Remember that one single mistake could lead to unpleasant results.
Make sure you adjust crutches according to your desired length. By doing so you ensure comfortable and easy use. Reinforce the handles with sweat-absorbing covers so you avoid slippery situations. Especially during hot days as your palms get all wet. This will help you hold on tight and not struggle with every step. As you walk, watch where you land the next step and carefully follow with your body.
Use Helpful equipment
There are a few tweaks and improvements you can add to your crutches. These changes will make your experience on the beach easier. Here are simple yet effective suggestions to prepare for the day:
Buy crutches tips for sand: One of the most helpful things you can do is to replace your crutch tips. Buy ones that are more suitable for the sandy surface. By doing so, you guarantee more control and prevent your crutches from sinking deep in the sand. Soft sand makes mobility harder as your tips keep digging deep with each step. SandPads offer more resistance. They cover more surfaces to help you take steady steps and avoid tripping.
Use a walker: A walker gives you the advantage of relying on four tips rather than two. It ensures the greatest balance and control so you avoid falling or having one tip stuck. A walker will assist you with every step you take, you lift and lean without fear of losing balance. For extra security, replace all four tips with SandPads. this will grant you ultimate resistance and get a smooth sail over the sand.
Use beach disability access and rental equipment: Many beaches nowadays are wheelchair-accessible. They provide a special hard road-like mat that makes using wheelchairs easy. Even while on crutches, you can still take advantage of these routes to reach the water. You may as well ask if they rent custom-made wheelchairs. They come with large wheels so as to not get stuck and cross the sand.
Final Word
Visiting the beach is all fun and games. But, if you are confined to using crutches, you need to take some precautions. Do not attempt to visit the beach if you haven’t mastered using your mobility aid devices yet. The sandy terrains are difficult to manage with crutches. Chances of you tripping on the sand increase. In case of an injury, understand that healing takes patience and cautions with every move.
Struggling with an injury or a disability may make it seem like you can’t enjoy your days, but that isn’t totally true. While crutches can be difficult to manage, some exceptions can be made when suitable. Whether it is suitable for you to move and go wherever you want is determined by your doctor alone. Therefore, checking with your assigned doctor is necessary to avoid any unwanted complications.