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Re: Crutch Question -- Need to ensure crutches are correctly sized and adjusted...

Posted By: Michael Frind
Date: Saturday, 22 March 2008, at 4:21 p.m.

In Response To: Crutch Question (Cory)

Dear Cory,

Firstly, are you using the crutches properly? And, are they correctly sized?

When using crutches, you should be bearing weight only on the palms of your hands, not your armpits. The crutches should be adjusted with this in mind (and allowing for a slight bending at the elbow too...don't lock your elbows when using crutches, but also don't let the crutches dig into your armpits). So, the padded top of the crutches should be comfortably at your armpits (so the crutches move with your shoulder as you swing them), but not pressing into them.

If the crutches were provided by a clinician/orthotist shop, I recommend going back and ensuring that they are properly sized or adjusted for your use. Also, have the clinician/orthotist check that you are using the crutches correctly. This is important here, because although it is easy to adjust crutch length, it is also easy to misuse crutches. (One possible explanation for your problem is that the crutches were adjusted to fit you, but no one took a moment to check the correctness of your crutch-walking technique.) Using crutches correctly, efficiently, and safely takes a bit of practice.

Yours truly,
Michael Frind.
Knee Library http://factotem.org/library

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