Question for crutch use

Imadickens · ‎06-15-2016

I have a small problem! I can't really get the hang of using crutches! Getting around on flat ground is ok but I have two stairs that I must use to get in and out of my house. Last night my ds practically had to carry me up the stairs! He's a strong guy but not always available. Any tips on getting up and down stairs on crutches? Thanks!

Never underestimate the power of kindness.

on the bay · ‎03-09-2010

this isn't an official medical person here, but I stood on good foot, then put both crutches on step aboe, then pulled myself up, then start again on next step. Sometimes it was easier just to get on my knees and climb take your time and pretend you are having a good time

They are hard to get used to! And make sure you do not use under your arms to support you on the crutches-that can cause muscle/nerve injuries!

"If you walk the footsteps of a stranger, you'll learn things you never knew. Can you sing with all the voices of the mountains? can you paint with all the colors of the wind?"

nana59 · ‎05-12-2012

I had a knee replacement in June...things didn't go as expected, so now I have to use a cane. I wanted to know how to use the cane correctly, so I googled it and got the help I needed. There were many helpful videos online. I think you could do the same with the proper way to use crutches.

Imadickens · ‎06-15-2016

Great ideas! I will try the two crutch method on one foot, and google it! Thanks!

Never underestimate the power of kindness.

JB116 · ‎10-12-2016

My son just got off crutches not too long ago and we live on the 2nd floor of our condo building, no elevator.

What he did was to put both his crutches under one arm and then hold on to the railing with the other hand and he was easily able to climb the stairs that way by pulling/pushing himself up on his good foot. He never complained about it so it must have worked well.

But I agree about looking on YouTube. LOTS can be found there.

Good Luck and I hope you heal quickly!

hoosieroriginal · ‎03-04-2012

Make sure you don't have the tops of the crutches directly against your underarm - leave room there. I was on crutches years ago and no one ever taught me how to use them and I ended up having a dislocated shoulder from having the top of the crutches directly under my underarm.

BabyYoda · ‎03-09-2010

All doctors should teach patients how to use crutches properly. This bothers me they write you a script for it but no one shows you how to use it. Did the medical equipment place show you if you bought them there? Or did the doctor give you the crutches? There is proper technique or you can hurt your arms.

151949 · ‎03-09-2010

First - what is the final reading on your x ray? If it isn't broken why do you still need to be non weight bearing? No one should ever give someone crutches without lessons on using them , esp. on stairs. You could fall and break your hip.

Teddie · ‎03-10-2010

Crutches can be dangerous. I had a friend who had knee replacement surgery and used crutches for a short time. She fell in her kitchen trying to get around with those things. Imagine falling after surgery. I agree that people needing to use crutches should be taught. Careless that they don't.

Carmie · ‎10-25-2010

You're supposed to have physical therapy to show you how to use crutches. I was taught before surgery .once and again after at,broke my ankle a few years ago.

Didn't help too much though. I can't seem to coordinate things and I have fallen a few times on them.. once at the doctor's office.

Ask you doctor to write you a script for PT.