How to use crutches for an elderly person

Crutches are often prescribed to older people for rehabilitation after injury or lifelong disability. It is important to purchase the right model and use them correctly. Otherwise they will do more harm than good. Let's look at the key points of proper use of crutches.

How to hold different types of crutches

Crutches can be axillary (rest on the armpit), elbow (rest on the elbow joint), or ergonomic (rest on the forearm). They need to be selected according to individual parameters with a specialist.

The axillary crutch is the most common type. Wooden or aluminum models can be easily adjusted in height. To determine the required length of a crutch, they usually focus on a person’s height minus 40 cm. When you stand straight, the pads should be 4-5 centimeters (2-3 fingers) below the armpit.

You need to support your body weight with your hands, not your armpits.
The handles of the crutches are at the same level as the thigh. Hold them with your elbow slightly bent.
Shoulders slightly tilted forward.

An elbow crutch is equipped with a handle and a cuff that covers the forearm. This model allows you to bend the elbow by 15-30°. Increased flexion will allow the arm to support more weight. There are ergonomic models designed to increase comfort and reduce the likelihood of injury.

The length of the elbow crutch should be adjusted so that the handle is at the height of the crease of the wrist in the “relaxed arms at your sides” position.
The cuff of the elbow crutch should be 2.5–4 cm below the back of the elbow.

If, when walking, an elderly person feels pain or numbness under the arms, it means that they are using crutches incorrectly or they are incorrectly selected.

Crutches that are too short will cause your body to lean forward too much. This will lead to back, shoulder or neck pain. High crutches place excessive stress on the shoulders and neck and impair balance.

Width of the stroller seat in working condition.

To determine the width of the seat, use a measuring tape to measure the width of the hips (the distance from one ilium to the other) and add 2 cm to the resulting value. The measurement is taken where the hips have the maximum width. If a person plans to go outside in a stroller, the thickness of the upper clothing should be taken into account.

Correctly selected seat width will allow:

distribute the weight evenly on the seat,
make it easier to move in a chair,
avoid body friction on the side walls of the chair.

If the seat is too narrow:

it will be difficult for a person to turn the body, and accordingly, the degree of his mobility will decrease,
pressure on the ischial tuberosities will increase, which can lead to the formation of bedsores.

If the seat is too wide:

the back is not fixed,
the patient will fall on his side, sit crookedly and in an uncomfortable position, which will lead to curvature of the spine and pelvis,
the patient will have to continue to reach for the wheel rim,
The stroller will not fit through the doorway or elevator.

If the width of the seat is selected correctly, then a palm or a medium-thick book will freely fit between the patient’s thigh and the wall of the chair on both the right and left sides.

Walking safety rules

To use crutches, an older person must have a sense of balance, reasonably strong arms and normal coordination.

Here are some tips to avoid injury:

Never lean on crutches with your armpits. This can damage the nerve, causing numbness and tingling in the hand.
High heels or slippers are not allowed. Choose shoes with flat, non-slip soles or sneakers.
On slippery or uneven surfaces, move in small steps.
Crutches should not be used on a wet floor.
Slow down when moving from one type of surface to another (for example, from carpet to tile or wood floors).
Do not carry anything in your hands when walking on crutches. Keep items in your pocket or fanny pack.
Look forward - where you are going, and not at your feet.
While walking, do not try to move too fast or take long strides. Keep your crutches close to your body.
When outdoors, avoid ice, puddles, gravel and small steps.

Once a week, check your crutches for anything that could weaken the support - loose or worn parts, small stones stuck in the rubber tips.

Cane selection:

It is necessary to determine what degree of stability a person needs, because...
they have one support, three support and four support. Many people wear shoes with different platforms, so it is recommended to choose a telescopic cane that can be adjusted according to height. Canes should be used both in summer and in winter. Therefore, it is recommended to choose canes with an anti-slip device (anti-slip device). In almost all models, the UPS can be extended or retracted as needed. Or use specialized attachments for winter. To choose the right cane length, you need to stand straight, lower your arms freely and bend them slightly at the elbow (about 15-20 degrees) - while the handle of the cane should be at the level of the bend line of the wrist.

When selecting a cane, the patient should be in familiar shoes; and if he plans to wear shoes with heels of different lengths, then it is better to purchase a cane that is adjustable in height. If the cane is too long, the load on the shoulder joint increases and the body is constantly in a skewed position. If the cane is too short, the patient will constantly slouch and lean forward, which increases pressure on the nerves in the wrist.

of a cane can vary on average from 100 to 400 grams, and it is very important that when selecting a cane the patient determines what weight is optimal for him. If the cane is too light, it can make you feel unsteady and unreliable. If the cane is too heavy, the supporting arm will get tired faster.

If the cane is planned to be used daily, then the shape of the handle is important, since in this case the cane will be in constant contact with the person’s palm, and it is important that this contact is as comfortable as possible. Due to the awkward shape of the handle, a person will experience pain in the palm and wrist area day after day. The ideal handle is one that follows the contours of the palm (anatomically shaped handle). A handle with a larger diameter is always easier to hold, but everything is individual, and when choosing the shape of the handle you need to rely, first of all, on your own feelings.

Rules for walking with a cane:

According to the recommendations of traumatologists, the cane should be worn in the hand opposite the injured or weakened leg - only in this case the load is distributed correctly. That is, if your left leg is injured, then the cane should be held in your right hand. Before you go out with a cane, you need to practice walking with it at home in the presence of someone else.

First you need to make sure that the cane is in the right hand. Then, leaning on the healthy leg, step forward with the cane and the bad leg at the same time, and only after that, leaning on the cane, step with the healthy leg. When walking with a cane, you should transfer your body weight as much as possible, thereby easing the load on the injured limb.

While walking up the stairs, grab the railing with your free hand, place your healthy leg on the step above, then place your cane on the step, and leaning on the cane, step up with your bad leg. In this case, the leg and cane should be on the same line. When descending the stairs, you need to proceed in the reverse order: first put both feet together and place the cane on the step below, then step with the injured leg, leaning slightly forward and holding the handrail with your free hand. After this, place your healthy leg on the same step. In order not to make mistakes when descending or ascending, you can remember the simple phrase “Up with the healthy leg, down with the sick leg.”

In order for the cane to serve as a truly reliable support, it must be equipped with a tip. The tips are made of plastic or soft rubber. Before you start using the cane, you need to make sure that the tip fits tightly to the shaft and does not slip off while walking.

To make the reed last longer, you need to keep it clean and regularly wipe it, first with a damp and then with a dry cloth. All plastic parts can be cleaned using special plastic cleaning fluids. Do not use solvents or oily liquids as cleaners. The reed should be checked regularly for cracks and tip wear. Don't wait until the tip wears off completely - it's better to replace it at the first sign of damage or wear.

Safety precautions:

Before you go outside with your cane, check the shaft and tip for damage. Do not use a defective cane.
If the cane is telescopic, make sure that the locking lock is securely latched.
When going up or down stairs, always hold the handrail with your free hand.
When walking, keep the cane as vertical as possible.
Don't place the cane too far away from you.
Use the cane only for its intended purpose.
Do not hang bags, packages, etc. on the cane.
Do not leave the reed in direct sunlight for long periods of time.
In winter, do not go outside with a cane that is not equipped with an anti-slip device (ASD).
Walk very carefully on tiles and loose carpets and rugs.
If you fall, try to swing the cane to the side to avoid falling on it.

12/MR.H Cane for support when walking

A high-quality, lightweight support cane MIKIRAD 12/MR.H with a soft curved handle in hygroscopic and hypoallergenic polyurethane foam, manufactured in Poland according to European standards. It has telescopic height adjustment, eight positions in 2 cm increments. The product undergoes special processing! Not afraid of moisture and reagents! Maximum load 120 kg.

12/MR.L Cane for support when walking

The high-quality support cane MIKIRAD 12/MR.L with a curved “swan” handle, which, due to its “special” shape, compensates for the shock load when walking, is equipped with a strap for fixing on the wrist. Made in Poland according to European standards. The product undergoes special processing. Not afraid of moisture and reagents.

14/MR Folding cane for support when walking

folding support cane unfolds automatically under the influence of its own weight - with a “wave” of the hand, with an ergonomic handle for either hand, which can be stored in a bag-cover. It will always be at hand at the right time. Takes up little space and has a carrying case. Equipped with a reflective element. Rod material: thin-walled aluminum pipes.

16/MR.L Cane four-legged

of the support legs is designed so as not to interfere with people when moving. The cane has height adjustment for support under the arm. The rehabilitation device is equipped with reflective elements. Rod diameter above the tip: 20 mm, below the handle: 22 mm. Rod material: thin-walled aluminum pipes.

15/MR.L Three-legged cane

FS 929L Aluminum cane with UPS

The cant can be used to move around at home or on the street. The cane is made of lightweight, durable and corrosion-resistant aluminum alloy. It has an enamel paint coating. The T-shaped handle is made of durable non-slip plastic.

11/MR/L Cane with anatomical handle for support when walking

High -quality support cane MIKIRAD 11/MR.L with an anatomical handle, manufactured in Poland according to European standards. Adjustable in height. Telescopic height adjustment, eight positions in 2 cm increments. Anatomical handle for the left hand!

12/MR Cane for support when walking

High -quality and lightweight support cane MIKIRAD 12/MR with a universal handle, manufactured in Poland according to European standards. Adjustable in height.

16/MR.KL04 Four-legged crutch

of the support legs is designed so as not to interfere with people when moving. The crutch has a height adjustment for support under the arm. The rehabilitation device is equipped with reflective elements.

15/MR.Kr Three-legged crutch

The cooler has two adjustments. One adjusts the height for support under the arm, the second adjusts the height of the armpit support. The design of the support legs is designed so as not to interfere with people when moving. The rehabilitation device is equipped with reflective elements.

13/MR.P Nozzle

It has a universal attachment with increased stability, with the ability to rotate 360° in place without lifting the cane from the surface. Concentric tread for effective traction.

13/MR.Z Nozzle

The threaded pins are screwed into a plastic ring, which is sealed in a rubber base. This allows the product to be both durable and elastic! Spikes prevent snow from accumulating!

FS 913 L Folding walker “Armed”

shoes are made of aluminum and have rubber and plastic handles. The walker can be folded and is very convenient for storage. The legs are equipped with anti-slip rubber tips. Soft lining for handrails.

FS 912 L Folding walker on wheels “Armed”

Lightweight aluminum alloy walkers with wheels can be used as an adjustable support for independent movement of people with various disorders of the musculoskeletal system. In addition, this is an excellent option for walking for people who have suffered a heart attack, stroke or surgery, especially during the period of their rehabilitation.

these and many other products at ORTO orthopedic salons https://www.orto163.ru

How to walk on crutches correctly

To walk on level ground:

Stand up straight with crutches in your hands. Lean on your healthy leg.
Raise the crutches and place them 15–30 cm in front and slightly wider than shoulder width.
Place your weight on your hands and move your good leg forward between the crutches. Place your other leg nearby.
Rest and repeat if necessary. When you walk, look forward, not down.

Keep the ends of the crutches about 10 cm away from the sides of your feet to avoid tripping.

Using a cane after endoprosthetics

In many sources you can find information that after giving up crutches, patients should still walk with a cane for several weeks. This is not entirely true. Only frail elderly people and patients with complications need a cane. Everyone else does not need to use this device.

The unnecessary use of additional means of support leads to the fact that patients become “emotionally attached to the cane.” It would seem that the timing after the operation and their physical condition allow them to move independently, but they cannot do this. To prevent this from happening to you, you need to give up walkers, crutches and canes as early as possible. Naturally, do this only with the permission of your doctor.

How to get up and sit down with crutches

To stand up, hold both crutches with one hand - the one with your sore leg. Use your other hand to push yourself away from the chair. Place one crutch under each arm.

To sit down, proceed in reverse order:

Hold both crutches in one hand, holding the handles together.
With your other hand, reach for the chair to slowly lower yourself into it.

Results

At first, an older person may not feel confident enough on crutches. There's nothing wrong with that. No matter how hard it is, over time he will get used to it and will begin to take short walks around the house and then decide to go outside.

If an elderly person still does not learn how to use crutches, there is another option - a walker. This is a safer way to travel. We talked about how to use walkers correctly in this publication.

In the private boarding house "Blago" your elderly relatives will be under round-the-clock supervision. For questions related to registration of residence, call the phone in Khabarovsk: 7 (4212) 69-16-48