Fully adjustable with built in shock absorbers, knee rest, padded grip, non-slip caps, reflectors, panic buttons and safety lights. wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. We use cookies to make wikiHow great. If you’ve had a leg injury that requires you to walk on crutches for an extended period of time, it’s imperative that those crutches be fitted properly. Practice getting up from a seated position. Although, if your insurance will pays for it, you can have customized crutches made to fit you perfectly. 1. Place your weight on your uninjured leg and push up with your arms. If you need to shorten the crutch, press and hold the button while pushing the end of the crutch in an upward motion. They should not restrict your ability to bend your elbow. Many of the models here are frequently prescribed by the NHS. They can feel more stable and secure than a … Usually made out of aluminum, they consist of a forearm cuff and handgrip. When your hands are on the grips, there should be a slight bend in your elbow. This allows the user to adjust the length of the crutches to provide them their most comfortable position. Time to start walking! Thank you! Most crutches provide a weight capacity of 175 to 650 pounds. Lightweight, but sturdy, lovely colourful (bumblebee) crutches. I believe cuff size is one size fits all. He received his PhD in Genetics from the University of Cambridge in 2014, and completed his MD shortly thereafter, at Baylor College of Medicine in 2015. This article has been viewed 18,272 times. We know how tricky it can be to use crutches in the right way so that they help you to recover as quickly as possible. Instructions for Using Crutches. Using your crutches. You can also wrap towels around the top of of the crutches and then tape them on with duct tap to provide more cushioning. • Place both of your crutches one step in front of you, level with each other. How Do I Adjust the Forearm Crutches? This article has been viewed 74,219 times. If either of the above measurements are incorrect, adjust the height of the crutches. The crutches available here are manufactured to a high standard, ensuring their robust quality. You can look in a mirror or ask someone to judge the angle for you if you can't see it. They are used to support you when walking. Both the height and position of the cuff can be adjusted to suit your needs. Crutch length from top to bottom should equal armpit to six inches in front of foot. 1. They are foldable and come in many colors. There are 10 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. Once you’ve adjusted the crutch height, check the grips. Push up into standing. Crutches provide temporary support if you're struggling to balance or need to take weight off of one, or both, of your legs. Hello Select your address Health & Personal Care Hello, Sign in. How to fit your crutches: Stand tall with your shoes on. To get into and out of a chair safely: Make sure the chair is stable … Collection of medical information sourced from the US National Library of Medicine If you're a guy, try to wear more shirts; maybe layer them or wear an undershirt. He holds a BS in Nutritional Science from Cornell University and an MD from the Temple University School of Medicine in 2007. Turn the crutch upside down. These nerves are responsible for sensation and movement for your arms and hands, and putting all of your weight on these nerves can cause When adjusted to the correct position, the top of the crutches should reach between 1.5 to 2 in (3.8 to 5.1 cm) below your armpits. NOVA Medical Products Quick Adjust Crutches, Pediatric: Amazon.ca: Health & Personal Care. Place the crutches beside your feet, about 6 inches or 15 centimeters away from each foot. To walk: First put the crutches forward, then the operated leg (between the crutches… X 1. How to Adjust Crutches. Sizing Crutches . You shouldn't assume the crutches you have at home are the right ones for you: they may need adjusting, or you may need a pair of a different size. If you aren’t sure whether your crutches are set up correctly for you, ask a physiotherapist to check. By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy. Forearm, or elbow crutches have a cuff that encircles your forearm and a handgrip that you hold onto. Move the crutch up or down so the top aligns with the top of the ribcage, approximately 1 to 2 inches below the armpit. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/1\/1e\/Adjust-Forearm-Crutches-Step-1.jpg\/v4-460px-Adjust-Forearm-Crutches-Step-1.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/1\/1e\/Adjust-Forearm-Crutches-Step-1.jpg\/aid1468920-v4-728px-Adjust-Forearm-Crutches-Step-1.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"