How to Fit Crutches
Put on a pair of everyday shoes., Relax your arms and let them hang down over the crutches. , Adjust the crutches so that at least 2–4 inches (5.1–10.2 cm) separate armpit and crutch pad., Adjust the crutches further to accommodate the hand grips...
Step-by-Step Guide
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Step 1: Put on a pair of everyday shoes.
Your shoes should have low heels and good support.
In fitting, try to use the same shoes you'd ordinarily use walking around, or ones you anticipate using with crutches. -
Step 2: Relax your arms and let them hang down over the crutches.
, This is where many people get things wrong, thinking that the crutch pad should sit right beneath the armpit.
In fact, there should be enough space so that the crutch pad doesn't touch the armpit unless the user leans down slightly.
Crutches are designed to get support from the arms and ribcage, not from the shoulders.
If your crutches don't have notches to perfectly accommodate the two inch gap between armpit and pad, opt for the lower setting instead of the higher setting.
Higher-set crutches may have a higher likelihood of dislocating the shoulder.
This will also stop you from leaning on your crutches when you don't have to. , With your hands hanging relaxed at your sides and standing upright, the crutches' handgrips should be level with your wrist crease. , Crutches are meant to deliver additional support to ailing legs and, as such, can be used more or less properly.
Accommodations, however, may be made in order to help the subject feel comfortable. -
Step 3: Adjust the crutches so that at least 2–4 inches (5.1–10.2 cm) separate armpit and crutch pad.
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Step 4: Adjust the crutches further to accommodate the hand grips.
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Step 5: Make any final accommodations for comfort.
Detailed Guide
Your shoes should have low heels and good support.
In fitting, try to use the same shoes you'd ordinarily use walking around, or ones you anticipate using with crutches.
, This is where many people get things wrong, thinking that the crutch pad should sit right beneath the armpit.
In fact, there should be enough space so that the crutch pad doesn't touch the armpit unless the user leans down slightly.
Crutches are designed to get support from the arms and ribcage, not from the shoulders.
If your crutches don't have notches to perfectly accommodate the two inch gap between armpit and pad, opt for the lower setting instead of the higher setting.
Higher-set crutches may have a higher likelihood of dislocating the shoulder.
This will also stop you from leaning on your crutches when you don't have to. , With your hands hanging relaxed at your sides and standing upright, the crutches' handgrips should be level with your wrist crease. , Crutches are meant to deliver additional support to ailing legs and, as such, can be used more or less properly.
Accommodations, however, may be made in order to help the subject feel comfortable.
About the Author
Ruth Brooks
Dedicated to helping readers learn new skills in hobbies and beyond.
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