What Are Crutches?
Crutches are mobility aids that help individuals who need additional support to walk due to injury, surgery, or chronic conditions. They allow the user to transfer weight from their legs to their upper body, providing stability and balance.
Types of Crutches
There are primarily three types of crutches: Axillary (Underarm) Crutches: Commonly used for short-term injuries, these crutches are positioned under the arms and extend down to the ground.
Forearm Crutches: Also known as Lofstrand or elbow crutches, these are used for long-term mobility needs and provide more flexibility and independence.
Platform Crutches: These crutches have a horizontal platform for the forearm, and are used when individuals cannot bear weight on their hands or wrists.
How to Use Crutches Correctly
Using crutches correctly is crucial to avoid further injury. Here's a step-by-step guide: Adjust the crutches to your height: The top of the crutches should be 1-2 inches below your armpits while you stand upright.
Place the handgrips at hip level: Your elbows should be slightly bent when you hold the handgrips.
Stand up straight: Keep your weight off the injured leg and use your hands to grip the crutches, not your armpits.
Move the crutches forward: Position the crutches about one step ahead of you.
Step with your injured leg: Swing your body forward and place your injured leg in between the crutches.
Follow with your healthy leg: Step through the crutches with your healthy leg.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Patients often make mistakes while using crutches, which can lead to further injuries or discomfort. Common mistakes include: Placing too much weight on the armpits: This can cause nerve damage. Always use your hands to support your weight.
Incorrect crutch height: If the crutches are too high or too low, it can lead to poor posture and increased strain.
Not looking ahead while walking: Always look forward, not down at your feet, to maintain balance and avoid obstacles.
Nursing Role in Crutch Training
Nurses play a critical role in educating patients on the proper use of crutches. This involves: Assessing the patient's balance, strength, and coordination.
Helping adjust the crutches to the correct height.
Demonstrating the correct technique for walking, standing, and sitting with crutches.
Providing
safety tips such as avoiding slippery surfaces and removing trip hazards.
Monitoring for signs of fatigue, discomfort, or improper use.
Benefits of Using Crutches
The use of crutches offers several benefits, including: Enhanced mobility: Allows patients to move around independently while recovering.
Reduced pain: Helps in offloading weight from injured or painful areas.
Improved healing: Promotes faster recovery by minimizing stress on the injured part.
Potential Complications
While crutches are beneficial, improper use can lead to complications such as: Nerve damage: Prolonged pressure on the armpits can cause nerve damage.
Muscle strain: Incorrect technique can strain muscles in the arms, shoulders, and back.
Falls: Lack of balance or improper use can result in falls and additional injuries.
Conclusion
Crutches are essential tools in the recovery and rehabilitation process for many patients. Proper use, guided by skilled nursing professionals, can significantly enhance mobility and aid in faster recovery. Nurses must ensure that patients are well-educated on the correct techniques and potential risks to maximize the benefits of using crutches.
