Patients who need help getting around after hip surgery, a broken leg or another leg injury should use doctor-prescribed walking aids. Among crutches, canes and walkers, physicians will choose the support that places the least stress on vulnerable areas of the body. When crutches represent the best solution, the devices should be sized to fit by a medical professional. The doctor will provide instructions on how to use crutches properly, but some additional tips and techniques can help patients stay safe while allowing an injured foot or leg to heal.
Prepare the Body
Preparing the body for the challenge of using walking aids after a leg injury will reduce sore muscles. Crutches require strong hands and wrists for bearing weight. Brown University Health Services suggests practicing strengthening exercises several times a day. These can be done even with a broken leg.
While sitting up in bed, patients should stack books to equal heights on either side of the body. Then they should push down on the books with their hands to straighten the elbows and lift themselves off the bed. Patients should gradually try for a goal of 10 repetitions per session.
Clear the Area
When first using walking aids, patients should seek help to make their home environments easily navigated on crutches. The University of Buffalo Sports Medicine group recommends taking up area rugs and tucking away electrical cords when recovering from a leg injury or surgery. Frequently used items should be centrally placed or carried in a fanny pack, with unnecessary items stored out of the way.
Use as Directed
A safe and steady recovery from a broken leg or surgery depends on following medical advice about how much weight an injured leg can bear. As Ohio State University Medical Center relates, patients may be restricted to postures that are non--weight bearing, as for a broken leg; partial weight bearing, as for a sprained ankle; or weight bearing as tolerated, depending on pain limits and recovery progress.
Patients should shift weight from the affected leg to both hands on the crutches' cross bars, not to the armpits. The tops of crutches should be an inch or two below the armpits to prevent nerve damage from resting body weight there.
Maintain the Crutches
Like any vehicle, walking aids require maintenance to perform safely. The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons notes that crutches are not unbreakable. In between uses, crutches should be leaned against a solid object with their tips up so they won't fall over and get damaged.
Caring for crutches can also prevent further leg injury. Patients should frequently wipe the rubber tips clean of stones or debris that can cause skids. Screws or other hardware should be checked every few days and tightened as necessary.
