Crutches may be necessary as you recover from a leg injury or surgery. But as your leg heals, your arms may take on some of the pain. Using crutches properly shouldn't result in arm pain, but improper use can cause rubbing and chafing. By making sure your crutches are the right size and you're using your crutches in the proper way, you can lessen arm pain for a better experience.
Step 1
Adjust your crutches as soon as you get them. Stand up straight, and place your palm directly under your underarm, fitting it up against your armpit. The top of the crutch should come no higher than your little finger, according to the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics. Use the provided pin system to lengthen or shorten your crutches accordingly. If your crutches are too high, they'll chafe under your arms. Too short, and your back will hurt.
Step 2
Distribute your body weight properly when using crutches. When in motion, crutches should never touch your underarms. In fact, when you're moving with your crutches, your hands should be the only body part touching the equipment. Instead of using your armpits to support your body weight, distribute the weight through your forearms, suggests the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. They're stronger and will keep the pain from your upper arms and underarms.
Step 3
Take small steps when you're using crutches.Taking steps that are too wide puts more pressure on your arms, and sets you up for injuries or falls. By taking small, manageable steps, you keep control over the crutches and reduce the likelihood of injury.
Step 4
Cut a new kitchen sponge in half. Position the pieces of sponge over the top pad of each crutch, and secure with tape or glue. If you do need to lean on your crutches, or your crutches are improperly sized and tend to rub against your arms, the sponge can provide a cushion for less pain. You can also purchase crutch pads from medical supply stores that fit directly over the stock pads of your crutches for more comfort and a better fit.
Tips and Warnings
- If you've received your crutches as part of rehabilitation therapy, a therapist should have measured you with the crutches and adjusted them.
