Free Delivery to Halton, Hamilton, Brantford, Haldimand + Niagara!

How to Walk with Walkers & Crutches

If you have broken a bone or your mobility is impaired in such a way that you need to use crutches or a walker, then you will need to learn how to properly use these devices so you don’t get hurt further or cause further damage to your body by improperly bearing weight. Crutches and walkers are often prescribed for recovery and can be rented or purchased at Brant Arts. Here’s what our experts say you need to know about walking properly with crutches or a walker.

Walking with crutches

If you require crutches to walk due to an injury or surgery, you will need to make sure you are moving properly with them to avoid further injury.

First, you will want to lean forward and make sure your crutches are about a foot in front of you. Then shift your weight forward as if you were going to take a step. Afterward, bring your body between the crutches and finish the step with your other foot.

When your non-injured foot is on the ground, you can move the crutches forward again as you prepare to take your next step.

It is also important to make sure you have the proper size crutches for your height. There should be about a two-inch (2-3 finger width) space between your armpit and the top of the crutch. This allows room for comfort and prevents the shoulders from shrugging when walking, causing strain. Our mobility experts can help ensure you receive the right size crutches.

 

 

Using a walker

A walker can give you much more stability for moving around when it comes to walking after surgery or another injury. Many people who have had knee or hip replacements will use walkers when recovering from the surgery.

When walking with a walker, you will want to ensure that all four feet of the walker are on the ground evenly so that they can support your weight without any issue.

You must take small, steady steps as you’re moving forward. This will help create stability and prevent falling.

If you have a walker that doesn’t have wheels on it, you will have to pick it up and move it forward as you move along. Some walkers will have wheels on all four legs so you don’t have to pick them up. If you have one with wheels, you need to be careful about not pushing it too far forward so that your feet can keep up with how you’re moving. Your physiotherapist or occupational therapist will prescribe a walker with or without wheels depending on your recovery needs.

 

knee walker

 

Try a knee walker!

Knee walkers are a comfortable alternative to crutches or aluminum walkers that allow users to move with no boundaries.  Suitable for either leg, knee walkers are ideal for individuals recovering from foot surgery, breaks, sprains, amputations, and ulcers of the foot. Knee walkers can be steered for increased maneuverability and offer a stable turn radius.

Make your home safer

You may need to only use the crutches or the walker for a short period of time, but you will still need to make sure your home is safe enough for you to move around.

Here are a few ways you can make your home safer while using crutches or a walker:

  • Make sure there are no packages or boxes stacked on the stairs or in main traffic areas.
  • Move furniture so there is enough room for you to move around without bumping into anything.
  • Remove tripping hazards like cords or area rugs.
  • Make sure the items you need regularly are kept in reach.

Contact or Visit Brant Arts today

If you require a mobility aid such as a walker or crutches, we cannot only supply it for you by rental or purchase, but our mobility specialists will ensure that it is the right size for you and help you learn how to use it.

Share This Post