Description
Underarm crutches, also called auxiliary crutches, are most common type of crutch - these are the typical crutches assigned to patients in recovery from ankle or knee injuries. They have a pad that is held under the arm, pressed into the patient's side during use.
Walking Pattern;
Your auxiliary crutches will allow you to keep your affected leg off the floor. The padded crutch top should rest against your chest wall, with the upper arm pressing against it. It should not be positioned in the armpit as it will press against blood vessels and nerves leading to the arms and may cause tingling and pain. you should be able to hold the hand grips with your arms straight.
- Place the crutches forward shoulder-width apart.
- Keep your affected leg off the floor.
- Step through with the other leg
- When stead, repeat stages 1 to 3.
Standing
- Hold both crutches in one hand by the hand grips
- Keep your affected leg off the floor
- Push up on the arm of the chair with the other hand to stand up
- When fully stood up, transfer your hands onto the crutches. Never stand up with your arms in the crutches
Sitting
- Step back to the chair until you feel the chair with the back of your legs
- Keep your affected leg off the floor
- Remove both arms from the crutches
- Hold both crutches in one hand by the hand grips
- Place your other hand on the arm of the chair
- Bend forwards and sit down
Walking upstairs
- Keep your affected leg off the floor and behind you
- Move one step up with your stronger leg
- Move your crutches onto the same step
Walking downstairs
- Keep your affected leg off the floor and in front of you
- Move your crutches down one step
- Move your strong leg onto the same step
Sizing
| Small | 37 - 46 inches |
| Medium | 45 - 53 inches |
| Large | 53 - 61 inches |