Walking Sticks & Crutches

The most common styles of walking sticks feature a single leg, three or four legs. Walking stick for elders and physically challenged individuals are available, with each providing various benefits.

• Finding the right height - It is important to have a cane that’s the correct length to prevent discomfort while walking. If the stick is too long, it can lead to additional strain on areas such as your shoulder or back. And a stick that is too short may cause instability when you exert your weight on it.

• The handle - Choosing an appropriately sized handle will relieve unnecessary stress on joints and must be contoured to fit the shape of your palm to relieve wrist pressure.

• Walking stick ferrules - A walking stick features a little rubber cap that is found on the bottom of the walking stick to help grip the surface of the ground. This allows you to lean your weight on your stick with confidence. It is easy to change the rubber tip and must be done regularly to ensure safety.

• Wear your daily footwear

• Stand upright as you normally would

• Allow your arms to fall to your sides naturally without locking your elbows

• With the help of measuring tape, have a family member measure the distance from your wrist bone to the ground

It is important to consult your doctor, or physiotherapist to understand how to use a crutch and what height would be most suitable. If a patient has never used a crutch, they should not do so without consulting a trained assistant or health expert.

Crutches are available in different sizes that are suitable for people with various heights. You need to make sure they are properly adjusted to match your height and fit your body. The right size along with proper crutch positioning is imperative to move around comfortably.

Every crutch requires some practice before you can use it without any discomfort while performing daily tasks.

There are several different walking patterns or “gaits” that an individual using crutches may follow.

Based on your physical condition and what will work best for you, your medical examiner will demonstrate and teach you how to walk with crutches.

Below are the common types of gait patterns that you can follow when walking with crutches –

i. Indication - This is the most commonly used pattern to offer support, when both legs are in a weakened condition. The patient makes use of two crutches and both legs for maximum stability while walking.

ii. Pattern sequence – Put the right crutch out and step forward with the left foot. Then put the left crutch out and step with your right foot. Then repeat.

i. Indication - This is used when you are unable to bear weight on an injured leg and still need the assistance of crutches. It can be used for physical conditions like fractures, pain or amputations.

ii. Pattern sequence – First move both the crutches and the weak leg forward. Then you move the injured leg while exerting your weight on the crutches and the unaffected leg.

i. Indication - This is used when you experience weakness in both legs and due to poor coordination. It can be used for physical conditions like fractures, pain or amputations. The two-point gait is known to be a difficult type of walk for a patient to get comfortable with.

ii. Pattern sequence – Left crutch and right foot together, then the right crutch and left foot together. Repeat.

iii. Swing through Gait Indication - It can be used for patients whose lower extremities (hip, thigh, knee, lower leg, ankle, and foot) are paralyzed and/or in braces.

iv. Pattern sequence – Move both the crutches forward together. Then while bearing all weight down on both crutches, move both legs forward in front of the crutches (past the crutches).

v. Swing to Gait Indication - A person with a non-weight bearing injury generally performs a "swing-to" gait: lifting the affected leg, the user places both crutches in front of himself, and then swings his uninjured leg to meet the crutches.

vi. Pattern sequence – Both the crutches are advanced forward and then while bearing all weight down on both crutches, move both the legs forward and place them beside the crutches, rather than in front of them.

If the stairs have a sturdy rail, you can use one crutch and hold the rail with the other hand.

But if there are no rails present, use the crutches normally, holding one in each hand.

When climbing upstairs, face the stairs and hold the rail with one hand. First step up with your unaffected foot, while keeping your injured foot behind you. As you take the next step with your good leg, lean on the crutches and again bring your injured foot up from behind.

If you climb up the stairs without a railing, place a crutch under each arm and bring forward your good foot, then your injured foot while exerting your weight on the crutches.

When going down the stairs

While descending the stairs, first place the crutches forward on the lower step, while putting your injured foot forward. Then move your good step, while supporting yourself with the crutches.