About the instructions
You have borrowed a set of crutches to help you get around. Do not put weight on your leg at all, even though you are using the crutches. Use the crutches for as long as necessary. The physician assesses when you can start putting weight on your leg again.
We will adjust the crutches to suit you
We will adjust the crutches to suit your height. The crutches will have to be readjusted when your bandage has been removed.
Use a shoe that fits snuggly
We recommend that you wear slip-resistant shoes on the opposite foot. The shoe should fit snuggly.
Use the crutches without putting weight on your injured leg
The crutches are to help you avoid putting weight on your injured leg:
Getting around on crutches:
- Place both crutches in front of you.
- Support your body weight on the crutches and keep your elbows close to your body.
- Use your healthy leg to jump forward.
When you go up and down stairs, hold onto the railing with one hand. Hold on to both crutches in the other hand. Hold the crutch you are not using on the outside of the other one.
Going up:
- Hold on to the railing with one hand and hold the crutches in the other.
- Keep your injured leg behind you.
- Place your weight on your arms and step up using your healthy leg.
- Finally, move the crutch up onto the step.
Remember to take only one step at a time.
Standing up and sitting down without putting weight on your injured leg
Do not put weight on your injured leg when standing up or sitting down.
Standing up:
- Move forward so you are sitting at the edge of the chair.
- Stretch the injured leg slightly forward and place your other foot just under the chair.
- Place your hands on the seat or armrests and push yourself up. Do not put any weight on the injured leg.
- Balance yourself and grab your crutches.
Return the crutches after use
When you no longer need the crutches, please return them to the hospital where you got them from.