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If you have sustained an injury to your lower limb you may have been issued with crutches. Please watch the video and read the advice below for a step by step guide on how to check the height of your crutches and how to use them.
Height
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Rest your arm by your side. Hold your crutch next to your arm - you may need to ask someone to help. The handle of the crutch should be in line with your wrist. To adjust the crutch, push the pins in and slide the crutch to the correct height. |
Safety
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If the rings are worn away, it needs replacing. You can contact our team to arrange this. If your crutches are damaged in any way, contact our team. |
To stand
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Hold both crutches in one hand in a 'H' shape, place your other hand on the arm of the chair. Push up from the chair to stand up. Once standing, put your hands into the crutches ready to walk. Place the crutches in front of you to maintain your balance. |
To sit
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Take both your arms out of the crutches before sitting down. Place both crutches in one hand in a 'H' shape. Feel for the arm of the chair with the other hand. Sit down gently. |
To walk - if you are allowed to put weight through your injured leg:
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Place both crutches forwards in front of you, just wider than hip width apart. Step your injured foot forwards between the crutches. Take the weight through your arms and leg to step forwards with your good leg. Put both crutches forwards and repeat. |
To walk - if you are NOT allowed to put weight through your injured leg:
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Put both crutches forwards in front of you, just wider than hip width apart. Keep the injured leg off the ground. Take your weight onto your hands. Hop forwards on your good leg to land between the crutches. |
When you no longer need your crutches they can be returned to the Fracture Clinic or A&E.