EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT ASSISTIVE DEVICES By:Vanessa Niemeyer, PT, DPT
CRUTCHES:
How to Properly Fit
The amount of space between the top of your crutch and your armpit should be about 2 finger widths
When standing upright, the hand grips of your crutches should align with the crease of your wrist
The bottom of your crutches should be slightly more than shoulder width apart
How to Properly Use
There should be a slight bend in your elbow as you grip your crutches
Use your arms to accept your weight
Follow your restrictions from your physician
Such as: non weight bearing (no weight allowed through your involved leg)
Such as: weight bearing as tolerated (you are allowed to put your weight through your involved leg, as long as it is bearable)
Two crutches must be utilized if you are non - weight bearing and/ or you have weight bearing restrictions
One crutch may be utilized once it is appropriate to progress to a normal gait
This crutch would belong and the opposite side of your injury (i.e - with a right ankle injury, the crutch would be used on your left side)
Do’s and Don’ts
Do not absorb all of your body weight through your armpits
Do make sure your crutches have a rubber grip
Do not use crutches if you feel faint/ dizzy/ drowsy
Do follow your restrictions
Do consult a physical therapist (or appropriate health care provider) with questions/ concerns
Do ensure the crutches are sturdy and safe before each and every step
Safety first
CANE:
How to Properly Fit
The cane belongs on the opposite side of your injury (i.e - with left knee pain, put your cane in your right hand)
If you are using the cane due to weakness, put the cane on the opposite side of your weaker leg
When standing upright, the hand grip of your cane should align with the crease of your wrist
There should be a slight bend in your elbow as you grip your cane
Quad Canes are available - which have 4 tips and increase your base of support
The same rules apply, with the addition of ensuring the base is appropriately rotated
How to Properly Use
Use your arm to help take some of the load off of your leg
Keep the cane slightly in front of you and slightly to your side
Putting the cane directly in front of you increases your fall risk
As you step forward with your injured leg, move the cane forward
As you step forward with your “healthy” leg, use the cane to help you put weight through your injured leg
Do’s and Don’ts
Do make sure you have a rubber grip with tread
Do not switch from a walker to a cane unless you are stable
A physical therapist can help you determine whether or not this is appropriate
Do use to steady yourself
Do ensure that your cane is sturdy and safe prior to each and every step
Do not use a cane if you are non weight bearing, it is not appropriate
Do use the device that is prescribed to you by your physical therapist and/ or physician
Safety first
WALKER
How to Properly Fit
When standing upright, the hand grips of your walker should align with the creases of your wrists
There should be a slight bend in your elbow as your grip your walker
Be sure to stand upright, and avoid folding forward
How to Properly Use
Firmly grip your walker utilizing both hand grips
Do not grip the walker in any other location
Remain inside of your walker
The walker should not be in front of you
At all times, including: walking forward, backing up to sit and turning the corner
Make sure all four legs of the walker are firmly on the ground
When standing on your weaker leg, use the walker to help you decrease the amount of weight going through the weaker leg
Do’s and Don’ts
Do not walk with your walker out in front of you (remain inside of your walker)
Do not pull up on your walker when you move from a sitting to a standing position
Stand up and then grab your walker
At least one hand should be pushing off from the surface in which you were sitting
Do lock your brakes (if present) before you sit and as you stand
Unlock the brakes when you are walking
Do ensure that all 4 legs are leveled and firmly on the ground at all times
WHEELCHAIR
How to Properly Fit
Sit upright and avoid shifting to one side
Your hips, knees, and ankles should all be aligned to 90 degrees
Your knees should not be above or below your hips
The backside of your thigh should not be digging in to the edge of your seat
Hips should be all the way back (touching the back of the chair)
How to Properly Use
Brakes are to be locked unless you are utilizing your wheelchair to get from point A to point B.
Brakes should be locked when getting into and out of your wheelchair.
To go straight - use both arms to pull forward
To turn right, hold the right wheel handle still and pull the left wheel forward
To turn left, hold the left wheel still, and pull the right wheel forward.
To go backwards - use both arms and pull backwards
When you are being assisted in your wheelchair, put your feet on the foot rests to avoid injury
Do’s and Don’ts
Do not get out of your wheelchair without locking your brakes
Do not get into your wheelchair without locking your brakes
Do use your foot rests when someone is assisting you in getting from point A to point B
Do reposition every 20 minutes to prevent skin breakdown
Do check to ensure that you are not having any skin breakdown
Bony areas are the most vulnerable
Do continue to remain active
Perform activities that are safe for you to do
Do remember safety first.
FINAL THOUGHTS:
Safety is and will always be the number one priority. Please be safe about the assistive device you are utilizing. If you have any questions/ concerns, please call your physical therapist and/ or appropriate health care provider. This is in no way a tool to determine which assistive device you should be using. The purpose of this is to provide you with information about how to fit a device and how to be safe with a device that you may be utilizing. Physical therapists are qualified to help you find the best device for YOU and your individual needs.