Correct use of crutches
Update:06-05-2022
Summary:Through daily work observation, among the patients with lower extremity dysfunction, there are quite a few people who have not been able to master the...
Through daily work observation, among the patients with lower extremity dysfunction, there are quite a few people who have not been able to master the correct crutching method due to various reasons. As a strong support for the lower limbs, the crutches have not been able to play a sufficient role, so that the patients cannot be reliably protected, nor can they master the correct gait as soon as possible, and it also appears to be "unprofessional" in rehabilitation work.
The significance of using crutches correctly is as follows: 1. To support and protect the affected limb to the greatest extent; 2. To promote the recovery of normal gait as soon as possible; 3. To ensure that the upper limbs are not injured during crutches; 4. To standardize the rehabilitation process.
When using Aluminum walking stick, the word "frame crutches" is often mentioned. In fact, this statement is wrong, and the correct statement should be "support crutches". Before using the crutches, the crutches should be adjusted to the correct height first. The specific method is: stand the crutches on the side of the body, and the top of the crutches is 3-5 cm away from the armpit (to avoid the weight on the crutches when crutches are used. nerve), the arm hangs naturally, and the armrest height is located at the transverse crease of the wrist (i.e. the junction of the palm and forearm). At this time, the forearm flexor and wrist extensor muscles are used to maintain the neutral position of the wrist joint at the same time (to avoid the wrist joint in the dorsal extension position bearing heavy injury and the triangular cartilage disc), and then the muscles of the upper limbs work together to support the body to achieve support. .
According to the different forms and degrees of injury of the patient, the use of crutches is mainly divided into the following categories: if the patient's lower extremity is injured, part of the weight-bearing is restricted, and a single crutch is used, together with the healthy and affected limbs, a total of "three points" to support the weight, and complete the walk. process. If the patient's lower extremity is injured, the weight-bearing is completely limited, and the walking process is completed by using double crutches and supporting the weight at "three points" with the unaffected limb. If the patient has bilateral lower extremity injuries, the weight-bearing is partially restricted, and the walking process is completed by using double crutches, together with the bilateral affected limbs, to support the weight in a total of "four points". If both affected limbs are completely weight-bearing, there is no way but to ask for a wheelchair.
When the patient's lower extremity is injured and the load is completely limited, the patient should use crutches to support the body weight, and the affected limb should be suspended in the air to complete the walking process. At this time, the crutches should move in the same amplitude and synchronously with the affected limb. Flexion and extension in the gait to maintain normal gait habits while supporting body weight.
When patients with bilateral lower extremity injuries were partially limited in weight bearing, the walking process was completed by using double crutches to support the weight. At this time, according to the normal sequence of "turn left to the right leg" and "turn the left leg to the right", the crutches are extended alternately with the lower limbs at the same amplitude, respectively, to achieve the protection of the limbs with a larger stable area. At this time, the gait is completely in line with ordinary people's habits. Although there are high requirements for the coordination of the upper and lower limbs of the patient, it should not be a problem to master it freely through careful teaching.
