Hesperian Health Guides
Chapter 43: Crutch Use, Cane Use, and Wheelchair Transfers
Contents
Use of Crutches
MAKING SURE THE CRUTCH FITS THE CHILD
When the child stands, the crutch should be 2 or 3 fingers’ width below the armpit.
RIGHT
The elbow should be bent a little so that the child can lift herself up to swing her feet through.
RIGHT
See designs and measurements of different crutches.
IMPORTANT! Teach the child not to “hang” on the crutches with her weight on her armpits. |
Using elbow crutches is a good way to keep her from hanging on her armpits. (However, these are more difficult to use for some children.) |
 WRONG
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 RIGHT |
| In time, pressure on the nerves under the arm can cause paralysis of the hands. |  |
Walking with crutches
TAKING STEPS
| Some children walk best by taking steps, one foot at a time. |  |
For better balance and position, move the right crutch forward together with the left leg, and then the left crutch together with the right leg. Her “tracks” should look like this. |
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| “SWING TO” WALKING | “SWING THROUGH” WALKING | ||
| Many children who have difficulty taking steps use crutches by pulling or swinging both feet forward to the level of the crutch tips. Then they advance the crutches and pull themselves forward again. |  |
Although at first they may be afraid to try it, many of these children can learn to “swing through” between like this. |  |
| This way is slow but sure. | This way is fast and fun. | ||
This page was updated:25 Nov 2024