Patient/caregiver was educated on features to look for on a crutch to enhance safety and comfort as follows:
- While using a crutch, choosing/adjusting the crutch to proper height is important to ensure better stability, improved safety, and fall prevention. An individual too short for the crutch is more at risk for injury to the nerve in the armpit, leading to altered sensation and poor grip in the hand. An individual too tall for the crutch cannot have a proper hold on the crutch, which can compromise the safety and lead to fall.
- Crutches usually come with adjustable markings to match up for different individuals’ height. Adjust this marking to your height and the crutch more or less should be appropriate for your use. Alternatively, stand upright against a wall wearing your regular walking shoes, with hands falling on the sides freely. You can choose a crutch or adjust the height of crutch such that the hand grip on the crutch levels up with the wrist of hand you plan to hold the crutch in. Make sure that after having the crutch in place, there is a 2 fingers width space between the top of crutch and the armpit.
- Make sure the crutch chosen can handle your weight. Check for the weight limitations allowed on the crutch. Having a most recent weight reading available can help choose the crutch that best suits your needs.
- Make sure the legs of the crutches are touching the ground evenly. Uneven crutch leg can impair the balance of the crutch and make it wobbly, which can enhance your fall risk. The leg of the crutch must be sturdy enough to support your weight.
