The clinician you see will ensure the elbow crutches are the correct height for you. Forearm, or elbow crutches have a cuff that encircles your forearm and a handgrip that you hold onto. Keep the injured leg off the floor and in front of … If you have any problems with your crutches or have any queries then please contact the department in which your crutches were issued using the switchboard telephone line (01482) 875875. To stand: • You should hold both your crutches in one hand. As you transfer your weight to the toes of your affected leg, put weight through your crutches and then bring the unaffected leg level with affected leg. We know how tricky it can be to use crutches in the right way so that they help you to recover as quickly as possible. You have been provided with elbow crutches to help you walk safely whilst allowing you to protect the injured leg. The picture illustrates that the crutch handle should be just above the wrist crease, level with the prominent ulna bone. x��Zmo�� ���b��/��va���-���e�)��}pl�V�X��l��R�HɔU㰈W�8Cr���3#��T���rU���o~���j��ɷ�۲����o����rS�uQ�r�����*Β0�I�(aF�0�xJ�ޜEa�dd�|}u��y��c�$_���ϟ�ȍgʇ�02�Ґ��2N�daBNØY��f������$O�WT/�$,�� IF���dD6����o�{�3�dz|_�O���zV7(����w��뫟:����E2��V�mF,�ѽ��'��š�Y��=��|����:��7A ���V�0�������%'m�;�b��0���Y�)*E_��L�z�Q��^�x�� �g{��� c�)�6s�GW;+��n'��V��(J���}�$��+�D���X*C�&�|1g���$���y�"Eq����v1���#��"y�#�[-m�Ʋ~��~��}���&�3���fa���su Partial weight bearing (PWB) means that you can put some weight on your affected leg; you will have been advised how much by the clinician that you saw. Figure 1 – Crutches Setup Please refer to Browsealoud Supported Voices and Languages. Most models of crutches are available in adjustable lengths, ensuring they can be set for maximum comfort for the user. Please browse our complete range below. Introduction This leaflet has been produced to give you general information about how to use elbow crutches. Safe use of your elbow crutches: Elbow crutches should be used with the handle facing forwards. If appropriate you will be given metal elbow crutches. <>/Font<>/ProcSet[/PDF/Text/ImageB/ImageC/ImageI] >>/MediaBox[ 0 0 595.32 841.92] /Contents 4 0 R/Group<>/Tabs/S/StructParents 0>> walk with your crutches and to go up and down stairs. Your information may also be used to help train staff, to check the quality of our care, to manage and plan the health service, and to help with research. NHS video calling. Find out more about our specialist children's services. Easily height adjusted to suit individual needs, they are available in a variety of colours and makes. © 2020 Hull University Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, Browsealoud Supported Voices and Languages, Eliminating Mixed Sex Accommodation (EMSA), Emergency Preparedness, Resilience and Response, Care Quality Commission: Fundamental Standards, Trust Board Statement: Countering fraud and bribery in the NHS. ESR Self Service and Payslip. Please contact the issuer of the crutches if you find any signs of wear. Elbow Crutches when Weight Bearing Introduction You have recently been given elbow crutches for your own use. To ensure you do not injure your shoulders or elbows it is important you stand up and sit down following the advice below. Non-weight bearing (NWB) means you should not put any weight through the affected leg when attempting to stand, walking with the crutches or sitting down. Position the cuff one to two inches below your elbow, around the thickest part of your forearm. Consultants. For this, NHS helps patients by renting the crutches. Wherever possible we use anonymous data. There are some photographs over the page to demonstrate the process. Many of the models here are frequently prescribed by the NHS. Always use the crutches as advised by the healthcare practitioner. H��O�H��z h�uU��c1m�bc�$� ����jK���=�cY!���v�!�7. A physiotherapist will measure these and advise you on how to use them. When we give you the crutches, we will measure them so they are the right size for you. It is important to obtain crutches that are comfortable for use and are in a safe and working condition. Push down through your arms and crutches, hop or step your unaffected leg up to the crutches 3. You can translate this page by using the headphones button (bottom left) and then select the globe to change the language of the page. When you are balanced repeat from step two. What is important is that your consent is genuine or valid. It will take a little time to get used to the crutches and so it is important you try not to rush. Take the weight through the arms, and then take the good leg the normal stepping distance past the crutches. As you take weight on to the toes of the affected leg put some weight on the crutch and step the unaffected leg through. Sitting down. 3. If you have been referred on to a physiotherapy service for further assessment and treatment you can discuss any issues with the relevant physiotherapy team. Most of your questions should have been answered by this leaflet, but remember that this is only a starting point for discussion with the healthcare team. Information Leaflet NHS Foundation Trust Use of crutches Advice and safety You will either have been given elbow crutches (metal) or underarm crutches (wood). In order to make a decision, you need to have information from health professionals about the treatment or investigation which is being offered to you. Place the crutch tips one step in front of you while standing on your uninjured foot. The metal crutches cost £7.50 a pair which doesn’t seem a lot, but in the last financial year (April 2016 to the end of March 2017) 1296 of the 2224 pairs issued by A and E and plaster theatre were not returned, at a cost of £9720. endobj ?�ӓi��37��VE )̥3�-�z�K\��V�5��e�6���P�\Eх����ؚ��ak�*'l7�٭�5 9���u����_��E)R�N? The crutches should be moved one pace forward and shoulder width apart. Only use the crutches as you were instructed by the physiotherapists, Ensure you wear well fitted full shoes or slippers where able, Remove all obstacles including rugs and other trip hazards around the home, Take care when carrying bags. And the needy people can use them when they needed. 2. Hop forwards with your unaffected leg so that your body is level or just behind the crutches, Use the same technique as for NWB but instead of holding your knee bent, let the toes of your affected leg touch the floor, Stand up on the unaffected leg keeping the weight through the affected heel only. Heel weight bearing (HWB) means you can place weight through your heel only when standing, walking with crutches or sitting down. 2 0 obj Do not move your feet in front of your crutches as this can make you unsteady 5. Non-weight bearing with elbow crutches www.uhcw.nhs.uk 3 Step up Keep your injured leg off the floor, by bending your knee behind you. �Iĝ�r�~,�a�؆ �H���۬(=��RR�H���/>���Q�J)�Q��i��q�&aǒ`�{�}0g��r�c�%%���&���-^,�o���R;|�(C�Cݫ�J�"gO���p�=�V)�Z�. 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