Walking aids Flashcards
Rationale behind walking aid provision?
Allows people with balance issues to mobilise without the assistance of a person.
Physiological effects of walking aid provision
Regain muscle strength and joint RoM as walking rather than being sedentary
What structures are affected by this treatment?
Balance & muscle
How to treat patients with walking aids
1) Introduce
2) Explain procedure & informed consent
3) safety checks of stick
4) Measure top part of crutch - elbow to radial styloid
5) Measure bottom part of crutch - radial styloid to heel (keep in mind sole of shoe) either line up crutch whilst lying on bed or measure w tape
6) coach on how to use specific piece of equipment - crutches / zimmerframe
7) Check patient is confident using aid independently
How to use a zimmer frame
1) lean bodyweight forward - nose over toes
2) feet in line w back legs of frame & under body
3) Push up off plinth for assistance and stand
4) put hands on frame and lean bodyweight through
5) move frame forward slighty
6) Putting weight through arms, hop in line with closest poles on weight bearing leg
How to stand using crutches
1) make rugby posts with crutch handles, hold together with stronger hand
2) push off plinth with other hand and stand
3) separate crutches and slide hands through
How to sit using crutches
1) Slide hand out of handles
2) Make rugby posts and hold with one hand
3) reach back to plinth with free hand and lower down onto it
How to walk with crutches - non-weight bearing
1) move crutches forward
2) Hop to level of crutches with good leg
How to walk with crutches - 4 point gait
Walk normally but bring opposite crutch in line with foot stepping forward
How to walk with crutches - Step through gait
Walk normally, move crutches in line with affected leg when it steps
Upstairs with crutches
good leg
bad leg
crutch
Downstairs with crutches
crutches
bad leg
good leg
Contraindications / precautions
Safety - only prescribe what the patient has the capability to use:
Zimmer frame then crutches then stick depending on state of balance and or function
Check equipment quality: grip on ferrels, integrity of stick (no cracks or bends)
Have an assistant to help support patient (one physio per side) for when patient initially stands
How would you document this?
Date, Time, Patient name
Explanation of procedure & gaining informed consent
Specific aid used, condition of aid & adjustment settings
Can patient independently stand with it?
Can patient independently mobilise with it?
Is patient confident?
Sign
