Walking Aids

Question 1

Measuring the walking aid

Answer 1

Crutches: When stood up, measure from ball on the wrist down to the floor, about 15cm from the side of the foot. Make sure when try the crutches, the crease of hand lays just below handle.

Walking stick: Same as before. If wooden walking stick, deduct 1cm

Zimmer frame: Elbows should be at 15 degrees.

Question 2

Safety check!!!

Answer 2

• > condition of ferrules
• > condition of metal struts
• > crutch pegs fully engaged
• > handgrips
• > securing bolts and screws
• > stability of aid on weight bearing (try yourself)

-> also assess the area for spillage or shoes

Question 3

Sit to stand

Answer 3

The patient should create a H shape with the crutches in the dominant hand.
The patient would the push up from the chair with the other hand and take some weight on injured leg (PWB) or none on injured leg (NWB).
Then once standing and well balanced, transfer one crutch from dominant hand to the other, and place slightly out in front to aid balance.

Question 4

Stand to sit

Answer 4

The bed/chair should be close and directly behind the patient.
The patient should transfer one crutch to the dominant hand and create the H shape with the crutches, then feel behind for the bed/chair.
Patient uses the bed/chair to slowly lower themselves down.

Question 5

Step-to gait (PWB)

Answer 5

Both crutches forward with standing, then move other foot in line.

Question 6

Step-through gait (PWB)

Answer 6

Both crutches forward with standing, and swing through past line of the crutches.

Question 7

Swing-to gait (NWB)

Answer 7

Put cutches forward and then follow through up to the line with the standing leg

Question 8

Swing-through gait (NWB)

Answer 8

Put crutches forward and then swing through past the line of crutches with the standing leg

Question 9

Walking stick gait

Answer 9

Would usually use step-to gait and then progress to step-through gait

Question 10

Zimmer frame gait

Answer 10

Move zimmer frame forward and then move injured leg forward (PWB) or hop towards zimmer (NWB), first before following up with non-injured leg.
Caution -> hopping too close can make patient unstable.

Question 11

Opening doors with crutches

Answer 11

Get to a close distance from the door, set up the H with the crutches.
Pull the door open and then use crutch in the hand closest the door to wedge it open.
Then re-put the crutches in the hands and proceed through the door, may need to use backside to keep door open.

Question 12

Ascending stairs (with banister)

Answer 12

Move alongside the banister and pick up the crutch up and place perpendicular to crutch in other hand.
Place non-injured leg up the first step and then brings up the injured leg and crutch afterwards

Question 13

Ascending stairs (without banister)

Answer 13

Remain with both crutches in hands. Place non-injured leg up the first step and then brings up the injured leg and crutches afterwards.

Question 14

Descending steps (with banister)

Answer 14

Approach banister and bring crutch from hand close to the banister into the other hand in a cross position.
Place the crutch down the first stair and then the injured leg but apply more pressure through the crutch. Then follow through with the non-injured leg.

Question 15

Descending stairs (without banister)

Answer 15

Remain with both crutches in hands.
Place the crutches down the first stair and then the injured leg but apply more pressure through the crutches. Then follow through with the non-injured leg.