What else can you use besides crutches?
A wheelchair is convenient because you can carry objects on your lap or hold them in a bag or on a tray. It’s easy to carry around essentials from a magazine, to a TV remote, to groceries. It’s more comfortable choice for many people, compared to crutches.
What do I do if I cant use crutches?
If you do not feel steady on crutches, a walker is another option. The walker does offer more stability. If you need to go up one step with a walker you should do this backwards. Going down one step you should go forwards, leading with your walker and your injured leg.
How do people walk after non-weight bearing?
Non-Weight-Bearing Since you are not able to bear any weight on the leg, an assistive device, such as a walker or crutches, will be necessary for you to walk. When walking with your walker or crutches, keep your affected knee bent and keep your toes off the floor.
Can you use a walker for non-weight bearing?
Your physician may prescribe you a walker if you are not supposed to put any weight on your injured foot, ankle or leg. This is the non-weight bearing period of your recovery.
What happens if you put weight on a non-weight bearing foot?
Putting any weight on an operated foot or ankle can damage the repair that’s been done. Bones need time to heal. Plates or screws that may have been added during surgery need the bones to heal around them. Adding weight too soon can interrupt this important internal healing process.
What happens at 6 weeks non-weight bearing?
Skeletal muscle weakness and atrophy occur following an extended period of decreased use, including space flight and limb unloading. It is also likely that affected muscles will be susceptible to a re-loading injury when they begin return to earth or weight bearing.
How do you use crutches?
Use the crutches to help you sit. Locate a sturdy chair that won’t slide backward when you sit down. Back up to it and put both crutches in one hand, leaning on them slightly and placing your injured foot in front of you. Use the other hand to steady yourself against the chair and lower yourself into the seat.
How should crutches fit?
There is a specific way that crutches should fit you. There should be about two inches between the top of the crutches and your armpit. The arm handles should be positioned so that your arms have a significant bend (about 30 degrees). When you’re standing, the crutches should also be about six inches from your body and six inches in front of you.
What does it mean to be non weight bearing?
Non weight bearing (NWB) activity is exercise or motion you can do without supporting your own weight. For example, your weight is supported by water when you swim. NWB activities will not cause impact or strain.
How do you get crutches?
your hospital or doctor will usually issue you