Crutch Use, Cane Use,
and Wheelchair Transfers
43CHAPTER
393
USE OF CRUTCHES
MAKING SURE THE CRUTCH FITS THE CHILD
When the child
stands, the
crutch should be
2 or 3 fingers’
width below the
armpit.
The elbow should
be bent a little
so that the child
can lift herself
up to swing her
feet
through.
IMPORTANT
Teach the child
not to ‘hang’ on
the crutches with
her weight on
her armpits.
RIGHT
RIGHT
WRONG
In time,
pressure on
the nerves
under the
arm can cause
paralysis of
the hands.
Using elbow
crutches is a
good way to keep
her from hanging
on her armpits.
(However, these
are more
difficult
to use
for some
children.)
RIGHT
For designs and measurements of different crutches, see p. 584 to 586.
Walking with crutches
TAKING STEPS
Some children
walk best by
taking steps,
one foot at a
time.
For better balance and position, move the
right crutch forward together with the left
leg, and then the left crutch together with the
right leg.
Her ‘tracks’ should look like this.
‘SWING TO’ WALKING
Many children who have
difficulty taking steps
use crutches by pulling
or swinging both feet
forward to the level
of the crutch tips.
Then they advance
the crutches and
pull themselves
forward again. This way is slow but sure.
‘SWING THROUGH’ WALKING
Although at
first they may be
afraid to try it,
many of these
children can
learn to ‘swing
through’ between
like this.
This way is fast and fun.