How do you make crutches not hurt?

Question

I jsut broke my leg, and I Have to be on crutches for awhile. Does anyone know how to make them not hurt you armpits and arms as much?

Answer 1

I know where you're coming from.I've been off crutches for just over a week after being on them for a month!

Tips:

1. Make sure that the crutches are adjusted right.They should be about 2-3 inches under your armpits,and when you put your arms at your sides,the hand grips should be even with your wrists.
2. Take breaks often.After a couple weeks you'll need to take them less and less,but until you build up your arm muscles,you'll need them.
3. Don't try to move too far in one step.If you do,you'll probably end up falling.Once you're more used to crutches you can move more in one step,and also faster,but for now go slow and small.
4. Buy some gauze rolls and wrap them around the armpit pads and the handles.To prevent them from fraying,put some medical tape over it (the paper kind).You'll have to change these every couple of weeks,but they make it really comfy.
5. Make sure to keep your hands moisturized!This helps prevent the rubbing on them.
6. If your hands are really hurting,consider investing in a pair of cycling gloves.They make it more comfortable,and create less friction of your hands.
7. Sit down as much as you can.
8. Ice often,and ice everything.Since you're in a cast,you can't really ice that ankle/foot,but ice the "good" one.
9. Invest in a pair of arch supports/orthotic insoles to put in the shoe of your good foot.It will make things more comfortable,and also make it less likely that you injure that side.
10.Carry around a water bottle with you (a Nalgene type,you know,with the looped handle).This will become one of your favorite things because it allows you to get drinks fairly easily and not have to worry about doing it while only holding one crutch in your hand and squeezing the other (yes,it can be done,that is how I always got food).
11.Small bags with handles are also great for carrying things around.

Hope that helps!

Answer 2

How To Make Crutches

Answer 3

If they are fitted properly, they won't be in your armpit.

This was offered by Carrie to a similar question...
I injured my knee, and have been on crutches for about 4 days now. I have realized that thick shirts or covering the armpit rest with an old facecloth works. Also, try lowering them and using your arms more to push yourself when you walk it helps a lot.
Your crutches should be 3 finger widths down from your armpits and you should have the hand things at wrist level when your arms are straight down. You are supposed to use your arms mostly, not your armpits. This is what the nurse told me in the hospital when she was setting mine for me.

Answer 4

I feel your pain as they say. When I had to be on crutches a long time I got those kind that just go up to the lower arm, like people with polio have. Or like Timmy on South Park. No pain, but I did not think they were cool. I was in college at the time.

Answer 5

Oh do I ever feel for you. Makes sure the nurse or doctor has fitted them to you height correctly. I took rubber foam (you can buy in squares at yardage supplies) and memory foam may be another option now days. Fold it on the top and the hand parts, and wrap very securely (I used bandage tape). You really have to secure it good on the hand parts or it will spin. That should help with the abrasion it causes. It takes a good while for your arms to build up those muscles you need to lift yourself. Use them as little as you can and build slowly, use carts and wheelchairs whenever possible. You can also get a temporary handicap placard from the DMV to help. I wish you a quick recovery-those are so miserable!!!

Answer 6

Ugh... I am suffering with you too!! Got my leg amputated almost 4 weeks ago... and I dont want to use a wheelchair because I need to get up and going! cant wait to get my prosthetic!!!!! 5 more days... then even more work!:( ttyl wow... didnt really answer the question... lol make sure you can fit 3-4 fingers between the crutch padding and the armpit... you can cut off the circulation!! not good... good luck

Answer 7

I know your pain crutches suck... i was told to use them but I didn't because they made my shoulders hurt. later on I had to use them because my knee was so bad I couldn't put weight on it. put some sort of padding on the part that goes under your shoulder it helps some.

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Answer 8

duct tape washclothes to them. I too am on crutches, and so are 4 other people i know, most of them say it helps, but my parents won't let me. I hope it helps you!

Answer 9

dont put them in your armpits thats the worst thing to do, thats what i did and i ended up having a rash there for 2 yrs. the best thing is use dish towels. they soak up sweat and provides padding

Answer 10

You should push yourself more up so that your armpits don't hurt that much. I hope that helped! :)