[Blindtlk] How do you use crutches?

[Rex Leslie Howard, Jr.]

It is interesting that no one was "legally permitted" to show you how to use
crutches. When I broke my leg the first time, at age 9, they had a little
place set up with a long bar on each side of me. They taught me how to put
my weight on my hands and move forward. You generally lift your entire body
off the ground, supporting your weight on your hands which hold on to the
hand bar of the crutches.  

I think it's kind of hard to explain how to use crutches in writing but I
think you have gotten some pretty good tips.

When you turn, especially in tight places, you make sure your crutches are
firmly planted and then you lift your body and then use your arms to turn
the crutches. I guess pivot would be a better word to use here. When it's
not a tight turn, you swing your crutches to the left or right depending on
what direction you are turning.

I don't know if I would understand what I am saying if I had not used
crutches twice in my life.

It's really something that someone should show you and then there is the
skill you will develop with experience.

-----Original Message-----
From: blindtlk-bounces at nfbnet.org [mailto:blindtlk-bounces at nfbnet.org] On
Behalf Of Debbie Wunder
Sent: Wednesday, August 31, 2011 11:00 AM
To: Blind Talk Mailing List
Subject: Re: [Blindtlk] How do you use crutches?

You might find that using a walker is easier for around your home. The
crutches are to be used in front of you, taking one step forward at a time. 
You put your hand on the small lower bar, supporting your weight on your
hands, not your arm pits. Don't put the crutches so far out in front of you,
but smalle steps. Your doctor should be able to set you up with a rehab
person such as someone who works in physical rehabilitation to show you the
proper use. You can end up injuring yourself if they are not properly used. 
Watch out for any moister on a tiled surface.

Good Luck!
----- Original Message -----
From: "Chasity Jackson" <chasityvanda at charter.net>
To: "Blind Talk Mailing List" <blindtlk at nfbnet.org>
Sent: Tuesday, August 30, 2011 6:27 PM
Subject: [Blindtlk] How do you use crutches?


> Hi Everyone,
>
> I was just curious if anyone can explain how to use crutches? I know you 
> hold them under your arm and hold the handles down below...But when do you

> put each one in front of you in conjunction to walking? Do you, for 
> instance, put the right crutch out when you step with your left foot? I 
> just had foot surgery and I am in a cast. Crutches will help me. I asked 
> my Podiatrist and the people at the surgery center to help me, but they 
> said since they weren't technically licensed to do that, they weren't 
> legally allowed to show me. Is it possible to use crutches and a cane? If 
> not, I'm not terribly worried about it. I am mainly planning to use them 
> around the house anyway to keep some of the weight off of my healing foot.

> Any tips and tricks would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.
> Chasity
>
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