Medical Equipment Instructions Gotham Footcare

Sizing Crutches

Even if you have already been fitted for crutches, please confirm that your crutch pads and hand grips are set properly at the distance below:

• Crutch pad distance: The crutch pads (tops of crutches) should be approximately two finger widths (1½" to 2") below the armpits, with the shoulders relaxed.
• Handgrip: Grab the hand grips so your elbows are slightly bent enough that you can fully extend your elbow when you take a step.
• Crutch length (top to bottom): The total crutch length should equal the distance from your armpit to about 6" in front of a shoe

Positioning

Begin in the Tripod Position

The tripod position is the position in which you stand and begin walking when using crutches. To get into the tripod position, place the tips of your crutches about 4" to 6" in front and to the side of each foot as you stand on your weight bearing (good) foot.

Ambulation

Ambulating with crutches requires that you have sufficient upper-body strength to support all your weight with just your arms and shoulders.

1. Begin in the tripod position, remembering to maintain all your weight onto your weight bearing (good) foot.
2. Advance both crutches forward.
3. Move the weight bearing foot/leg forward beyond the crutches.
4. Advance both crutches and then the affected lower extremity forward.
5. Repeat Steps 3 and 4.

Managing Chairs with Crutches

1. Make sure the chair is stable, will not slide or roll, and has both arm and back support.
2. Stand with the backs of your legs touching the front of the seat.
3. Grasp the handgrips of both crutches in one hand.
4. Hold onto both crutches with one hand and the chair arm with the other hand for balance and stability as you lower or raise yourself from the chair.

Managing Stairs without Crutches

The safest way to go up and down stairs is to use your seat, not your crutches.

To go up stairs

1. Sit on a low step.
2. Move your crutches upstairs by placing them at the top of the staircase if possible or move them up as you progress up the stairs.
3. In the seated position, reach behind you with both arms and lift yourself up one step using your arms and weight bearing foot/leg. Repeat this process one step at a time.

To go down stairs

1. Sit on the top step.
2. Move your crutches downstairs by sliding them to the lowest possible point on the staircase or move them down as you progress down the stairs.
3. In the seated position, reach behind you with both arms and lift yourself down one step using your arms and weight bearing foot/leg. Repeat this process one step at a time.

IMPORTANT!

Follow These Rules for Safety and Comfort

1. Do not look down as you walk! Walk straight ahead as you normally do when you walk.
2. Do not use crutches if you feel drowsy or dizzy.
3. Do not walk on slippery surfaces including snowy, icy or rainy conditions.
4. Do not place any weight on the affected foot unless you are directed otherwise by your doctor.
5. Do make sure your crutches have rubber tips.
6. Do wear appropriately fitting low-heel shoes on your weight bearing extremity.
7. Do position the crutch hand grips correctly as noted above.
8. Do keep the crutch pads 1½" to 2" below your armpits.
9. Do call Gotham Footcare at (212) 921-7900 if you have any questions or difficulties.

1

Place your foot and leg into the night splint. Secure the foot and ankle straps and adjust them for comfort.

2

Extend knee to check tightness of ankle and foot straps and adjust as needed. If numbness, tingling, or other discomfort is experienced, loosen the straps.

3

Gradually adjust the dorsiflexion assist straps located on the sides of the boot until you feel a stretch in your plantar fascia and achilles tendon and secure them onto the splint. DO NOT WALK WITH YOUR SPLINT!

1

Remove the inner liner from the Cam Walker boot.

2

Open the liner and place the foot inside with the heel fitting comfortably into the back portion of the liner. Secure lower strap across foot and upper strap across leg. Make sure the pump is facing forward.

3

Gently spread side struts of boot and insert lower leg.

4

The ankle should be centered with the foot at 90 degrees.

5

Secure the boot onto the leg with the velcro straps beginning at the foot and moving up the leg.

6

To inflate the air liner press and release.the center air button until the liner provides a comfortable cushion and support. Do not over inflate. To deflate the air liner, press down on the small circular button.

7

To remove, first deflate the air liner and unfasten the boot straps. Unfasten the liner and gently bring foot and ankle out of the boot.

Place heel in round opening.

First secure the lower strap across the foot and then the upper strap across the leg.

Criss-cross tension straps for a tight, comfortable fit.