Correct fit: walking stick
A walking stick should be fitted to the stronger side of the body. This is the side it will be used on, so that the person can shift their weight off the painful or weak side.
Remember Nguyen?
She had a stroke which caused muscle weakness on her right side. In the last lesson, we selected a stick for her to use when she is out in the community.
Nguyen should use the stick on her left, stronger side. She has her shoulders relaxed, her elbow is slightly bent, and the handgrip is at the level of her wrist.
Watch the video to see how to adjust and fit a walking stick.
Correct fit: elbow crutches
The top of the forearm cuff should fit two finger widths below the elbow joint.
The handgrip should be level with the wrist.
Do not provide an elbow crutch that places pressure on the elbow joint. This could cause discomfort and possibly injury.
Watch the video to see how to adjust and fit elbow crutches.
Question
Many elbow crutches do not have an adjustable forearm cuff section. This includes the crutch in the video you just watched.
What can you do if you are fitting an elbow crutch with a fixed cuff that cannot be adjusted, and the cuff is putting pressure on the elbow joint?
Try a different style or size of forearm crutch.
Correct fit: axilla crutches
The top of the underarm pad should be three finger widths below the person’s armpit.
The handgrip should be level with the wrist.
Always be adjust the underarm pad first, before the handgrip.
Watch the video to see how to adjust axilla crutches.
Question
In the video, why was the underarm pad adjusted first?
The underarm pad was adjusted first because when the underarm pad is adjusted, the handgrip level also changes.
When the underarm pad is in the correct position then the handgrip level can be changed without affecting the height of the underarm pad.
Always adjust the underarm pad before adjusting the handgrip.
Always make sure the underarm pad is clear of the person’s armpits and that the padding is in good condition.
Activity
With another person, practise fitting walking sticks and crutches to the correct size.