Just deleting information.

__________________
My MySpace Page

To Leave Me FeedBack Click HERE

Technically, crutches aren't meant to touch the armpits. Shorten the crutches where they don't hit the armpit. It takes arm muscles to support his weight with his hands on the handholds. If that doesn't work, a wheelchair is the only solution.

I would try putting a piece of foam under the towel. That way it would be more squishy. HTHs

my ds broke his foot and was on crutches Dec/Jan. When used correctly, they should not rub the armpits - seems like using them should just 'come naturally' , but it does take instruction to use them correctly. When DS got his temporary cast the orthopedic staff measured him and gave him instructions on how to use them and made him practice while in the office.
We waited a week to go in, too - he kept swearing it was 'no big deal' so he could continue to ride/jump his bike.
I feel for you - my DS would NOT stay still either. Even with me nagging and watching him like a hawk, he managed to break 3 casts - wayyyy too much energy to stay still for 8 weeks.

Ditch the crutches and buy a walker, especially if he isn't trying to go long distances. I had knee surgery and was so unstable/uncomfortable with crutches that I quickly retired them. It is so much easier to deal with steps and stairs with a walker, I'm not sure why crutches even exist.

Crutches exist for those that aren't supposed to put their weight on a broken foot, leg or whatever. I don't think a child is going to use a walker either.

they are not made to actually go under the arms into the pits. move them down till he has to use his upper body strenght to hold himself upright on them.

__________________
·´`·.(*·.¸(`·.¸ ¸.·´)¸.·*).·´`·
«·´¨*·.¸¸. Jo ¸¸.·*¨`·»
«·´`·.(¸.·´(¸.·* *·.¸)`·.¸).·´`·»


Please leave feedback for me here.
http://www.mycoupons.com/boards/g-l/...-littlejo.html



gretchengirl@gmail.com

http://lifewithlittlejo.blogspot.com/

We had the same problem when DD broke her foot I think that the towels will help until he can use the crutches correctly!! I wish I had some more ideas to make it more cushiony!!!

From American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons

http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/fact/thr_r...?Thread_ID=164


Crutches

If an injury or surgical procedure requires you to keep your weight fof your leg or foot, you may have to use crutches. The top of your crutches should reach to 1-1 1/2 inches below your armpits while you stand up straight. The handgrips of the crutches should be even with the top of your hip line. Your elbows should bend a bit when you use the handgrips. Hold the top of the crutches tightly to your sides, and use your hands to absorb the weight. Don't let the tops of the crutches press into your armpits.

Walking: Lean forward slightly and put your crutches about one foot ahead of you. Begin your step as if you were going to use the injured foot or leg, but shift your weight to the crutches instead of the injured foot. Your body swings forward between the crutches. Finish the step normally with your non-injured leg. When the non-injured leg is on the ground, move your crutches ahead in preparation for the next step. Keep focused on where you are walking, not on your feet.

Sitting: Back up to a sturdy chair. Put your injured foot in front of you and both crutches in one hand. Use the other hand to feel for the seat of your chair. Slowly lower yourself into it. Lean your crutches upside down in a handy location. (Crutches tend to fall over when they are stood on their tips.) To stand up, inch yourself to the front of the chair. Hold both crutches in the hand on your good leg side. Push yourself up and stand on the good leg.

Stairs: To walk up and down stairs with crutches, you need to be both strong and flexible. Facing the stairway, hold the handrail with one hand and tuck both crutches under your armpit on the other side. When you're going up, lead with your good foot, keeping the injured foot raised behind you. When you're going down, hold your injured foot up in front, and hop down each stair on your good foot. Take it one step at a time. You may want someone to help you, at least at first. If you're facing a stairway with no handrails, use the crutches under both arms and hop up or down each step on your good leg, using more strength. An easier way is to sit on the stairs and inch yourself up and down each step. Start by sitting on the lowest stair with your injured leg out in front. Hold both crutches flat against the stairs in your opposite hand. Scoot your bottom up to the next step, using your free hand and good leg for support. Face the same direction when you go down the stairs this way.

__________________
Maria
riagraz1964@optonline.net

Just deleting information.

__________________
My MySpace Page

To Leave Me FeedBack Click HERE

I am a licensed fitter for orthotic devices. put the tip of the crutch next to the outside center of his foot. Lean the crutch slightly so it lands on his chest wall about two finger widths below his arm pit. That is the correct height. He should have to round his shoulders slightly to use the crutches, but not bend at the back. The many glands in the underamrs are very sensitive. If he injures those by leaning on the crutches with his arm pits, the broken bone in his foot will be nothing compared to injured glands. When he takes a step, the weight of his body should be on his arms, down to his hands and the hand grips of the crutch. The hand grips need to be adjusted to be about even with his waist. He should have a bend in the elbow when gripping the hand grips. This will give him the leverage he needs to move.