Question | Answer |
A cane provides support and helps the client maintain; | Balance |
A can should only be used if a client needs; | Minimal support |
Using a cane: When Sizing and Holding a cane; | 1.Cane should be held on the strong side
2.Tips of cane should be 4-6 inches to the side and in front of the strong foot
3.The top of the cane should be hip joint high
4.The arms should be at a 25 degree angle |
Using a cane:When Walking with a cane; | 1.Move the cane forward approx. 8 inches and THEN move the 'affected' foot forward, parallel to the cane.
2.Move the 'strong' leg forward past the cane and weak leg
3.The weak leg and cane move together |
Common types of canes include; | 1.Single foot / standard
2.Tripod
3.Quad foot |
A walker is recommended when a client; | 1.Is slightly unstable on their feet
2.Is relearning to walk
3.Has limited weight bearing ability |
Types of walkers include; | Those with wheels and those without wheels |
Using a walker: When Sizing and Holding the walker; | 1.Hand grips should be joint hip high
2.The arms should be bent at 25 degree angle
3.Should be fitted to thier hip girth |
Using a walker: Walking with a walker; | 1.The client should lift the walker and put the back legs of walker parallel to their toes
2.The client should then shift their weight ONTO the walker and step INTO the walker |
Crutches allow the hands and arms to provide; | Support and stability |
Crutches should be adjusted to the clients height and; | Arm length |
Safety precautions when using crutches include; | 1.Wearing flat non-skid soles
2.Securing all crutch joints before use
3.Examine the crutch tips, pads, and hand grips (replace when worn)
4.Remove area rugs and obstacles in the home when using crutchs |
Using crutches: sizing | 1.Put the crutch tips 4-6 inches to the side and in front of the feet
2.The distance between axillary bars and crutch underarm rests should be 2 inches below the axialla
3.The arms should be bent at a 25 degree angle |
Using crutches: When walking with crutches; | 1.Look forward
2.Hands and arms should support the body weight NOT the underarms |
A three point crutch gait is suggested if | The client can only put their weight on one leg |
Three point Gait: | 1.Move BOTH crutches and the affected leg forward
2.Move the unaffected leg forward with weight balanced on both crutches |
Swing gait: | 1.Move BOTH crutches forward at the same time
2.Lift the body and swing in to the crutches |
Swing through gait: | 1.Move both crutches forward
2.Lift the body and swing past the crutches |
A four-point crutch gait is suggested if; | The client can put their weight on both legs |
Four-point gait: | 1.Move the right crutch forward
2.Move the left foot forward parallel to the right crutch
3.Move the left crutch forward paralle to the left foot
4.Move the right foot forward parallel to the right crutch |
A two-point crutch gait is suggested if; | The client can put their body weight on BOTH legs |
Two-point crutch gate: | 1.Move the left crutch and the right foot forward at the same time
2.Move the right crutch and the left foot forward at the same time |