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?
Lv 4
? asked in HealthGeneral Health CareInjuries · 1 decade ago

How do I avoid hand pain from using crutches?

I've got torn ligaments in my foot and I'm on non weight-bearing restriction, using a walking boot and crutches. I have no problem with my armpits, but my hands are killing me. It feels like it's just hurting from pushing all my weight on my hands. Is there a way to avoid it, or do I just learn to live with it?

Also, while using the crutches, I tend to use my injured foot to push myself a little, just with my toes. The injured ligaments are up higher. Do you think that is a problem?

7 Answers

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  • 1 decade ago
    Favorite Answer

    The hand-grip on crutches is not there merely to keep the disabled patient from dropping the crutch: it carries weight, too. And crutch carrying weight is not static; it is dynamic and variable. Weight alternates between the underarms and the hands to different degrees. A variety of cloth and gel-based hand pads help to absorb much of the shock associated with hand-grip pressure.

  • ?
    Lv 4
    4 years ago

    Hand Pain From Crutches

  • Anonymous
    5 years ago

    I have been on crutches twice, and in a wheelchair once. First time crutches I was 9, and it is not a problem, it is really easy, it just goes slower, and you'll need to find a technique to open doors, getting out your wallet/cellphone/keys since both hands are busy:P Its just a little inconvenient from time to time:) But the handles you rest your hands on can give you blisters after long-term use, so use paper or foam-rubber and wrap it around the handle with tape, and it will feel softer:) Wheelchairs might seem depressing, but it is not so exhausting to get around, but they do pose other problems, like space issues, and getting up and down curves. Good luck and get well soon^^,

  • Anonymous
    1 decade ago

    Sorry about your leg. If your crutches don't have the foam hand grip pads, by all means get them and life will be more pleasant. I would avoid using your other foot just to be on the safe side. Good luck.

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  • star
    Lv 4
    1 decade ago

    ask your doc from one of those little carts. they are as wide as a leg, and you put your knee on it - it's raised to knee level - ride it like a sketcher - you can wheel all over and it's padded so it wont hurt your knee and you control it with your hands and dont put weight anywhere that isnt used to it...

  • Anonymous
    1 decade ago

    Try wearing leather gloves, they may help cushion your hands.

  • Anonymous
    1 decade ago

    crawl, that's what I did, crutches hurt

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