Documente Academic
Documente Profesional
Documente Cultură
GROUP 2
Oblimar, Earl
Oliveros, Oliver
Olivo, Lenjen
Ompoc, kin
Indication:
The person walks with the frame surrounding their front
and sides and their hands provide additional support by
holding on to the top of the sides of the frame. Traditionally, a
walker is picked up and placed a short distance ahead of the
user. The user then walks to it and repeats the process. With the
use of wheels and glides, the user may push the walker ahead
as opposed to picking it up. This makes for easier use of the
walker, as it does not require the user to use their arms to lift
the walker. This is beneficial for those with little arm strength.
A walker is a good tool for those who are recuperating
from leg or back injuries. It is also commonly used by persons
having problems with walking or with mild balance problems.
Also related is a hemi-walker, a walker about half the size
of a traditional walker which is intended for use by persons
whose dexterity is limited or non-existent in one hand or arm.
These walkers are more stable than a quad cane (a cane with
four points that touch the ground, as opposed to one), but are
not recommended as highly as a traditional walker for those
who can use it.
A cane (or walking stick) is a simple crutch
used as a mobility aid by an injured or disabled
person. A cane can serve several different
functions as appropriate to the needs of the
individual user; it can aid balance, it can
support a weakened or painful limb or joint,
and it can aid in sensing the environment.
Users may use either a single cane, usually in
the hand opposite the affected limb, or may use
one in each hand where greater support is
needed or both legs are affected.
Parts of medical canes:
Handle -The handle of a cane is extremely important to the user. Many different styles
exist, the most common traditional designs are the Tourist, or crook handle, the Fritz
Handle and the Derby Handle. Ergonomically shaped handles have become
increasingly common for canes intended for medical use, both increasing the comfort
of the grip for the user (particularly important for those users with disabilities which
also affect their hands or wrists), and better transmitting the load from the user's
hand and arm into the shaft.
Collar- The collar of a cane may be only a decorative addition made for stylistic
reasons, or may form the structural interface between shaft and handle.
Shaft -The shaft of the cane transmits the load from the handle to the ferrule and may
be constructed from carbon fiber polymer, metal, composites, or traditional wood.
Ferrule -The tip of a cane provides traction and added support when the cane is used
at an angle. Many kinds of ferrules exist, but most common is a simple, ridged rubber
stopper. Users can easily replace a ferrule with one that better suits their individual
needs.
The degree to which crutches should be used to reduce weight bearing forces
varies from injury to injury. In some conditions, no weight should be placed
through the affected region for a period of time. In these instances, full body
weight should be placed through the crutches. This should be guided by your
physiotherapist and is generally reserved for fractures or during the first few days
following severe sprains and strains of the lower limb. In most injuries, however,
some weight bearing force placed through the affected region is beneficial, with
the remaining bodyweight placed through the crutches.
As a general rule, when using crutches, weight should be taken off the affected
limb so walking is pain-free and does not cause you to limp. If you experience
pain with rest after walking with crutches, or the following morning after walking
with crutches, then you have been putting too much weight through your injured
leg. In these instances, it is advisable to place more weight through the crutches to
prevent soreness with rest or the following morning.
Crutch pad distance from armpits – the
crutch pad (top of the crutches) should
be 1.5” to 2” below the armpits, with
shoulder relaxed.
Handgrip – place it so your elbow is
flexed about 15 to 30 degrees – enough
so you can fully extend your elbow
when you take a step.
Going up:
Step up with the strong leg and weight should be on the
hand grip. The weak/ operated leg follows.
Put no weight on the weak leg
The crutches are brought up last. If presence of cast be
sure your toes clear the steps before proceeding the next
step.
Going down:
Swing to gait:
Indicated with patients have weakness of both lower extremities.
Advance both crutches, swing the body so that the feet will be to
the level of the crutches
Important rules for safety and comfort:
An antique wheelchair