Carrying food from the kitchen to your bedroom or living room can be a major hassle when you're on crutches. If you don't have someone around to help you, try this simple technique which can allow you to move relatively freely whilst holding certain types of food.
This method allows you to move the crutch forward whilst holding a plate of food. Simply hook your little finger around the crutch, allowing for you to move the crutch forward whilst holding something with your other four fingers. Obviously, your body weight is not on this hand, but goes onto your armpit on that side. For some, this extra pressure on their arm pit may feel a little uncomfortable. However, for me this was no issue, and this technique made carrying food quite easy.
Try this technique and see if it works for you. Obviously it has its limitations, with it being difficult to carry large plates loaded up with food. When I was new to crutches, I would hold the plate and use my body to swing the crutch forward. It took me a week to figure this out.
If you're looking for something to help you carry drinks and other random items, maybe take a look around for special crutch pouches which come in a variety of sizes to make life a little easier.
If you've recently injured yourself badly enough to require crutches, you're probably realizing how difficult life on crutches can be. Awkwardness, soreness and an inability to carry out the most simple of tasks can be hard to deal with for the newbie. Your first time on crutches will coincide with pain, loss of independence and lifestyle. However, it gets better, so relax and don't let the initial difficulties get you down.
Don't stress too much during your first few days
A number of adjustments will take place during your first few days of using crutches. One major adjustment which allowed me to cope was simply getting used to moving at a slower pace. At first, I found it extremely frustrating, and struggled to tolerate the pace at which I was able to do simple things, such as go to the toilet or make a sandwich. However, those feelings fade to an extent, leaving you less aware of how slow you're going. Your brain becomes used to it.
Learning simple tricks and better methods
The first days on crutches are also the most difficult as you haven't yet figured out the most efficient and comfortable ways of getting things done.
The above is an example of something you'd probably never think to do. Although this is taking it a bit far, there are people who've tried this. My point is that as you use crutches, you figure little things out which makes life a little easier.
You may slightly modify the setup of your living room or you may learn positions, angles to do minor tasks. For example, I had a rather stupid habit of trying to reach into the fridge whilst standing on both crutches. This left me straining and leaning in awkwardly and I was mostly unable to reach anything in the fridge. Surprisingly, It took me a while to get to the point where I'd lean a crutch on the wall before I opened the fridge.
The smallest things can be a big deal
The most minor of obstacles can cause you to either fall, or stumble, potentially worsening your injury or even causing another injury. When you're new to crutches, you likely haven't begun doing the important little things, such as keeping your bedroom floor clear, or removing rugs or other obstacles that can be either annoying or dangerous. As you realize what needs to be changed in your home to make hobbling safer and easier, you'll find that getting around is less of a hassle.
Also, it's a good idea to identify the things that require you to reach or lean awkwardly and have them moved to where you can easily access them.
Soreness
If you have armpit soreness, do a simple search online for special padding you can get for your crutches. There's both armpit and also hand padding.
Overall, you will get used to crutches, and will develop your own ways of doing things more efficiently.
What are some of the positive impacts?
The pain and inability to move quickly will give you a new appreciation for the struggles experienced every day by disabled people, such as those with Cerebral Pausly. The permanently disabled have to commit themselves to struggles with discomfort and loss of independence that you will struggle to cope with for relatively short period of time. Your temporary stay in their world will leave you with more empathy for those whose mobility is affected by age or disability. You will also be left with a greater feeling of humility and an appreciation of the smaller things in life, such as carrying a sandwich and a glass of water from your kitchen to your living room.
They start conversations
It can also slightly restore your faith in humanity, when you realize how many random people will make a bit of effort to help you out. Whether its holding a door open for you, or offering to carry your items in a store, people are actually quite helpful. Also, people
want to know what happened, so being on crutches can be a good conversation starter. It's rare to have these kinds of encounters with strangers in everyday life.
When you're new to crutches, you
may mistakenly get the impression that your lack of ability to use your
hands means that you have to get wet. Rather than resigning yourself to
a life of getting drenched, take a look at these options which allow
for hands free use of an umbrella.
I'm going to show you 2 different options for keeping dry on crutches.
Firstly, here is an option that is essentially an umbrella hat.
I think most people would agree that they'd feel a little funny wearing one of these. However, they are completely hands-free, and are effective with an unfolded width of 32 " (82cm). These are designed to fit securely to your head and are often used by golfers, fisherman and hunters. This could be an option worth considering. If you're looking for a proper umbrella which can be used without hands, please continue reading as the next product to be discussed will suit you perfectly
This hat is available on Amazon
This cleverly designed over-the-shoulder umbrella holder is designed to carry all types of umbrellas and is made from lightweight durable nylon material. It comes with a very handy pouch, which is large enough to carry items such as bottles of water or other similar sized objects that can be difficult to carry when hobbling along on crutches. For people on crutches, any extra help with carrying things is often very much needed. The pocket size is ample, with measurements 9" by 9.5".
This product is available on Amazon
Using crutches already adds several levels of discomfort and inconvenience to your life. Sore armpits, sore wrists, slow movement and an inability to carry simple objects can take their toll on people who are already struggling with pain and sleep deprivation. Being wet and cold is the last thing you need when struggling to get around.
Many people are lucky enough to be able to relax and recover at home, having their shopping delivered and errands taken care of. However, if you're not one of these people, and still have to get out and about to take care of yourself, then this umbrella may be worth considering. This is especially the case for those who live in wet climates.
