BOPDHB Patient Resources Hip and Knee joint replacement book - June 2016 | Page 70

Knee exercises Getting around Standing and sitting with crutches Do not stand up or sit down with your hands through the crutches. Place your crutches together to make an “H” shape. Hold the handles of your crutches together with your operated side hand and place your other hand on the arm of your chair or on the edge of your bed. Push up from the bed / chair and your un-operated leg to stand up. Once standing, place one arm into one of the crutches and hold onto the other crutch as you put your other hand in it. Then bring your crutches out to each side. To sit, reverse this procedure remembering to put your operated leg out in front of you when you sit. Walking with crutches / frame Stand up straight and keep your head up. To take a step: • take both crutches forward first • step forward with your affected leg and take the weight through your arms • step forward with your good leg. Walk with your feet pointing straight ahead — try not to let your affected leg turn out to the side. Turning — do not pivot or swivel on a fixed leg, but lift feet up and take small steps. 68