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.
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