Safe Mobility After Surgery: A Guide to Using Walkers and Crutches at Home

Recovery from surgery often requires temporary mobility aids like walkers or crutches. Knowing how to use these tools properly isn’t just about convenience—it’s about preventing falls and ensuring your recovery stays on track. As Chicago’s premier private nursing service, we’ve helped countless clients navigate their homes safely after surgery. Here’s our expert guide to using walkers and crutches with confidence.

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Choosing the Right Mobility Aid

Your surgeon or physical therapist will recommend the appropriate device based on:

• Type of surgery
• Weight-bearing restrictions
• Your overall strength and balance
• Home environment

It’s crucial to use exactly what’s prescribed—using the wrong mobility aid can lead to falls or improper healing.

Walker Basics: Moving Safely Through Your Home

Proper Walker Height

A properly fitted walker should:

• Allow your elbows to bend at approximately 15-20 degrees when standing upright
• Position the handgrips at the level of your wrist crease when your arms hang at your sides
• Let you stand with good posture, not leaning forward or hunching

Walking Technique

1. Position the walker about arm’s length in front of you
2. Step into the walker with your weaker leg first
3. Push down on the handgrips for support as you bring your stronger leg forward
4. Move the walker forward and repeat

Navigating Tight Spaces

• Remove throw rugs and clear pathways before surgery
• Consider rearranging furniture temporarily to create wider pathways
• In very narrow spaces, turn the walker sideways and step sideways through the space

Mastering Crutches: The Fundamentals

Proper Crutch Fit

Properly fitted crutches should:

• Have 1-2 inches of space between your armpit and the top of the crutch
• Allow your elbows to bend slightly (30 degrees) when holding the handgrips
• Have handgrips positioned at wrist level when arms hang at your sides

Basic Crutch Walking

For non-weight bearing (when you cannot put any weight on one leg):

1. Position crutches forward about 6-8 inches
2. Lean into the crutches using your hands and arms (not your armpits)
3. Swing your body through and past the crutches
4. Repeat the process, maintaining a steady rhythm

For partial weight-bearing:

1. Position crutches forward
2. Move your affected leg forward in line with the crutches
3. Place limited weight on your affected leg as prescribed by your doctor
4. Step through with your unaffected leg

Conquering Stairs: Step-by-Step Guidance

With a Walker

Standard walkers aren’t designed for stairs. If you have stairs at home:

• Consider a two-wheeled walker that can be lifted more easily for 1-2 steps
• For full flights of stairs, most people will need to use the handrail and possibly a cane
• Have someone carry the walker up/down while you use the handrail

With Crutches

Remember this saying: “Up with the good, down with the bad.”

Going up stairs:

1. Stand close to the bottom step
2. Put your weight on the crutches
3. Step up with your unaffected (“good”) leg first
4. Bring your affected leg and crutches up to the same step
5. Repeat for each step

Going down stairs:

1. Stand close to the edge of the step
2. Lower your crutches to the next step down
3. Move your affected (“bad”) leg forward
4. Step down with your unaffected leg while supporting yourself with the crutches
5. Repeat for each step

Car Transfers: Getting In and Out Safely

With a Walker

Getting into a car:

1. Back up to the car seat until you feel it against the back of your legs
2. Move the walker to the side slightly
3. Reach back for the car seat with one hand while keeping the other on the walker
4. Lower yourself slowly to the seat
5. Pivot and swing your legs into the car

Getting out:

1. Open the door fully and pivot so your legs are outside the car
2. Position the walker directly in front of you (have someone help)
3. Push up from the seat using both hands
4. Gain your balance before attempting to walk

With Crutches

Getting into a car:

1. Back up to the seat until you feel it against your legs
2. Hold both crutches on your affected side with one hand
3. Reach back for the car seat with your free hand
4. Lower yourself slowly to the seat
5. Bring your legs in carefully, leading with your affected leg

Getting out:

1. Open the door fully and pivot so your legs are outside
2. Have your crutches ready but not in use yet
3. Push up from the seat using both hands
4. Once standing and stable, position your crutches correctly before walking

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Leaning on armpits when using crutches – This can damage nerves and blood vessels
• Hunching over a walker – Maintain good posture to prevent back pain
• Looking down at your feet – Look ahead to maintain balance
• Incorrect height adjustments – Ensure proper fitting before leaving the hospital
• Rushing – Move slowly and deliberately to prevent falls

Creating a Recovery-Friendly Home

Before surgery, prepare your home:

• Clear wide pathways through rooms
• Remove throw rugs and cords
• Consider temporary first-floor living
• Place frequently used items within easy reach
• Install nightlights for better visibility
• Arrange for bathroom safety items (raised toilet seat, shower chair)

When to Seek Help

Navigating recovery with mobility aids can be challenging. Consider working with a private nurse who can:

• Ensure you’re using mobility aids correctly
• Help with daily activities while you’re learning
• Provide guidance on home modifications
• Monitor for potential complications
• Give you confidence as you regain independence

At Chicago Private Nursing, our experienced team provides personalized support for post-surgical recovery, including proper use of mobility aids, medication management, wound care, and more.

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Recovery takes time, and learning to use mobility aids safely is an important step in your healing journey. By following these guidelines and working with healthcare professionals, you can navigate your recovery with confidence and prevent setbacks caused by falls or improper technique.

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