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Toe touch weight bearing is allowed for patients who have one operated limb and the other is normal. While using this technique to ambulate the patient is not expected to weight bear but just support his body with the fore foot of the operated leg.
This type of gait can be attempted in the immediate post operative period, as it decreases the joint reaction forces in the operated limb and preferred to non weight bearing crutch walking in certain instances.
Video.1 Demonstration of toe touch weight bearing gait with a walker.
#1. How to ambulate with bilateral axillary crutches.
Stand with both feet together and crutches on either the side.
Place the right crutch in the front of you by 1feet(30cm) followed by the left crutch or move both the crutches together by 1feet .Support all the body weight on the normal limb.
Shift your body weight on to both the crutches and lean forwards.
Move your operated limb forwards and place your fore foot in the front, use your fore foot to just gently maintain your body balance. (tip : always place your fore foot behind the line connecting the tips of both the crutches in such a way that it form a triangle.)
Note: placing the foot too far ahead of the line connecting the tips of both the crutches will put you off balance.
Finally place the normal limb next to the operated leg.
Ambulate at a comfortable pace and dont be in a hurry.
#2. How to ambulate with a walker.
Stand with both feet together and the walker.
Place the the walker in the front of you by 1feet(30cm), while supporting all the body weight on the normal limb.
Shift your body weight on to both the upper limbs and lean forwards
Move your operated limb forwards and place your fore foot in the front, and use your fore foot to just gently maintain your body balance. (tip : always place your fore foot behind the line connecting the tips of front legs of the walker.)
Note: placing the foot too far ahead of the line connecting the tips of both the front legs of the walker will put you off balance.
Finally place the normal limb next to the operated leg.
Ambulate at a comfortable pace and dont be in a hurry.
Note:
Assisted crutch walking should be attempted in consultation with your Doctor/Physiotherapist and needs supervision, do not try this at home.
Kindly consult with your doctor for more clarification.
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