Instructions for use wooden axillary crutches - EN
Intended use and indication
Our axillary crutches are designed for people with limited walking ability as well as hand-arm function limitations and are used for gait safety. The application of
the axillary crutches can take place indoors and outdoors.
It is imperative that the safety instructions are also observed!
Contraindication
The use of axillary crutches is unsuitable if there is a loss of limb in both arms or joint contractures/joint damage in both arms.
General product informations
Our axillary crutches are characterized by the following features:
•
High load capacity
•
Armpit support made of beech wood
•
Armpit pads made of PPR
•
They are individually adjustable in height and thus adaptable to almost any body size
General safety information
Do not hang any bags, pouches or other objects on the axillary crutch! The axillary crutch may under
no circumstances be used for any other purpose than that
for which it is intended
, e.g. for lifting or moving objects or as a tool for switching light switches or pressing buttons on lifts! It is essential that the ground has a
good grip to ensure a secure hold of the axillary crutch! Avoid wet floors or surfaces such as gravel, sand, foliage, ice or snow!
Pay attention to stumbling points
such as unevenness, holes in the floor, loose floor coverings or edges, because the axillary crutch can unexpectedly slip away or sink in! Extra caution is
recommended when lighting conditions are insufficient, since irregularities in the ground can then only be seen with difficulty! Before each use, check that all
screw connections are tight!
You need walking aids because your usual mobility is restricted. Although the axillary crutch helps you in this situation, your basic mobility still remains restricted!
Keep this circumstance constantly in mind and take special care when using the walking aids!
Adjusting the axillary crutch
Warning!
Please contact your specialist dealer to ensure proper functional and ergonomic adjustment! Incorrectly adjusted axillary crutches may restrict the
functionality of the axillary crutch or lead to overloading or incorrect loading of the patient! The axillary crutch is handed over to you as a patient in a proper
condition, whereby it is individually adjusted to your body by your specialist dealer or health care specialist. If you have any doubts as to whether this is the case,
please contact the responsible specialist personnel. The axillary crutch can only offer you the relief you desire if it is optimally adapted to your body size.
Adjust armpit height
Loosen the 2 wing nuts and pull out the threaded bolts. Adjust the length of the axillary crutch to your body size by moving the lower part to the desired axillary
height (observe the drilling grid). Push threaded bolts through and tighten wing nuts again. After each adjustment, check the correct locking by trying to twist or
move the axillary crutch!
Adjust grip height
Loosen the wing nuts and pull out the cotter pin. Adjust the distance between the underarm pad and the hand holder to your body size by moving the grip to the
desired height. Make sure that the holes are overlapped. Push the cotter pin through and tighten the wing nut again.
Use
The use of the axillary crutches can be very different and depends on the individual limitations of the walking ability. Have your specialist dealer or nurse instruct
you in the use of the axillary crutches! Axillary crutches must not be used in water. Permanent contact of the walking aids with moisture must be avoided. In case
of moisture, the axillary crutches are to be dried accordingly. The correct handling of the crutches needs some practice. We therefore recommend that you have
an assistant provide additional support at the beginning. We recommend the use in pairs for support on both sides! Nevertheless, use only one crutch, then always
on the side opposite the injured leg or the leg to be protected! Guide the axillary crutches close to the body, not diagonally outwards! You could otherwise fall!
Grasp the grip(s) of the axillary crutch(es) completely and firmly with your hand when using them! Always place the axillary crutches as straight as possible on the
floor so that you do not slip away! Find chairs with armrests to sit on. You can then support yourself on the armrests when standing up! Wear shoes that are as
comfortable as possible and have flat heels so that your leg can better cope with additional strain!
If you do fall:
If possible, drop the crutches to the side so that
you do not fall onto the axillary crutch! If possible, have an assistant accompany and support you so that they can catch you if you fall! If possible, have qualified
personnel instruct you in climbing stairs with axillary crutches! When climbing stairs with only one crutch, please be sure to hold on to the railing with your free
hand! When climbing stairs and using two axillary crutches, take both walking aids together in one hand and please be sure to hold on to the railing with your free
hand!
Precautionary measure
The use of an axillary crutch results in an unusually strong load for individual parts of the body! This can lead to the following undesirable side effects: Pressure or
chafing points may occur on the hands, arm or clothing! If you use two walking aids, carry the whole body weight with the hands and the shoulders! Note that this
can lead to pain and overexertion at the beginning or with longer load! Take sufficient breaks!
Storage and care
Never store the axillary crutches in the vicinity of heat sources such as furnaces, heaters or in places susceptible to heat in a car! Do not expose axillary crutches
to sunlight for prolonged periods of time! Protect your axillary crutches from toppling over and from damage to the lacquer (e.g. by using straps or holders).
The
rubber buffer is a wearing part and must be replaced at regular intervals.
Axillary crutches must only be used again after an extended period of non-use following
prior inspection by qualified personnel!
Warning!
Never clean the handle and rubber cap using oily substances! There is a risk of slipping! In the event of contamination, clean the axillary crutch using a
mild cleaning agent and a soft cloth where necessary. Never use cleaners containing solvents, since these will damage the lacquer!
Note:
Should disinfection be
required, then a suitable disinfectant agent should be used. Please follow the manufacturer's instructions for use.
