Mobility II: Assistive Devices and Sprains/Strains

Vocabulary flashcards covering assistive devices (crutches, canes, walkers, gait belts) and the clinical management of sprains and strains.

Gait Belt

An assistive device secured around the waist used to transfer a person, assist with sitting and standing, and help with walking.

Tripod Position

The starting position for all forms of crutch walking where crutches are placed a couple of inches in front of the feet with the crutch point $6 \text{ inches}$ from the patient’s center.

Axillary Crutches

One of the three types of crutches documented in the lecture (Type A).

Forearm Crutches

One of the three types of crutches documented in the lecture (Type B).

Platform Crutches

One of the three types of crutches documented in the lecture (Type C).

Non-Weight Bearing (NWB) Crutch Gait

A gait where both crutches move forward followed by the weight bearing (unaffected) leg, used for amputated, disabled, or injured legs.

Partial Weight Bearing (PWB) Crutch Gait

A gait where both crutches move forward with the weaker (affected) leg, then the strong leg is moved parallel to the weaker leg.

Cane Placement

The device is held on the strong (unaffected) side of the body, standing upright with the device $4-6 \text{ inches}$ to the side of the toes.

Cane Ambulation

The process of moving the cane forward $6-10 \text{ inches}$ at the same time as the affected (weaker) leg, followed by a step with the unaffected (strong) leg.

Stairs with Assistive Devices (Going Up)

The process begins by placing the strong leg on the stair first, followed by the assistive device and the affected leg.

Stairs with Assistive Devices (Going Down)

The process begins by placing the assistive device and the affected leg on the stair first, followed by the strong leg.

Walker Measurement

With the patient standing inside with hands at sides, the handles should be at wrist level and elbows flexed about $30$ degrees.

Stationary Walker Ambulation

The patient picks up the walker and advances it about $4 \text{ to } 6 \text{ inches}$ forward, then steps into the walker (but not to the front).

Sprain

Overstretching that leads to a partial or complete tear of ligaments, characterized by mild tenderness to palpation and slight edema.

Strain

A partial or complete rupture of the muscle, characterized by pain, bruising, edema, and decreased function of the affected side.

RICE

The intervention acronym standing for Rest (limit movement), Ice, Compression, and Elevate.

Acute Phase Ice Application

Applying ice to the affected area for $20-30 \text{ minutes}$ with $10-15 \text{ minute}$ breaks during the first $24-48 \text{ hours}$ of injury.

Post-Acute Heat Application

Applying warm heat intermittently for $20-30 \text{ minutes}$ after the initial $24-48 \text{ hour}$ acute phase has passed.

Elevation Goal

The act of raising the affected extremity above heart level to decrease pain and edema.

$2 \text{ inch}$ Ace Wrap

The specific size of wrap used for ankles or wrists.

$3-4 \text{ inch}$ Ace Wrap

The specific size of wrap used for knees.

$6 \text{ inch}$ Ace Wrap

The specific size of wrap used for status post above the knee amputations.