Balance is the ability to maintain the body’s line of gravity within the support base with a minimum degree of wiggle. This system receives information about balance and movement from the neck, eyes, and body and sends information to help control balanced movement.

Using crutches to go up and down a stairwell takes balance and strength. If you don’t feel comfortable using your crutches on stairs, one option is to sit on the lower or top step, and then scoot up or down the stairwell. Keep your injured leg extended while moving up and down the stairs. Hold your crutches in one hand, and use your free hand to grip the handrail.

We used to believe that stretching was necessary to warm up the muscles and prepare them for activity. However, mounting research has shown that stretching the muscles before they’’re warmed up can actually hurt them. When everything is cold, the fibers aren’’t prepared and may be damaged. If you exercise first, you’’ll get blood flow to the area