Living Better on Crutches

If you’re reading this blog post I’m guessing this means you’re on crutches. Damn girl, I’m so sorry. Let’s face it - being on crutches SUCKS! Trust me- I would know. I’m currently sitting at a cafe in NYC with my crutches jammed up next to me. My armpits are bruised and my hands are blistered. I miss doing simple things: running down the stairs when I’m late, dancing in the kitchen, holding my water (or really anything) when I’m walking. Things like brushing hair out of your face when you’re moving, skipping down the street, and not having to be strategic with where/how you walk.

Being on crutches is tough. This is because it impacts your life outside of athletics. It makes my commute to work much harder, makes normal social activities exhausting, and it wreaks havoc on my already-sore shoulders (LOL).

Through my experiences I have learned little tips that have made life on crutches a lot better. Maybe normal is the right word choice…

Thus, I have compiled a list of tips/suggestions in this post to create a guide for making your life more ~normal~ on crutches.

1. Invest in a belt bag or a fanny pack

This has been HUGE for me. When I’m on crutches, my belt bag is ALWAYS on my body. It really functions as hands for me since my actual are being used to move (what a concept). I essentially use it to hold whatever my hands would if everything was normal. It carries my phone, gum, notes, paper, pencils, snacks, etc.

They have some stylish options at stores like Lululemon, Athleta, and Alo. They also have some cheaper options on Amazon!

2. Buy Crutch Pads

If you’re anything like me, you’re probably thinking “LOL I don’t actually need one of those. I’m fine with how they are when they give them to me”. Those are the exact words I’ve been telling myself these past 6 weeks. It wasn’t until my boyfriend looked me in the eyes and said “Ky- your crutches are meant to take you out of pain - not put you in more (ie. my bruised armpits and bleeding hands LOL)” that I finally bit the bullet and bought myself the crutch pads. And GOSH GOLLY do I wish I invested in them earlier. You can find them for pretty cheap on Amazon and they even carry them in some local drug stores.

3. Ask for Help

Picture this. A little 20 year old SINGLE LEG HOPPING THROUGH PENN STATION WITH A HEAVY BAG ON HER BACK AND A HEAVY BAG AT HER SIDE. huffing and puffing. SWEATING and SORE. Saying “I don’t need help” to the nice workers offering their assistance. Determined to make it to her train on time all by herself.

You guessed it. That girl was me. ALL LAST SUMMER. For what reason? Self-pride? I don’t know. What I’ve come to realize this time around is that denying help was downright stupid and thank god I didn’t twist a good ankle or take out an elderly person. Lol.

Anyways, my point being is that when you’re on crutches you need to learn to drop your ego and ask for help. People around you will offer it. Take them up on it. And when they don’t offer, ask! Be polite of course. Let’s face it- you’re going to need help with things big and small. Whether it’s getting food in the dining hall, carrying your heavy backpack, or just going upstairs to grab something you forgot, people who love you will want to help you with these tasks. And if the tables were to ever reverse, you know you’d be the first person in line to help them!

4. Take the Extra Two Minutes to Plan

If you know you’re going to be doing an activity that requires walking/movement, take the extra two minutes to mentally + physically prepare for it. You’re going to a concert? Check in advance if they have a handicap entrance. Going to the beach with friends? Ask if they can drop you off so you’re not crutching two miles through the town. On a college campus? Communicate with the health office and see what amenities are provided for transportation to get you to class in time. At Hamilton, this means getting taxied around my campus safety… aka you get your personal chauffeur. LOL

5. Have a Planned One-Liner

People you know and people you don’t are going to constantly be asking you why you’re on crutches/what happened. I’ve found that it’s good to have a quick one-line response for these questions - it spares your own emotions from being hurt and satisfies the curious people who care about you. For me, it’s “I have a shin stress fracture. It sucks but I’ll be back soon”

Plain/to the point. Acknowledges that this is hard for you, but ends with a positive spin.

I hope these five tips make your time on crutches easier. THAT’S THE WORD I’M LOOKING FOR!!! Easier. Nice.

Your time on crutches is temporary. Remember that. On days when it’s extra hard- I encourage you to write a list of all the things you’re looking forward to doing once you abandon them. It will give you hope + motivation to keep on keeping on.

A few bullets on my list

1. RUNNING (duh)

2. Holding Luke’s hand

3. Going for a sunset walk with Mom

4. Dancing in the club

5. Lower body strength sessions

Find your hope. Hold it in your heart. And keep your head high.

In the meantime, I’m always hear <3 Reach out to me @kylierunssmiley on IG, I’m not going anywhere. I’m rooting for you! YOU GOT THIS!

Keep Smiling, Keep Grinding.

XOXOXOXO