This is not latest news, in fact it was published in 2005, but nevertheless, it is a good site to go to to get ideas on assisting someone who is recuperating from injury surgery and is getting back onto their feet.

The article looks at firming up the muscles prior to ambulation, encouraging the client not to lean on you and considering other muscle groups which will need strengthening, such as the forearms if crutches are to be used.

Rather than just presenting the person with crutches the article discusses the need to teach the patient crutch walking techniques.

http://www.nursingcenter.com/library/JournalArtic le.asp?Article_ID=599300