How to Use Crutches With a Cast

Casts -- often fiberglass or plaster -- are used in the immobilization of bone fractures including injuries to the lower extremities. Casts may also be used to protect your leg following surgery and to treat ligament, tendon and muscle injuries. When receiving your cast, your doctor will indicate whether or not you are allowed to bear weight on your affected leg. If you are unable to bear weight, you will likely be sent home with a pair of crutches.

Instructions

• 1

  Attend physical therapy. Ask your doctor about attending a physical therapy session -- if this is your first time on crutches. A physical therapist can give you a lesson on how to safely use crutches with your cast.

• 2

  Adjust your crutches to an appropriate height for your body. Stand up tall and position your crutches underneath your arms. Adjust the height of the crutches so that they are 1 to 1.5 inches below your armpit.

• 3

  Adjust the handgrips. The handgrips of your crutches should be adjusted so that your elbows form a 30-degree angle while standing with your cast and crutches.

• 4

  Position the crutches so that they are 12 inches from your sides. Lean forward and position your crutches one foot ahead of your healthy foot. Use the crutches to step forward instead of placing weight on your injured foot with the cast.

• 5

  Shift your weight onto your hands. Swing your body forward so that your unaffected foot lands inline with your crutches. Repeat until you reach your destination. Move at a slow, steady pace for your safety.