How to Fit Forearm Crutches for Bad Knees

Crutches are devices designed to help patients lacking mobility due to a disability or injury. There are different types of crutches. Forearm crutches have a hand grip that is accessed by sliding the arm into a cuff at the top end of the device. Forearm crutches are more commonly prescribed for patients with permanent disabilities. It is important to adjust the height of the crutches to the body of the patient for stability and to avoid injuries.

Things You'll Need

• Forearm Crutches

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Instructions

• 1

  Evaluate the current height of the crutches to determine whether the crutches have to be lowered or raised to meet the recommended position. Extend your arms, letting them hang next to your body while standing up with relaxed shoulders. Put the crutches next to you and observe the height of the hand grips, which should be at the same level of the crease of your wrist.

• 2

  Adjust the height of the crutches. Locate the spring button on the leg of the crutches and press it while pulling the end of the crutch that ends in a rubber tip. Continue holding the spring button and lower or raise the leg extension. Release the button once desired height is reached. The spring button should be fully engaged in one of the holes.

• 3

  Stand upright and check the crutch height again. Grab the hand grip and see if your elbow forms a 30-degree angle, which means the adjustment was correct. Repeat step 2 until the crutch is fitted. Secure the extension by screwing the collar snuggly. Repeat the process with the other crutch and make sure they are level.

• 4

  Adjust cuff height. Locate the spring button in the the cuff extension, right underneath the cuff and above the hand grip. Press the button and hold it down while you slide the cuff extension to lower or raise the crutch. Release the button when proper height is reached and ensure it fits completely into the adjustment hole.

• 5

  Stand up and try to operate the crutch. Aim for a cuff height of 1 to 2 inches below the elbow. Secure cuff extension by screwing the collar. Repeat Step 4 on the other crutch and confirm the crutches are adjusted to the same level.