Instructions on Using Crutches

Crutches are a simple yet important tool for helping you get around with an injured leg. It's important to follow the instructions and safety precautions when using crutches. Mastering the basics of walking, sitting and standing ensure you can get around your home without injuring yourself further. While using your crutches, look ahead of you instead of down at your feet and avoid using the crutches on wet surfaces or if you're feeling dizzy.

Sizing

• Before your crutches will work properly, you'll need to choose the right size and ensure they're comfortable. Your doctor should have sized them for you, but checking yourself is important. First, stand up and place the crutches underneath your armpits. Don't lean forward onto them yet. According to the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons, the top of the crutches should be one to two inches below your armpit while your shoulders are relaxed. The hand grips of the crutches should allow you to extend your arm fully when moving the crutch forward, and the crutches should be long enough to allow you to comfortably extend the bottom six inches in front of your shoe when walking.

  New users may experience soreness underneath their armpits. The best way to prevent this is to limit the amount of time on the crutches and to buy padded covers for the tops of the crutches.

Walking

• A common mistake when using crutches is to put the weight on your armpits instead of your hands. When walking, put as much weight as possible onto the hand grips instead of letting your body sag onto the crutches. To start walking with crutches, place one under each arm and grip the hand grips with your knuckles facing out. Place the crutches in front of you as far as is comfortable, usually between six inches and one foot. Let them slope out to the sides slightly instead of angling them in toward your body. Move the foot of your injured leg forward, but put as little weight on it as possible. Press down onto the crutches and use them to push yourself forward, landing on the foot of your uninjured leg. Repeat this process to continue walking. Do not swing yourself forward wildly or lift your feet high off the ground.

Sitting

• When you need to sit with your crutches, back up until you can feel the chair pressing against your legs. Hold onto your crutches with the hand on your injured side. Extend your injured leg out straight and bend your good leg while holding onto the chair arm with the hand on your uninjured side. Lower yourself slowly into the chair, using both the chair arm and your crutches for support. To raise yourself back up, grip the chair arm and the crutches and use your good leg to push yourself back up. Keep your injured leg out straight in front of you. The same basic process applies to getting into bed or lying down. Start by sitting down, then have someone help you lift your injured leg into bed.