How to Adjust Lofstrands Crutches

Lofstrands crutches are also called forearm crutches. They are used as an alternative to a cane, walker or standard crutches if the patient is going to use the crutches for a longer perios of time. Lofstrands crutches give the patient more freedom of movement than other types of crutches. On the downside, Lofstrands crutches are not as naturally stable as underarm crutches, since they are held by the hand in the style of a cane. By adjusting Lofstrands crutches you can ensure mobility and stability.

Instructions

• 1

  Hold the crutches next to you while standing up. See if the handle comes up to the crease on your wrist. If it is not high enough, you will have to raise the crutch. If it's too high, you will have to lower it.

• 2

  Turn one crutch upside down. Press the small metal button that pokes out of one of the holes along the crutch. Pull the shaft out until the button clicks into the next available position if the crutch was too short. Push the shaft in until the button clicks into the next available position if the crutch was too long. Stand back up and check the adjustment. When one crutch is satisfactorily adjusted, set the other crutch to the same point.

• 3

  Stand back up and place your hand on the hand grip. Check to see if the round cuff sits one to two inches below your elbow. If it does not, press the small metal button located on the shaft between the collar and the hand grip. Pull the shaft out if it was not long enough. Push it in if it was too long. Check the adjustment and do the same to the other cuff.

• 4

  Press the cuffs in on your arms so that they fit comfortable against the arms when walking.