Tips on Using Crutches

Using crutches effectively and safely may seem hard at first but becomes easier with practice. You will adjust faster and avoid accidents if you use proper walking techniques and take it slowly. Techniques may vary depending on your specific injury. Always follow your physician's advice and instructions on using crutches in different situations.

Standing Position

• The top of your crutches should rest approximately 1 to 2 inches below your underarm. The handgrips are adjusted at approximately wrist level so that when you grasp them, your elbows are slightly bent. In the standing position, the bottom of your crutches should rest on the floor approximately 6 inches to the front and sides of your feet. Your arms and hands should support the weight of your body with the handgrips. Avoid supporting your weight with your underarms pressed against the crutches, as this may cause nerve damage.

Standing and Sitting

• When sitting down, put your back toward the chair while holding both crutches in one hand for support. With your other hand, grasp the seat or arm of the chair for further support and gently lower your body. To stand from a seated position, scoot to the edge of the seat and use both crutches in one hand and the chair to support your weight as you stand on your good leg.

Walking

• From the standing position with your crutches slightly to the front and sides and your weight on the good foot, bring the injured leg and crutches in front of you and lean forward slightly as you bear the weight on your crutches. Then step forward with your uninjured foot and repeat the process. Take small manageable steps and move slowly as you adjust to walking with crutches.

Stairs

• If the stairs have a handrail, the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons recommends holding the handrail with one hand, tucking both crutches under the other arm, and leading with your uninjured leg when going up stairs. Both the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons and the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons suggest a seated position as a safer and easier way to negotiate stairs. Sit facing the bottom of the stairs and scoot up or down one step at a time. This method may be particularly helpful when there is no handrail.

Safety

• Avoid further injury by wearing low-heeled, non-slip shoes when walking with crutches. At home, keep high-traffic areas free of clutter and consider picking up throw rugs until you no longer need crutches. Additionally, use caution in wet or icy conditions and dry the bottom of the crutches off before walking on potentially slippery or smooth surfaces.