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Correct Use of Crutches

Using crutches will keep pressure off of your leg or ankle, allowing time for an injury to heal. Correct use of crutches will help you stay mobile while healing. Incorrect use can aggravate an injury or cause additional injury.

Wear appropriate shoes when using crutches. Sandals or slip-on shoes can hamper you while using crutches. Go slowly. Trying to go too fast can cause you to trip and fall.

  1. Adjusting the Crutches

    • Proper adjustment of the height and hand grips will make using your crutches easier. The height of the crutches will be about 1 inch below your armpit. With the crutches spread about 6 inches outside each foot, position the crutches with the upper edge under your arm. The crutch should not go all the way up into your armpit. It should rest comfortably about 1 inch down.

      Your arms should be slightly bent at the elbow when you grasp the hand grips. Make sure your arms are not fully extended or bent more than a 40 degree angle at the elbow.

    Walking on Flat Surfaces

    • From the position used above to adjust the crutches, swing the crutches forward about 18 inches, or half of a normal stride. Lean the upper body forward toward the new position. Keeping your weight on your hands, swing your lower body forward through the line of the crutches and place your foot down about 18 inches past them. Bring the crutches forward until you are back in the original position. Continue in the same manner. Look down as you are moving the crutches to make sure the tips of the crutches are on level ground. Take extra care when moving on rough or uneven surfaces to assure that the crutches are firmly planted before swinging forward.

    Going Up Stairs

    • Position yourself in the original position about 6 to 8 inches from the first riser. Balance yourself on the crutches and raise your uninjured foot up onto the first step. As you straighten your leg, raise the crutches up to the first step with you. Put them down in the original position on the first step. Repeat as you continue up. Make sure you do not get too close to the upright of each riser because that can unbalance you. Aim for the middle of each step.

    Going Down Stairs

    • Position yourself in the original position about 6 to 8 inches from the first step down. Lower the crutches to the first step. Position them in the middle of the step. Lean onto the crutches and hop your legs down to the first step. Repeat as you continue down. Stay near the middle of each step.

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