How to Use Crutches, Canes and Walkers

When a person has limited mobility, he or she may need to use a special device to help him or her do day-to-day activities. Devices such as crutches, canes and walkers are common among people with limited mobility. These devices help keep weight off certain parts of the body and help create balance while the individual is walking. Knowing how to use these devices does not come automatically. Doctors must give proper instruction on how to use them. Improper use could result in injury.

Things You'll Need

• Crutches
• Cane
• Walker

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Instructions

Crutches

• 1

  Place each crutch under your arm at your armpit. The small padding at the top of each crutch is specially made to fit comfortably under your arm.

• 2

  Reach down with both hands and grab the small padded bars at the middle of the crutches. Make sure your arms are over the top of the crutches, not under. Get a firm grip on the bars.

• 3

  Put a little weight on the crutches. Move your good foot forward one small step. Balance on that one foot as you lift up on the crutches and bring them forward at the same time. Set them down a few inches in front of your good foot.

• 4

  Shift your weight to the crutches as you move your affected foot forward to be even with the crutches. Repeat this action to walk with your crutches.

Canes

• 5

  Hold the cane firmly with your strongest hand. If you are right-handed, use your right hand. If you are left-handed, use your left hand. Your hand should grasp the top of the cane at the non-slip padding.

• 6

  Take a small step forward using your good leg. Hold onto the cane for support as you step.

• 7

  Slowly lift your affected leg and move it forward to be even with the good leg. Move your cane with the motion of your affected leg. Move forward slowly, allowing the cane to move in motion with your affected leg.

Walkers

• 8

  Place your hands on the grip cover at the top of the walker. Get a firm grasp on the walker.

• 9

  Move the walker forward slightly. No more than 6 inches is necessary. Hold the walker still, checking to see that the back legs are sticking firm to the ground.

• 10

  Step forward with one foot. Place some weight onto the walker and bring your other foot forward. Your body should always be within the inside perimeter of the walker.

• 11

  Repeat this process as you move forward with the walker. Both feet should be even before moving the walker forward.