Measuring Crutches
Crutches may be rented or purchased from many area pharmacies. They are adjustable and come in different sizes based on height.
1. Stand up straight and place the crutch tips 3-4 inches in front of and beside the feet. There should be 2-3 fingers width of space between the armpit and the top of the crutches.
2. The hand grips should be at the level of the hip with the elbows slightly bent.
Swing-through Gait
*Do Not put your weight on your armpits because you may damage nerves in the arm.
Always put your weight on your arms and hands when using crutches.
1. Place the crutches in front of the body about 6 inches.
2. Put the injured leg forward and touch it lightly to the floor for balance.
3. Straighten your arms and put the weight of the body on your arms. Swing through the crutches on your arms so that your foot lands about 6 inches in front of the crutches.
4. Repeat.
5. The doctor will advise you as to how much weight you may bear.
Non-weight Bearing: Hold the injured leg completely off the ground. Do not put any weight on it at all.
Weight Bearing: Put the injured leg on the ground and put weight on it only to the amount that you tolerate it.
Going Up Stairs
1. Face the stairs. Place the crutches close to the step.
2. Put your weight on your arms and your healthy leg on the first step.
3. Straighten your back and healthy leg as you come up onto the step, lifting the injured leg and crutches up to the same step. Be sure to place the crutch tips securely on the step.
Going Down Stairs
1. Stand with toes of the injured leg close to the edge of the step.
2. Bend the healthy knee enough to lower the crutches and the injured leg down to the next step. Make sure the crutch tips are securely on the step.
3. Put your weight on your arms and bring down the healthy leg.
4. Repeat.
