Crutches are often needed when you have an injured leg,
foot, or hip. They are also used to provide extra balance. When
using crutches, it is important to put your weight on your arms
and hands rather than on your underarms. This could damage the
nerves in your armpits. Moving around on crutches is a
slow process; so be patient. You will get the hang of it in
time. The length of time you will need to use crutches depends
on your illness or injury.
Usually, the doctor will fit you with new crutches and
show you how to use them so you won't fall or develop nerve
damage under your arms. Use your crutches only on firm ground
that has no snow or ice. Make sure the rubber tips are not
split or loose.
WHAT YOU SHOULD DO
Walking:
Begin by placing both crutches in front of you at
the same time. Put them about 1 inch in front and 6 to 8
inches to the side of your toes.
Lean on your hands, not your underarms. The top of
the crutches should hit about 2 inches (3 fingers side by
side) below your underarm.
Keep your elbows bent as you use the crutches. Keep
your injured leg off the floor by bending your
knee.
Move both crutches forward. Then swing your
uninjured foot between the crutches landing heel first.
Repeat with each step.
If you are using your crutches for balance, move
your right foot and left crutch forward. Then move your
left foot and right crutch forward. Continue walking this
way.
Going Up Stairs:
Face the stairs. Put the crutches close to the
first step.
Push on the crutches with your elbows straight and
put your uninjured leg on the first
step.
Bring both crutches up to the first step at the
same time. Repeat.
When using a railing, put both crutches under the
arm opposite the railing.
Going Down Stairs:
Stand with the toes of your uninjured leg close to
the edge of the step.
Bend the knee of your uninjured leg. Slowly lower
both crutches onto the next step.
Lean on your crutches. Slowly lower your uninjured
leg on to the same step.
When using a railing, put both crutches under the
arm opposite the railing.
Sitting In A Chair:
Back up to the chair until you feel the edge of it
against the back of your legs. Keep your injured leg
forward.
Take your crutches out from under your arms. Sit
while bending your uninjured knee.
Getting Up From A Chair:
Sit on the edge of your chair. Put your uninjured
foot close to the chair.
Push up with your hands using the crutches or arms
of the chair. Put your weight on your uninjured foot as
you get up.
Keep your injured leg bent at the knee and off the
floor.
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