Crutches

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW

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.