Crutches

When an otherwise healthy person sustains a lower extremity injury (ankle sprain, ankle fracture, stress fracture, broken foot, ACL injury or surgery, knee meniscal tear, etc.) they need crutches to allow them to eliminate weight bearing off the injured leg so they can continue to walk with an aid.

Crutches not only transfer weight from the legs to the upper body but increases the size of the individuals base of support for enhanced balance and safety. There are crutches for long term or even life-long use, and crutches for short term use following injury or surgery while healing or recovering.

A Few Basics of Crutches Use

Fitting a Crutch

• When standing upright with shoes on, the axillary pads at the top of the crutch should be 1-2 inches below the armpits.
• The handgrips of the crutches should be at the level of the waist and when holding the handgrips there should be a slight bend in the elbows of 20-30 degrees.

Walking with Crutches

• While holding the crutches squeezed between your body/ribs and upper arms, move the crutches forward.
• When the crutches make contact with the ground make sure that the body weight is transferred through the arms and hands, not the armpits.
• Move the injured leg forward, putting your foot even with the crutches.
• Move the good leg forward. Repeat the sequence – move the crutches first, the injured leg next, and then your good leg.

Walking Up or Down Stairs with Crutches

• Note: if there is a handrail, use it. Place one crutch under one arm and use the handrail with the other arm.
• Going Up: Step up with the good leg first. Place weight on the good leg and extend upward, then the injured leg, and lastly bring up the crutches.
• Going Down: Lower the crutches down to the step below and move your injured leg down. Then bring the good leg down.