Crutches? How Do I Use Them?

Basic Walking (Partial Weight-Bearing)

  1. Starting Stance: Hold crutches a few inches in front and to the sides of your feet. 

  2. Move Crutches: Move both crutches forward about 12 inches. 

  3. Step with Injured Leg: Move your injured leg forward, placing your foot between the crutches, bearing only allowed weight. 

  4. Step with Strong Leg: Swing your strong leg forward, past the crutches, to complete the step. 

  5. Repeat: Look forward, not down, and repeat the sequence. 

Non-Weight-Bearing (Injured leg stays off floor) 

  1. Starting Stance: Crutches forward, about 12 inches out.

  2. Swing Through: Lean forward, push down on handgrips (not armpits), and hop your strong leg forward past the crutches.

  3. Regain Balance: Land on your strong foot and move crutches forward for the next hop. 

Going Up Stairs (with handrail)

  1. Position:

    Handrail with one hand, one crutch with the other. Strong leg on the step below.

  2. Step Up:

    Step up with your strong leg, then bring the injured leg and crutch up together. 

Going Down Stairs (with handrail)

  1. Position:

    Handrail with one hand, one crutch with the other. Injured leg on the step below.

  2. Step Down:

    Lower the crutch and injured leg to the step below first, then bring your strong leg down. 

Important Tips

  • Fit: Pads should be 2-3 finger-widths below your armpits when standing. 

  • Weight: Always put weight through your hands/grips, not your armpits, to avoid nerve damage. 

  • Posture: Keep your head up and look forward. 

  • Turning: Turn by moving the crutches in the direction you want to go, then pivot with your strong foot.