How to Use Crutches

About this topic

Crutches are tools to help you walk or move from place to place. They are most often used to give you balance, after an injury, or if you need help walking. Keep these things in mind when choosing crutches: ‚

Crutches must fit right to give you the most help.
There should be at least 1 to 11/2 inches of space between the armpit and crutch pad.
Your arm should be slightly bent when you hold the handgrip.
It is important to put your weight on your hands. Your armpit should not touch the top of the crutch.

General

How to walk using crutches: ‚

Stand up straight with feet apart.
Hold your crutches firmly. They should be about 6 to 8 inches from your side. Your weight should be on your leg that is not hurt.
Lean forward slightly and move both the crutches about 8 to 12 inches forward.
Keep your elbows slightly bent.
Put your weight on your hands. Move your body and your hurt leg towards the crutches.
Finish the step normally with your leg that is not hurt. Keep the hurt leg off the floor. You may bend your knee or put your leg in front of you.
Repeat the motions.
Do not put your weight on your hurt leg or foot unless the doctor says it is OK.
Take time to rest if you are feeling tired.

How to stand up with crutches: ‚

Sit on the edge of the chair.
Place both the crutches in your hand. Use the hand on the same side as your hurt leg or foot.
Push yourself up by using the armrest of the chair or the crutches.
Put your weight on your leg that is not hurt. Keep the hurt leg off the floor. You may bend your knee or put your leg in front of you.
Place the crutches under your arms.

How to sit down with crutches: ‚

Back up to the chair until you feel the edge against the back of your legs.
Place both crutches in your hand. Use the hand on the same side as your hurt leg or foot.
Use your other hand to feel for the seat and slowly lower yourself to the chair.

How to go up the stairs with crutches: ‚

Face the stairs, near the railing.
Place the crutches close to the first step.
Put your weight on your hands and lift the foot of your leg that is not hurt to the first step.
Bring the crutches and your hurt leg onto the stair at the same time.
Repeat the motion.
You may want someone to help the first time.

How to go down the stairs with crutches: ‚

Put your crutches in the middle of the step below.
Slowly move your body towards the crutches. Hold your crutches steady.
Step down using your leg or foot that is not hurt.
Repeat the motion.
Hold on to the handrail of the stairs if it will help give you balance.

How to get in and out of the car with crutches: ‚

Open the car door all the way.
Back up to the seat using your crutches or walker. Keep going until you feel the back of your legs touch the seat.
Reach back for the car seat, dashboard, or handle. Do NOT hold on to the door. It could move and cause a fall or injury. Make sure you reach back with both hands. Do not hold on to your walker or crutches when lowering yourself to sit down.
Keep your injured leg out in front of you. Slowly lower yourself to the seat.
Bring your legs into the car one at a time. You may need someone to help you. If you are in the back seat, you can scoot to the other side of the car leaving your leg supported on the seat.
When getting out of the car, reverse the steps. Be sure to push off of the seat, dashboard, or handle to help you stand up. Then grab onto your crutches or walker. Do NOT use the door to pull you up to stand.
Helpful tips:
- It is most often easier to get into a medium-sized four door car. Vehicles that are too high, such as minivans, or too low may be harder to enter and exit.
- If you are getting into the front seat, make sure the seat is slid all the way back before you get in. This will give you more room for your legs.
- If you are getting into the back seat of the car, it is usually easier to get in on the same side of your injured leg. If your left leg is injured, it is easier to get in on the drivers side. If your right leg is injured, it is easier to get in on the passenger side.
- If you have trouble scooting on the seats, using a plastic trash bag on the seat may help you to slide.

View OriginalView Original

When do I need to call the doctor?

You have problems walking, even with the use of crutches. ‚

Helpful tips

Remove any loose rugs, cords, spills, or anything that is in your way.
Keep the floor dry. Do not walk on slippery surfaces.
Do not use your crutches if you are feeling dizzy.
Make sure that your footwear has rubber soles.
Check the rubber tips of your crutches for any damage.
Use a bag or backpack to carry your things while you are walking.
Use nonskid bath mats.

Where can I learn more?

American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons ‚
http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=a00181 ‚
American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons ‚
http://www.foothealthfacts.org/Content.aspx?id=1282 ‚
American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society ‚
http://www.aofas.org/footcaremd/how-to/foot-injury/Pages/How-to-Use-Crutches.aspx ‚

Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer

This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚

Home

Erectile Dysfunction

Doctor123.org