Learning to Use Crutches (non-weight bearing) Starting position
Sitting down
(same for all movements)
Place crutches under your arms with your hands on the hand grips. Support your weight by using your “good” leg and your hands, not by resting your underarms on the crutch pads.
Walking 1. Move both crutches forward (about 4–6 inches in front and 6 inches to the side of your shoes).
1. Stand in front of the chair with the seat touching the back of your legs. Place your weight on your good leg. 2. Place both crutches in the hand on the side of your bad leg. 3. Place the other hand on the armrest or side of the chair. Then, sit down on the chair and slide back.
Getting up
2. While supporting your weight on your hands, straighten your elbows and swing your good leg through. Move your leg forward only as far as you would when walking without crutches. Copyright © 1999-2015 Pritchett & Hull Associates, Inc. DO NOT DUPLICATE.
1. Hold both crutches in the hand on the side of your good leg, and slide to the front of the seat. 2. Place your other hand on the armrest or side of the chair. 3. Push yourself up, placing your weight on your good leg and the crutches.
Pritchett & Hull Associates, Inc.
Atlanta, GA 800-241-4925 Providing Quality Health Education Materials Since 1973 ®
Product # 279
Stairs/curbs
(Going up)
1. Without a handrail: place a crutch under each arm and step up with your good leg. 2. With a handrail: hold both crutches in one hand and the handrail with the other. 3. Supporting your weight evenly between the handrail and crutches, step up with your good leg. Bring up your injured leg and crutches.
Stairs/curbs (Going down) 1. Without a handrail: with a crutch under each arm, place them on the step below. Step down with your good leg. 2. With a handrail: hold both crutches in one hand and the handrail with the other. 3. With your weight on your good leg, place the crutches on the step below you. 4. Supporting your weight evenly between the handrail and crutches, bring down your good leg.
You can also go up or down stairs in a sitting position. Pritchett & Hull Associates, Inc. ®
Atlanta, GA 800-241-4925 Providing Quality Health Education Materials Since 1973
Getting into a car 1. With your weight on your good leg, stand inside the open door with the door frame touching the back of your legs. 2. Place both crutches in the hand farthest from the door. 3. Put your other hand on the door frame and lower yourself down on the seat. 4. Place your bad leg on top of your good leg, and swing them into the car.
Getting out 1. Place both crutches outside the car and hold them in one hand. 2. Place your bad leg on top of your good leg and swing your legs outside the car. 3. With both crutches in the hand farthest from the door, place the other hand on the door frame. 4. Push up, putting your weight on your good leg.
Tips • Make sure you have the right fit. Top of crutches should be 1-2 inches below your armpit. Handgrips should line up with top of your hip. • Wear non-slip shoes. Avoid wet, icy and uneven surfaces. • Make a clear path in your home. Remove all throw rugs, and make sure cords are out of the way. • Go slowly. • Try not to use escalators or go through revolving doors. Look for handicapped exits or stairs. • Use a fanny pack or backpack instead of a shoulder bag. • Once a month, check any hand grips or rubber tips. Replace them if they are worn. Copyright © 1999-2015 Pritchett & Hull Associates, Inc. DO NOT DUPLICATE.