Instructions for Using Crutches
It takes some coordination to get around
on crutches. To make sure you use your
crutches correctly, please read these
instructions and follow them carefully.
Sizing Your Crutches
Even if you’ve already been fitted for crutches, make sure your
crutch pads and handgrips are set at the proper distance, as follows: |
 |
Crutch Pad Distance from Armpits
The crutch pads (tops of crutches) should be 1½" to 2" (about
two finger widths) below the armpits, with the shoulders relaxed.
Handgrip
Place it so your elbow is flexed about 15 to 30 degrees—enough
so you can fully extend your elbow when you take a step.
Crutch Length (top to bottom)
The total crutch length should equal the distance from your
armpit to about 6" in front of a shoe.
Begin in the “Tripod Position”
The tripod position is the position you stand in when using
crutches. It is also the position you begin walking in. To get
into the tripod position, place the crutch tips about 4" to 6"
to the side and in front of each foot. Stand on your “good”
foot (the one that is weight-bearing).
Walking with Crutches
(non-weight-bearing)
If your podiatric foot and ankle surgeon has told you to avoid
ALL weight-bearing, it is important to follow these instructions
carefully. You will need sufficient upper body strength to support
all your weight with just your arms and shoulders.
- Begin in the tripod position—and remember, keep
all your weight on your “good” (weight-bearing) foot.
- Advance both crutches and the affected foot/leg.
- Move the “good” weight-bearing foot/leg forward
(beyond the crutches).
- Advance both crutches and then the affected foot/leg.
- Repeat steps #3 and #4.
Managing Chairs With Crutches
To get into and out of a chair safely:
- Make sure the chair is stable and will not roll or slide
—and it must have arms and back support.
- Stand with the backs of your legs touching the front of the seat.
- Place both crutches in one hand, grasping them
by the handgrips.
- Hold on to the crutches (on one side) and the chair arm
(on the other side) for balance and stability while lowering
yourself to a seated position—or raising yourself from the
chair if you’re getting up.
Managing Stairs Without Crutches
The safest way to go up and down stairs is to use your
seat—not your crutches.
To Go Up Stairs
- Seat yourself on a low step.
- Move your crutches upstairs by one of these methods:
• If distance and reach allow, place the crutches
at the top of the staircase
• If this isn’t possible, place crutches as far up the
stairs as you can—then move them to the top
as you progress up the stairs
- In the seated position, reach behind you with both arms.
- Use your arms and weight-bearing foot/leg to lift
yourself up one step.
- Repeat this process one step at a time. (Remember
to move the crutches to the top of the staircase if you
haven’t already done so.)
To Go Down Stairs
- Seat yourself on the top step.
- Move your crutches downstairs by sliding them to the
lowest possible point on the stairway—then continue
to move them down as you progress down the stairs.
- In the seated position, reach behind you with both arms.
- Use your arms and weight-bearing foot/leg to lift
yourself down one step.
- Repeat this process one step at a time. (Remember
to move the crutches to the bottom of the staircase
if you haven’t already done so.)
Back to Conditions & Treatments
Appointments Contacts & Location Information
The Podiatrists
FFS Home