Crutch walking

Getting the right fit

• The top of the crutches should be at least two finger widths deep from the armpit (measuring when the shoulders are relaxed)
• When your child's arm is hanging straight down, the hand piece should be at the level of the wrist
• You can print and share these instructions with your child to help them feel comfortable moving around on crutches:

How to stand with crutches:

• Hold the top part of the crutch firmly between the chest and the inside of the upper arm. Avoid allowing the top of the crutch to push up into the armpit, as it's possible to damage nerves and blood vessels with constant pressure.
• When standing still, it's safer to stand with the crutches slightly ahead and apart.

How to walk on crutches (non-weight bearing):

• Put the crutches forward about one step's length
• Push down on the crutches with your hands, hold the "bad" leg up from the floor, and squeeze the top of the crutches between the chest and arm
• Swing the "good" leg forward. Be careful not to go too far
• Step on the "good" leg

How to walk on crutches (partial-weight bearing):

• Put the crutches forward about one step's length
• Put the "bad" leg forward; level with the crutch tips
• Take most of the weight by pushing down on the handgrips, squeezing the top of the crutches between the chest and arm
• Take a step with the "good" leg
• Make steps of equal length

How to go from sitting to standing:

• Hold the hand grips of both crutches in one hand. Use the crutches with one hand and the side of the chair with the other hand. Make sure the chair is stable. If necessary, have someone stand behind you.
• Stretch the "bad" leg out straight
• Push on chair, crutches, and the "good" leg; stand up
• Keep the weight off the "bad" leg. Balance. Place the crutches in place for walking

How to go from standing to sitting:

• Walk straight up to the chair
• When a step away from the chair, turn until your back is toward the chair using the "good" leg and the crutches. (Move the crutches, then step, crutches, step...a little at a time.) Never pivot
• Move backwards until the chair touches the back of the "good" leg
• Remove the crutches from under the arms
• Hold both crutches in one hand and reach for the chair with the other hand
• Stretch the "bad" leg out in front
• Sit down slowly

How to travel up stairs:

• Use one crutch and the stair rail if present (only if the railing is stable and you have someone to carry the other crutch). Use two crutches if there is no stair rail
• If both crutches can be held in one hand safely, you can use both crutches on one side and the railing on the other
• If not allowed to place weight on the "bad" leg, hop up with the "good" leg
• Bring the "bad" leg and the crutches up beside the "good" leg. Remember, the "good" leg goes up first and the crutches move with the "bad" leg
• Walk close to the first stair and hold onto the stair rail
• Hold onto the rail with one hand and the crutch with the other hand
• Push down on the stair rail and the crutch and step up with the "good" leg
• Easier method: Sit on the low step and place the crutches at the top of the staircase or as far up as possible so that you can move them up as your progress up the stairs. Next, use your arms and weight-baring extremity to lift and move up each step until you reach the top of the staircase. Remember to advance the crutches with you while progressing up the stairs.

How to travel down stairs:

• Walk to the edge of the stairs
• Place the "bad" leg and the crutches down on the step below; support weight by leaning on the crutches and the stair rail
• Bring the "good" leg down
• Remember the "bad" leg goes down first and the crutches move with the "bad" leg
• Easier method: Sit on top step and move your crutches downstairs by sliding them to the lowest step possible. Next, use your arms and weight-bearing extremity to life and move down each step until you reach the bottom of the staircase. Remember to advance the crutches with you while progressing down the stairs.

Special precautions:

• If falling, throw the crutches out to the side and use your arms to break your fall. To get up, get into a sitting position. Back up to a stool or low chair. Put your hands backwards on to the chair. Bend the "good" leg up. Pull with your hands and push with the "good" leg to get up onto the chair
• If not allowed to take weight on the "bad" leg, hop up with the "good" leg
• Don't remove any parts from your crutches, including the rubber tips
• Take care on slick or wet surfaces (i.e., the kitchen and bathroom)
• Never hop around holding on to furniture; it may slide or fall
• Be careful of ramps or slopes, as it's a little harder to walk