Crutches: Best Practices

Sizing Crutches

Even if you have 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 slightly bent—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 in which you stand when using crutches. It is also the position in which you begin walking. 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 weightbearing).

Walking with Crutches

(Nonweightbearing)

If your foot and ankle surgeon has told you to avoid all weightbearing, you will need sufficient upper-body strength to support all your weight with just your arms and shoulders.

1. Begin in the tripod position, remembering to keep all your weight on your good (weightbearing) foot.
2. Advance both crutches and the affected foot/leg.
3. Move the good weightbearing foot/leg forward (beyond the crutches).
4. Advance both crutches and then the affected foot/leg.
5. Repeat Steps 3 and 4.

Managing Chairs with Crutches

To get into and out of a chair safely:

1. Make sure the chair is stable and will not roll or slide. It must have arms and back support.
2. Stand with the backs of your legs touching the front of the seat.
3. Place both crutches in one hand, grasping them by the handgrips.
4. 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 to stand 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:

1. Seat yourself on a low step.
2. 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 is not possible, place crutches as far up the stairs as you can, and 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 weightbearing 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 have not 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 weightbearing 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 have not already done so.)

IMPORTANT!

Follow These Rules for Safety and Comfort

• Don’t look down. Look straight ahead as you normally do when you walk.
• Don’t use crutches if you feel dizzy or drowsy.
• Don’t walk on slippery surfaces. Avoid snowy, icy or rainy conditions.
• Don’t put any weight on the affected foot if your doctor has so advised.
• Do make sure your crutches have rubber tips.
• Do wear well-fitting, low-heel shoes (or shoe).
• Do position the crutch hand grips correctly (see “Sizing Your Crutches”).
• Do keep the crutch pads 1½” to 2″ below your armpits.
• Do call your foot and ankle surgeon if you have any questions or difficulties.