Crutch Fitting and Usage

Name ___________________________________
1.
2.
3.
4.

Ask how tall they are

Have stand up erect
Place crutch tip 2 in front of toe and 6-8 to the side of foot
Adjust the height of the crutches so the axilla pad is 1.5 (2-3 fingers) below
axilla
5. Adjust the hand grip so it the elbow is bent approximately 35 o

Three Point Gait Instructions

General directions for walking with crutches
1. Place the crutches under your arms. Squeeze them to the sides of your body.
2. Move the crutches 6 to 12 inches ahead. They should be slightly away from
your body.
3. Push down on the hand grips. Step past the crutches.
4. Support your weight with your hands and not under your arms.
5. Check your balance before you go on.
1. Stand in the middle of your crutches.

2. Place crutches in front of you. They

should be a comfortable arms length away.

3. Push down on the hand grips. Step

forward to the crutches with your weaker
leg.

4. Step past the crutches with your

stronger leg.

Repeat the same sequence:

1. Place crutches forward.
2. Step with weaker leg.
3. Step with stronger leg.

Four Point Gait

General directions for walking with crutches
1. Place the crutches under your arms. Squeeze them to the sides of your body.
2. Move the crutches 6 to 12 inches ahead. They should be slightly away from
your body.
3. Push down on the hand grips. Step past the crutches.
4. Support your weight with your hands and not under your arms.
5. Check your balance before you go on.

1. Stand in the middle of your crutches

(see figure at right).

2. Place crutches in front of you and step

with your weaker leg at the same time.

Repeat the same sequence:

1. Step with crutches and weaker leg.

3. Push down on the hand grips. With your

stronger leg, step up past the crutches.

2. Step with stronger leg.

Walking With One Crutch

General Directions for Walking with a Crutch
1. Place the crutch under your arm. Squeeze it to
the side of your body.
2. Move the crutch 6 to 12 inches ahead. It should
be slightly away from your body.
3. Push down on the hand grip. Step past the
crutch.
4. Support your weight with your hand and not
under your arm.
5. Check your balance before you go on.
How to Walk with One Crutch
1. Place the crutch under the arm opposite your weaker leg (see
figure above).
2. Move the crutch forward and step with your weaker leg at the
same time. Keep the crutch close to your body for support
and balance (see figure at right).
3. Support your weight on both your crutch and your weaker leg. Step past the
crutch with your stronger leg (see figure below).

Repeat with the same sequence:

1. Step with crutch and weaker leg.
2. Step with stronger leg.

Stairs
To Ascend
1. Leave crutches on the same level where standing.
2. Support weight evenly on the crutch hands.
3. Raise the uninjured foot to the higher
step, letting the injured foot trail
behind.
4. Straighten the uninjured leg and
advance the crutches to same step.
To Descend
1. Place the crutches on the lower step,
while extending the injured foot
forward to step with crutches. Support
weight evenly on the crutch hands.
2. Move the uninjured foot to the lower step.
3. Narrow steps without a railing might require sitting on each step.
4. Apply the same techniques when going up and down curbs.
Sitting Down
1. Keeping the injured leg forward, turn and back into the chair until the edge of
it is against the back of the legs.
2. Put both crutches in the hand of the injured side.
3. Grasp the chair arm with the other hand.
4. Lean forward and sit down slowly, keeping weight on the uninjured foot.
Standing Up
1. Move to the edge of the chair.
2. Place both crutches in the hand of the injured side.
3. Grasp the chair arm with the other hand.
4. Lean forward and push up, keeping weight on the uninjured foot.
Tips for walking with crutches

Carry items in a backpack.

Do not hang or lean on your crutches. Support all your weight on your hands,
not under your arms

Maintain good posture when walking.

Wear shoes that fit well, support your feet, and are comfortable.

Be careful when walking on uneven or wet surfaces.

Walk at a safe, comfortable pace.