CRUTCH INSTRUCTIONS:

BEFORE YOU GET STARTED:

 Make sure all the pads and grips are firmly in place.
 Make sure all the hardware is tighten. Check all weak screws.
 Check weekly for tightening hardware and screw, these will loosen over time.
 Clean the tips of the crutches from any stones, dirt or debris.
 If the tips are worn out, replace them.
 Remove all loose rugs from any of your paths to prevent falls. Clear your paths from
obstacles.

FITTING THE CRUTCHES:

The rubber piece on the top of the crutch should be three fingers width below the arm pit and
should rest against the rib cage. Elbows should be have a slight bend when pushing on the hand
grip. Crutches should be held at the sides and far enough away from the body to allow the hips to
pass through.

TECHNIQUES

 To get up from a chair:

 Hold both crutches on the inside of the crutch. Hold them on your weak side.
 Slide your body to the edge of the chair.
 Push down on the arm of the healthy side.
 Stand up. Check your balance.
 Put one crutch under each arm. Once stable, proceed forward.

 To sit down in a chair:

 While standing, back up to the chair. Stop once you feel the chair against the back of
your legs.
 Both crutches are placed in your hand of the weak side.
 Reach back for the chair with your other hand.
 Slowly and carefully, lower yourself to the chair.

 
Going up the stairs:

 Place all your weight on the hand grips.  

 Start close to the bottom step. 
 Place the uninjured, healthy foot, on the first step.
Remember: “Good foot goes up first!” Keep the crutches
with your weak side. Step up
 Keep your body straight. Check your balance before
proceeding.
 Bring up your weak foot, keep the crutches with the weak
side.
 If a banister is used, carry both crutches together on the
opposite side (only able to do this is full weight bearing or
four point gait has been instructed by your doctor.)
 Make sure someone is there to assist you.

Going down the stairs:

 Start at the edge of the step. Keep your hips beneath you.
 Slowly place the weight on the hand grips and bring the
crutches with your weak side down first to the next step.
Remember: “Bad foot goes down first!”
 As you proceed forward, bend at the hips and knees, this
will help to prevent leaning too far forward. leaning can
cause falls. Bring healthy foot to step below.
 Check your balance before you proceed to the next step.
 Use a handrail if possible by placing both crutches in
hand which is not holding handrail.

Getting into a car:

 Step to the side when opening the door. Stand in the door opening and back up until the
edge of the car is felt with the back of your legs.  
 Grab the back rest with one hand and the other hand will hold the crutch arm grips.
 Sit down on the seat. Bring feet in at one time.

TYPES OF CRUTCH WALK

There are different types of crutch use and they all vary with how much weight is applied to the
weak/injured foot. Follow your doctors instructions. Also, foot gear while using crutches will be
determined by doctor.

1. Four Point Gait

2. Partial Weight Bearing (3 point gait)
3. Non-Weight Bearing. (2 point gait)

Four Point Gait: Walking with both feet on ground.  

1. Place right crutch forward a comfortable distance.

2. Shift weight and move left foot forward. Never place foot ahead of crutch that was just
moved.
3. Move left crutch forward.
4. Move right foot forward.
5. Repeat steps above.

Partial Weight Bearing: With little weight on the weak/injured foot.  

1. Place both crutches forward together.

2. Bring weak foot/ankle up to the crutches and placing foot flat on the ground for balance,
but not full weight.
3. Bearing weight on your hands, push down on the crutches while at the same time
bringing your healthy foot forward.
4. Bring both crutches forward immediately.
5. Repeat steps above.
Non-Weight Bearing: The weak foot/ankle is off the floor. Crutches are held in front and to the
side and the body “swings” through.  

1. Crutches are placed forward 6 – 8 inches.

2. Bear down on hands.
3. Lift healthy off the floor and swing body through the crutches. The weak Foot/ankle
swings forward and through at the same time.
4. Place healthy foot down in front of crutches.
5. Bring crutches forward and repeat steps above.