Ateneo De Naga University

Naga City
College of Nursing

Crutchwalking (Self-Directed Learning)

1. Crutchwalking - Assisting patient to walk using crutches while providing support and as a
convenient method of getting from one place to another.
2. Serves to increase the size of an individual’s Base of support. It transfers weight from the legs to
the upper body and is often used by people who cannot use their legs to support their weight (ie
short-term injuries to lifelong disabilities).
3. Special considerations
Weight Bearing Restrictions
Your doctor may have given weight bearing restrictions on the leg which tells how much weight
can put through leg.

Weight Bearing as Tolerated

If you are weight-bearing as tolerated, that means you can put as much weight through your leg
as is comfortable. Putting weight through your legs should not significantly increase or cause
you pain.

Partial Weight Bearing

If you are partial weight bearing then you can put some weight but not all through your leg. You
should push through your hands on the crutches to keep the full weight off of your leg.

Toe Touch Weight Bearing

If you are toe touch or foot flat weight-bearing, then you may simply rest your foot on the floor.
Imagine there is an egg or a cracker under your foot that you don't want to crush. It's important
to know that toe touch weight bearing does not mean that only your toe can touch the ground.
It is important to allow your entire foot to rest flat on the ground.

Non-Weight Bearing
If you are non-weight-bearing then you can't put any weight through your foot. You should push
through your hands on the crutches to keep the weight off of your foot. As you walk, you should
be able to walk without your foot touching the ground.

No matter what your weight-bearing restrictions are, make sure that you never lean on the tops
of your crutches. You can hurt a nerve causing numbness and tingling in your arm. Put all of your
weight through your hands, not your armpits.
4.
Axilla crutches are the most common type. Their ease of use makes them an excellent option for
most individuals. They are best for short-term use. The design is intended to transfer most of
the user’s body weight to the arms and torso. Axilla crutches are not ideal for individuals with
wrist problems, weak upper body strength, or impairment of coordination. Most health care
facilities discharge patients with axilla crutches for immediate use.
 Ateneo De Naga University
Naga City
College of Nursing

Crutchwalking (Self-Directed Learning)

Forearm crutches are better for long-term use. The weight of the user is transferred mainly to
their entire upper arms. The user needs good upper body strength to use these crutches
properly. Individuals with long-term disabilities looking to be more active or participate in
sports may choose forearm crutches as an option.

Platform crutches are the least common of the three. The weight of the patient is transferred
mainly to the user’s forearms. The platform allows the user more stability than the axilla and
forearm crutches, but the platform crutch has less maneuverability. They are intended for long-
term use. Individuals with long-term disabilities from severe neurological impairment of their
lower extremities with decreased stability may choose platform crutches as an option.

5.
Spastic gait
Spastic gait occurs when a person drags his or her feet while walking. This type can also make
someone appear to be very stiff when walking.

Scissors gait
A person whose legs bend inward will often have a scissors gait. With this type, a person’s legs
cross and may hit each other while walking. The crisscross motion may resemble scissors
opening and closing.

Steppage gait
Steppage gait occurs when a person’s toes point towards the ground while walking. Often, the
toes will scrape against the ground as the person steps forward.

Waddling gait
As the name suggests, a person with a waddling gait moves from side to side when walking.
Waddling involves taking short steps as well as swinging the body.

Propulsive gait
Propulsive gait is when a person walks with his or her head and neck pushed forward. It can
appear as though the person is rigidly holding a slouched position.

In addition to these five types, a person with a limp is also considered to have an abnormal gait.
Similarly, to other abnormalities, a limp may be either temporary or permanent. A limp may also
clear up without medical intervention.

6.
Standing Up
 Ateneo De Naga University
Naga City
College of Nursing

Crutchwalking (Self-Directed Learning)

To stand up, hold both crutches by the hand grips in one hand and push up with the other hand
on the chair. Then put one crutch under each arm.

Sitting Down
To sit down, place both crutches in one hand holding the hand grips together and reach for the
chair with your other hand to lower yourself slowly.

Walking

To take a step, squeeze the crutches between your upper arms and ribs put the weight through
your hands not your armpits.
Move the crutches forward. Move your injured leg forward and put your foot even with the
crutches. Put as much weight as you are allowed on the injured leg, taking the rest of the weight
through your arms and hands.
Step past with your stronger leg.
In summary, move the crutches first, your injured leg next, and then your stronger leg.

Going Up Stairs

To go upstairs with a handrail, place one crutch under one arm and use the handrail with the
other arm for support.
Step up with the stronger leg, then the injured leg, and lastly bring up the crutch. Always make
sure the crutch tip is completely on the stair. If you do not have a handrail be very careful as you
could lose your balance. Have someone help you or avoid the stairs until you are stronger.
Place one crutch under each arm. Step up with the stronger leg then, then bring the injured leg
and your crutches up together.

Going Down Stairs

To go down stairs with a handrail, place one crutch under one arm and use the handrail with the
other arm.
For support, lower the crutch down to the step below and move your injured leg down and then
bring your stronger leg down. Always make sure the crutch tip is completely on the stair. If you
do not have a handrail, be very careful as you can lose your balance. Have someone help you or
avoid the stairs until you are stronger.
Place one crutch under each arm. Step down with your crutches and your injured leg. Together
then bring your stronger leg down.