How to Use Crutches 

Learn how to safely use crutches on the floor and stairs; either one crutch or two. Our expert physiotherapists teach you how.
Ensuring you know how to use crutches properly BEFORE your surgery will help make the transition home easier. Today we are going to cover how to use your crutches on flat ground, while climbing stairs and proper use of one crutch.
The first thing to consider is that the crutches are adjusted to the appropriate height.
The axillary pad should be a few fingers breadth away from the armpit in standing and the handle should line up with the crease between your hand and forearm.
FLAT GROUND - Non-weight bearing.
Weight is born through the arms - not on the axillary pads - and the crutches are advanced together. The strong leg STEPS PAST the crutches and the cycle repeats.
FLAT GROUND - Toe touch weight bearing.
When your surgeon says you are allowed partial or “toe touch’ weight bearing you are ready to put the foot of the surgical leg on the ground.
The crutches always move with the surgical leg in order to reduce the amount of weight that the surgical limb must bear.
All three points of contact move forward - both crutches and the injured leg. THEN the strong side steps past the crutches and the injured leg. This cycle repeats itself.
STAIRS
When negotiating stairs a common phrase taught to patients is “the good leg leads to heaven and the bad leg leads to hell”. Simply put, this means that the good leg always goes first when climbing stairs and the surgical leg always goes first when descending stairs.
As always the crutches will always move with the injured leg.
Going Up Stairs
Start by putting the strong leg on the first stair. Step onto the strong leg and bring the crutches and injured leg up to meet it.
This cycle simply repeats until you at the top!
Going Up Stairs Using a Railing
When there is a railing available you may wish to take advantage of it. To do this, simply put both crutches under the opposite arm. The crutch still moves with the injured limb and the railing can be used for additional support.
Going Down Stairs
Some patients find descending stairs with crutches a little scary at first, but rest assured as long as you follow these tips you can descend safely.
Begin by standing on the strong leg and lowering the crutches and injured limb to the stair. Once you have the crutches firmly planted on the lower stair you can move the strong leg down to meet them.
This cycle repeats until you are down the stairs.
Decending using a railing.
The same principles apply for descending using a railing. The crutches are stacked under the opposite arm and move with the injured leg.
OTHER TIPS
• Always keep stairs and hallways in your home free from clutter.
• You may need to widen spaces between furniture to get through on crutches
• When you sit down, keep your crutches within arm’s reach.
• Do your best to keep the floor clean and dry to ensure good traction.
• Practice all of these skills before your surgery.
Your Therapia physiotherapists will be happy to review these skills with you to ensure you are safe in your home while using crutches.