Crutch Instructions

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW:

• You may need crutches to help you walk when you have a hurt foot, leg, or hip. They are used to give extra balance and support when you walk. You may need 1 or 2 crutches to help carry some or all of your body weight. Your caregiver will fit you with your new crutches and show you how to use them. When using crutches, it is important to put your weight on your arms and hands. Do not put your weight on your underarms (arm pits). This could hurt the nerves that are in your underarms.
  
  
• Use your crutches only on firm ground. When using crutches, be careful of ice or snow under your crutch tips. Be careful on wet or waxed floors and smooth cement floors. Small rugs (especially on waxed floors) can slip as you put your weight on the crutches. This can make it very easy to fall. Telephone and extension cords can also catch your crutch and make you fall. Stay away from crowds and watch for pets, as people and animals can bump into you and make you fall.

INSTRUCTIONS:

How do I use axillary crutches?

• Your caregiver will fit you with your new crutches. When using crutches, it is important to let your weight be supported by your arms and hands. Do not let your weight be supported by your underarms. This could hurt the nerves that are in your underarms. Your elbow should be bent when the crutch is in place under your arm, and the end of it is set on the floor. A properly fitted crutch will let you place two fingers between the top of the crutch and your armpit.
  
  
• Use your crutches only on firm ground. When using crutches, be careful of ice or snow under your crutch tips. Be careful on wet or waxed floors and smooth cement floors. Small rugs (especially on waxed floors) can slip as you put your weight on the crutches. This can make it very easy to fall. Telephone and extension cords can also catch your crutch and make you fall. Try to stay away from crowds and watch for pets. People or animals that bump your crutches can make you fall.

How do I walk with axillary crutches?

• Place both crutches in front of you at the same time. Put them about 8 to 12 inches in front of you and 8 to 12 inches to your side.
  
  
• Lean on your hands and not your underarms. The top of the crutches should be about one and one-half inches (two fingers side by side) below your underarm.
  
  
• Keep your elbows bent as you use the crutches. If you have one leg that is hurt, keep it off the floor by bending your knee.
  
  
• Take a step with your crutches. Swing the foot that is not hurt between the crutches, placing that heel down first.
  
  
• If you are using your crutches for balance, move your right foot and left crutch forward. Then move your left foot and right crutch forward. Keep walking this way.

How do I go up stairs with axillary crutches?

• Face the stairs. Put the crutches close to the first step.
  
  
• Push on the crutches with your elbows straight and put your uninjured leg on the first step.
  
  
• Put your weight on your uninjured leg that is on the first step. Bring both crutches and the injured leg onto the stair at the same time.
  
  
• When holding on to a railing, put both crutches under the other arm. Use the railing to help you go up stairs.

How do I go down stairs with axillary crutches?

• Stand with the toes of your uninjured leg close to the edge of the step.
  
  
• Bend the knee of your uninjured leg. Slowly lower both crutches along with the injured leg onto the next step. Keep your crutches about four inches to your side.
  
  
• Lean on your crutches. Slowly lower your uninjured leg onto the same step.
  
  
• Place both crutches under the other arm when using a railing.

How do I sit in a chair using axillary crutches?

• Turn and back up to the chair until you feel the edge of it against the back of your legs. Keep your injured leg forward.
  
  
• Take your crutches out from under your arms. Sit while bending your uninjured knee.

How do I get up from a chair using axillary crutches?

• Sit on the edge of your chair. Put your uninjured foot close to the chair
  
  
• Push up with your hands using the crutches or arms of the chair. Put your weight on your uninjured foot as you get up.
  
  
• Keep your injured leg bent at the knee and off the floor.

How do I check that my crutches are safe for me to use?

• Check that the rubber tips of your crutches are not split or loose.
  
  
• Make sure that both crutches match each other. One crutch should not be longer, shorter, or look different than the other.
  
  
• If adjusting your own crutches, make sure that the spring clip on the side of each crutch is working correctly.

CONTACT A CAREGIVER IF:

• You have questions about how to use your crutches.
  
  
• Your crutches do not fit.
  
  
• Your crutches break or get lost.
  
  
• You get blisters or painful calluses on your hands or on your underarms (arm pits).
  
  
• Your skin on your underarm gets red and sore.
  
  
• Your skin on your underarms gets bumps or acne.

SEEK CARE IMMEDIATELY IF:

If you have sudden numbness in a hand or arm.

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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

Learn more about Crutch Instructions (Aftercare Instructions)