Content

• To step
• Part 1 of 3: Height and positioning
• Part 2 of 3: Walking and sitting
• Part 3 of 3: Taking the stairs
• Tips
• Warnings

If you cannot lean on one leg with your full weight due to surgery or injury, you will need to learn to use crutches. It's important to do this the right way to avoid more injury to your injured leg or foot. Learn how to set and position crutches at the correct height, as well as how best to use them for walking, sitting, standing and taking the stairs.

To step

Part 1 of 3: Height and positioning

1. Buy or rent new or used crutches that are in good condition. Check that the crutches are sturdy and that they are covered with rubber on the top that is still quite soft to the touch. Also check out the bolts or pins that allow you to adjust the length of the crutches. Check that the crutches also have rubber caps.
2. Adjust the height of the crutches. To do this, stand up straight and put your hands on the handles. The top of the crutches should be about two inches below your armpits. The handles are located just above hip height.
   • When you have determined the correct height of the crutches, your arms should be slightly bent when you stand up and grasp the handle.
   • When adjusting the height of the crutches, make sure you are wearing the shoes you wear most often. Ideal are shoes without a high heel that support your foot (s) well.
3. Hold the crutches correctly. For maximum control, it is best to place the crutches flat at your side and grip firmly. The top of the crutches are not supposed to touch your armpit. You absorb the weight that normally rests on your leg with your hands and arms.

Part 2 of 3: Walking and sitting

1. Use the crutches to walk. Lean forward and place both crutches about a foot in front of your body. Move as if you were taking a step with your injured foot, but instead of leaning on your leg, lean on the handles of the crutches. Swing your body forward and rest your healthy foot on the floor. Repeat this to keep moving forward.
   • Keep your injured foot about ten centimeters above the ground and make sure it is slightly behind your body.
   • Practice this gait with your chin up. Don't look at your feet all the time, but try to make the movement natural.
   • Also practice walking backwards. Look behind you so you don't knock over furniture or other things.
2. Use the crutches to help you get into a sitting position. Choose a sturdy chair that won't slide back when you sit on it. Stand in front of it and hold both of your crutches with one hand. Lean lightly on the crutches and keep your injured foot in front of you. Use the other hand to grab the back of the chair and lower yourself into the chair.
   • Place the stools upside down against a wall. They are firmer upside down than upright and are less likely to fall over.
   • Grab the crutches to get up again. Hold the crutches on the healthy side of your body and lean on your good leg as you stand up. Place your weight on your healthy foot and make sure that you now divide the crutches over both arms. You can now lean back on the crutches to walk away.

Part 3 of 3: Taking the stairs

1. When climbing a flight of stairs, let your good foot do the work. Hold on to the railing with one hand and lean on both crutches with your other arm. Put your good foot on the first step and keep your injured foot slightly behind your body. Lean on the crutches as you step up and keep your good foot behind your body as you climb the stairs.
   • You can probably use a little help the first time you take the stairs. Ask a friend or family member for some support.
   • If the stairs you have to climb do not have a handrail, place one stool under each arm. Step up with your good foot and keep your injured foot behind your body. Then move the crutches to the next step.
2. When you walk down a flight of stairs, keep your injured foot in front of you. Clamp both crutches under your armpit and hold the handrail with your free hand. Carefully hop to the next step and keep doing this until you are down.
   • If the stairs do not have a handrail, lower the crutches one step first, lower your injured leg and step with your right foot to the next step while leaning on the crutches.
   • If you want to reduce the chance that you will roll down the stairs, you can also go down the stairs while sitting. Hold your injured foot in front of you and use your hands to support yourself as you descend the stairs step by step. You will have to ask someone else to lower the crutches for you.

Tips

• If you have known for a while that you have to use crutches, for example because you are undergoing an operation, practice with the crutches beforehand so that you do not have to get used to them after the operation.
• Before a walk, make sure you know exactly where to walk and how to use the crutches.

Warnings

• Lean never with your full weight on your armpits. Your crutches shouldn't even touch your armpits. Your hands and arms should support your weight along with your healthy leg and foot.