Content

• To step
• Part 1 of 2: Walking on a flat surface
• Part 2 of 2: Climbing stairs
• Tips
• Warnings

If you injure your ankle or knee or break your leg, your doctor will likely recommend crutches while you recover. Crutches are supports that allow you to take weight off your injured leg while standing and walking. They provide balance and allow you to perform your daily activities more safely while your injury heals. It can sometimes be more convenient to switch to one crutch, as it allows you to move around your surroundings a bit more easily and keep one arm free for other activities, such as carrying groceries. Using one stool can also be easier while climbing stairs, as long as there is a handrail you can hold on to. Keep in mind that switching to a single crutch will force you to put some pressure on your injured leg and increase the risk of falling. Therefore, always consult your doctor before you only want to use one stool.

To step

Part 1 of 2: Walking on a flat surface

1. Place the crutch under the arm opposite your injured leg. If you only use one stool, you have to decide which side to use it on. Medical professionals recommend placing the crutch under the arm on the side of your healthy leg - or in other words, not on the side of your injured leg. Push the stool under your armpit and grab the handle that is roughly in the middle of the stool.
   • By keeping the crutch on the side of your healthy leg, you can lean away from your injured side and put less weight on it. However, to walk with one crutch, you have to put "some" weight on the injured side at each step.
   • Depending on your injury, your doctor may decide it is not a good idea to put weight on your injured side, so you may need to continue using two crutches or use a wheelchair. You should always listen to the doctor's recommendations to ensure the best rehabilitation.
   • Adjust the length of the stool so that there are at least three fingers between your armpit and the padding at the top of the stool when standing upright. Adjust the handle so that it is at wrist level with your arm hanging straight down.
2. Place and balance the crank properly. Once the crutch is properly adjusted and placed under the arm opposite the injured side, place it about 7-10 cm from the center of the outside of your foot for best stability. Most if not your entire body weight should be supported by your hand and straight arm, as too much weight on your forearm can lead to pain and potential nerve damage.
   • There should be padding on both the handle and armpit rest of your stool. The filling provides better grip and shock absorption.
   • Avoid wearing bulky shirts or jackets while walking with a single crutch, as it can lead to less movement and stability.
   • If your foot or leg is in a cast or a walking shoe, consider wearing a shoe with thicker heels on your healthy foot so that there is no such difference in height between your two legs. Equal leg lengths provide more stability and reduce the risk of hip or lower back pain.
3. Prepare to take a step. As you prepare to walk, move the crutch forward about 12 inches and at the same time step forward with your injured leg. Then step along the crutch with your healthy leg while firmly grasping the handle with your outstretched arm. To move forward, keep repeating the same sequence: walking with the crutch and the injured leg, then walking along the crutch with the healthy leg.
   • Remember to balance yourself by keeping most of your weight on the crutch when walking with your injured leg.
   • Be careful and take it easy when walking with a single crutch. Make sure you have a solid foundation and that there is nothing in your path that could cause you to trip - make sure the area is clear of debris and that nearby rugs are rolled up. Allow for extra time to get from one place to another.
   • To avoid pain, nerve damage and / or a shoulder injury, make sure you are not absorbing your weight with your armpit.

Part 2 of 2: Climbing stairs

1. Check if there is a handrail. Climbing stairs is actually much more difficult with two crutches than with just one crutch. However, only use a single stool to go up and down stairs if a handrail or support is provided. Even if there is a handrail, make sure it is stable and securely attached to the wall, and is able to support your weight.
   • If there is no handrail, use both crutches, take the elevator, or ask someone to help you.
   • If there is a handrail, you can grab it with one hand and carry one (or both) crutches in the other as you climb the stairs - it could be easier and / or faster without crutches.
2. Grab the handrail with your hand on your injured side. As you go up the stairs, hold the crutch under the arm on your uninjured side and grasp the handrail with the hand on your injured side. Press the backrest and the crutch on the other side at the same time, then step up with your uninjured leg first. Then bring your injured leg up and the crutch next to your uninjured leg, on the same step. Repeat this pattern until you get to the top of the stairs, but be careful and take your time.
   • If possible, practice this skill with a physical therapist first.
   • If there is no handrail, no elevator, and no one around to help you and you absolutely must climb the stairs, try using the wall next to the stairs for support, much like you would use the handrail.
   • Take a lot more time for steep stairs and narrow steps, especially if you have big feet or are wearing walking boots.
3. Be extra careful when going down the stairs. Going down the stairs with two crutches or a single crutch is potentially more dangerous than going up because of the distance you can fall if you lose your balance. Grasp the handrail firmly and place your injured leg on the bottom step first, followed by the crutch on the other side and your healthy leg. Don't put too much pressure on your injured leg, though, as a sharp jolt of pain can make you feel sick or dizzy. Always keep your balance and don't rush. Follow the pattern of the injured leg first, then the healthy leg, all the way down to the bottom of the stairs.
   • Remember that the pattern for walking down the stairs is "opposite" to that of walking up the stairs.
   • Pay attention to the objects on the stairs that could get in your way.
   • It is always best to have someone to help you down when possible or convenient.

Tips

• Carry personal items in a backpack. This keeps your hands free and gives you better balance when walking with a single crutch.
• Maintain good posture while walking. Failure to do so can cause hip or back pain and make using a crutch more difficult.
• Wear comfortable shoes with a rubber sole for a better grip. Avoid flip flops, sandals, or slippery dress shoes.
• Take extra time to get around on crutches.
• If you lose your balance, try to fall to your healthy side, as it can absorb the impact better.

Warnings

• Take extra care when walking on wet or uneven surfaces, or on snowy or icy surfaces.
• If you are ever unsure about anything, such as whether you can safely get down the stairs or not, always err on the side of caution and ask for help.
• Also make sure that your crutch is not too low under your armpit / arm. It can slip out of your armpit and cause you to lose balance or fall.