Crutch walking: partial weight bearing

You should:

• check that there is tread left on the rubber ferrules
• check that the ‘poppers’ on the crutches are fully out
• check that there are no dents in the crutches
• check that there is nothing loose

If you find anything wrong, please bring the crutches back to the emergency department and we can replace them.

Leave your arms through the crutches when sitting down or standing up.

Lend them to someone else as they are measured for you.

How do I stand up and walk using the crutches?

1. Make an ‘H’ shape with the crutches; push down on this with one hand and push up from the chair with the other.
2. When balanced, bring the crutches in front of you and put each arm through the crutches in turn. You should hold both handles in the other hand as you do so.
3. Separate the crutches and place them out in front of you - slightly wider than your shoulders.
4. To walk, put the crutches in front of you first and take your weight through your arms. Then either step up to the crutches, or just past them, with your supporting leg. If you take your weight through your arms you will swing, and not hop.

What should I do about going up stairs?

1. If you have a handrail, you should carry your spare crutch in your opposite hand holding it in a ‘T’ shape horizontal to the floor. It should be held on the outside over your other crutches.
2. Bend your injured leg up behind you (to prevent it banging on the step), push through the handrail and your crutch, and ease yourself up onto the next step. Try not to hop. Then bring your crutch up to the same step.
3. If you don’t have a handrail, do the same as above but leave both crutches down. Then control your good leg up onto the next step and then bring both crutches up.

What about going down stairs?

1. If you have a handrail, place your hand level with the step below. Hold your bad leg out in front of you, and put your crutch down first. Then lower your good leg.
2. If you do not have a handrail put both crutches down on the step below and lower your good leg.

Are there any precautions I should be aware of?

• take care on the stairs with carpets as your crutch can slip off the step; always place your crutch in the middle of the step
• wet floors and pavements can be slippery, so take care
• remove any rugs or mats as you may trip over these
• talcum powder makes the hospital floors very slippery so avoid using it around the bed area
• always take your time, do not rush and when resting keep your crutches out in front of you for balance

What do I do when I have finished using the crutches?

Once you have finished with the crutches please return them to appliances. They can be reused for another patient.

Reviewed by Dr Thomas Shaw in September 2023, next review in September 2026.

If you need this information in an alternative format, please contact the Patient Experience and Engagement Team on 01226 434922.

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