WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW:

Why do I need crutches? Crutches are tools that provide support and balance when you walk. You may need 1 or 2 crutches to help support your body weight. You may need crutches if you had surgery or an injury that affects your ability to walk.

How do I use crutches safely?

• Support your weight with your arms and hands. Do not support your weight with your armpits. This could hurt the nerves that are in your armpits. Keep your elbow bent when the crutch is in place under your arm.
  
  
• Walk slowly and carefully with crutches. Go up and down stairs and ramps slowly, and stop to rest when you feel tired. Get up slowly to a sitting or standing position. This will help prevent dizziness and fainting. Use your crutches only on firm ground. Use caution when you walk on ice or snow. Wet or waxed floors and smooth cement floors can be slippery. Watch out for small rugs or cords.

How do I walk with crutches?

• Place both crutches under your arms, and place your hands on the hand grips of the crutches. Place your crutches slightly in front of you.
  
  
• The top of the crutches should be about 2 fingers side-by-side (about 1½ inches) below your armpits. Place your weight on your hands. The top of the crutches should not press into your armpits.
  
  
• If you have one leg that is injured, keep it off the floor by bending your knee.
  
  
• Lift the crutches and move them a step ahead of you. Put the rubber ends of the crutches firmly on the ground. Move the foot that is not injured between the crutches. Place 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 crutches?

• Face the stairs. Put the crutches close to the first step.
  
  
• Push onto the crutches 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 step at the same time.
  
  
• When you hold onto a railing with one arm, put both crutches under the other arm. Use the railing to help you go up the stairs.

How do I go down stairs with 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.
  
  
• Lean on your crutches. Slowly lower your uninjured leg onto the same step.
  
  
• Place both crutches under one arm while you hold onto the railing with the other arm.

How do I sit in a chair with 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 with crutches?

• Sit on the edge of your 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.

When should I contact my healthcare provider?

• Your crutches do not fit.
  
  
• One crutch is longer than the other.
  
  
• Your crutches break or get lost.
  
  
• The rubber tips of your crutches are split or loose.
  
  
• You get blisters or painful calluses on your hands or armpits.
  
  
• Your armpit is red, sore, or has bumps or pimples.
  
  
• Your arm muscles get weaker the longer you use the crutches.
  
  
• You have questions or concerns about your condition or care.

When should I seek immediate care or call 911?

• You have sudden numbness in a hand or arm.
  
  
• Your fingers feel cold or have cramping pain.

CARE AGREEMENT:

You have the right to help plan your care. Learn about your health condition and how it may be treated. Discuss treatment options with your caregivers to decide what care you want to receive. You always have the right to refuse treatment.