If you have foot or ankle surgery, or if you injure your foot, chances are that you will receive a pair of crutches to help you get around for a certain amount of time. While crutches give you more mobility than a wheelchair, they look much easier to use than they actually are. Remember to go slowly and to minimize the amount of traveling that you need to do while you are on crutches. If you are having trouble adjusting to using your crutches, call your doctor for help.
Step 1
Be sure that the crutches fit you properly. The top pads of your crutches should be about an inch and a half below the level of your armpits to prevent chafing and injury. The handles should be at about hip level so that your elbows bend somewhat when you are holding them. The crutches should be long enough so they reach the ground about six inches away from your feet. Adjust the length and handles as necessary before using.
Step 2
Hold the handles firmly, and do not lean your armpits onto the upper pads. Swing the crutches out in front of you and place them about a foot ahead of your body while putting all of your weight on your non-injured foot. Allow your injured foot to step forward, but do not put any weight on that foot.
Step 3
Transfer all of your weight to the crutches while you move your non-injured foot up to the level of or in front of the crutches. Repeat steps two and three as needed.
Step 4
Use the sitting method to go up and down stairs to avoid injury. To go up, sit on a low step and put the crutches on a step farther up the flight. Reach the step above you with your arms, and use your non-injured foot to raise your body up one step at a time. As you get closer to the crutches, push them farther up the steps until they are at the top.
Step 5
Go down stairs by sitting on the top step and using your arms and non-injured foot to lower yourself down one step at a time. Again, push the crutches down as you go so that they reach the bottom of the flight at the same time you do.
Tips and Warnings
- Look straight ahead when using your crutches. Do not look down as this can make you dizzy and cause you to trip.
- Avoid walking on loose rugs or in the rain, ice or snow while using your crutches.
