✅ Return-to-Activity Readiness Assessment

Self-Assessment to Determine if You're Ready to Reduce Crutch Use

About This Assessment

This self-assessment tool helps you evaluate whether you're ready to begin reducing crutch use or returning to normal activities. It covers physical readiness, pain levels, stability, and functional abilities.

Important: This is a screening tool only. Always consult your healthcare provider before making changes to your mobility aids or activity level.

⚠️ Medical Clearance Required
Do NOT reduce crutch use without explicit approval from your doctor or physical therapist, even if you score high on this assessment. Your healthcare provider must verify bone healing, tissue repair, and overall recovery status before you can safely increase weight-bearing.

Patient Information

🔴 Section 1: Pain & Discomfort (Maximum 25 points)

1. How would you rate your pain level at rest (sitting or lying down)?
2. How would you rate your pain when putting weight on the injured leg?
3. Does your pain increase significantly after activity?
4. Is there swelling in your injured area?
5. Are you still taking pain medication regularly?

💪 Section 2: Strength & Stability (Maximum 25 points)

6. Can you stand on your injured leg alone (without crutches) for at least 30 seconds?
7. Can you bear your full body weight on the injured leg?
8. Can you walk a few steps without crutches (even if with a limp)?
9. Have you been doing prescribed physical therapy exercises regularly?
10. How is your muscle strength compared to your uninjured leg?

🔄 Section 3: Range of Motion (Maximum 20 points)

11. Can you bend and straighten your injured joint normally?
12. Can you point your toes up and down (if ankle/foot injury)?
13. Is your joint stiff when you wake up in the morning?
14. Can you squat down or sit in a low chair without pain?

🏠 Section 4: Daily Function (Maximum 15 points)

15. Can you navigate stairs without crutches?
16. Can you perform daily activities (shower, dress, cook) independently?
17. How far can you walk without crutches before needing to rest?

👨‍⚕️ Section 5: Medical Clearance (Maximum 15 points)

18. Has your doctor/PT said you can begin weight-bearing?
19. Have you had recent X-rays or imaging showing healing progress?

📊 Calculate Your Score

Add up your points from all 19 questions (maximum possible: 100 points)

Section 1 - Pain & Discomfort: _____ / 25
Section 2 - Strength & Stability: _____ / 25
Section 3 - Range of Motion: _____ / 20
Section 4 - Daily Function: _____ / 15
Section 5 - Medical Clearance: _____ / 15
TOTAL SCORE: _____ / 100

✅ 80-100 Points: LIKELY READY

Interpretation: You show strong indicators of readiness to reduce crutch use.

Next Steps:

⚠️ 60-79 Points: PROCEED WITH CAUTION

Interpretation: You're making good progress but may need more time or targeted therapy.

Next Steps:

🛑 Under 60 Points: NOT READY YET

Interpretation: Your body needs more healing time. Reducing crutch use now could cause re-injury or delayed healing.

Next Steps:

💬 Questions to Ask Your Doctor/Physical Therapist

Bring this completed assessment to your next appointment and discuss:

  1. Weight-Bearing Status: "Based on my assessment score of _____, am I ready to begin reducing crutch use?"
  2. Transition Timeline: "What is the recommended timeline for transitioning off crutches? Should I go from two crutches to one, then to a cane?"
  3. Weight-Bearing Progression: "How should I increase weight-bearing? Start at 25%, then 50%, then 75%?"
  4. Pain Thresholds: "What level of pain is acceptable during the transition? When should I back off?"
  5. Activity Restrictions: "What activities should I still avoid? When can I return to [specific activity]?"
  6. Red Flags: "What warning signs should I watch for that indicate I'm progressing too quickly?"
  7. PT Continuation: "Do I need additional physical therapy sessions during this transition?"
  8. Follow-Up Imaging: "Do I need X-rays or other imaging before reducing crutch use?"
  9. Home Exercises: "What exercises should I be doing daily to support this transition?"
  10. Assistive Devices: "Should I use a cane, walking boot, or brace during the transition?"

✅ Pre-Transition Checklist (Complete Before Reducing Crutch Use)

📧 Questions or need support? Email us at [email protected]

Return-to-Activity Readiness Assessment © November 2025 CrutchesGuide.com

This assessment is a screening tool only and does not replace medical evaluation. Always follow your healthcare provider's specific instructions regarding weight-bearing and activity progression. Unauthorized reduction of crutch use can lead to re-injury, delayed healing, or permanent complications.