How to Use Crutches Safely

Three-Point Gait (Non-Weight Bearing)

When to use: You cannot put ANY weight on your injured leg

How to do it:

1. Move both crutches forward together (about 12-18 inches)
2. Keep injured leg off the ground
3. Push down on handgrips and swing good leg forward past crutches
4. Repeat

Partial Weight-Bearing Gait

When to use: Doctor allows 25-75% weight on injured leg

How to do it:

1. Move both crutches forward
2. Step with injured leg, placing allowed weight
3. Use crutches to bear remaining weight
4. Step through with good leg
5. Repeat

Four-Point Gait (Maximum Stability)

When to use: Both legs can bear weight but you need extra balance support

How to do it:

1. Move right crutch forward
2. Move left foot forward
3. Move left crutch forward
4. Move right foot forward
5. Repeat

Pros: Three points always on ground = very stable

Cons: Slowest pattern

Swing-Through Gait (Advanced)

When to use: After you've mastered three-point gait and want to move faster

How to do it:

1. Move both crutches forward
2. Push down hard on handles
3. Swing both legs forward PAST crutches
4. Land on good leg
5. Repeat

Going Up Stairs (With Handrail)

Remember: "Up with the good, down with the bad"

1. Hold both crutches in one hand (under armpit, by handle)
2. Grip handrail with other hand
3. Step up with GOOD leg first
4. Push down on handrail and crutches
5. Bring injured leg and crutches up to same step
6. Repeat for each step

Going Down Stairs (With Handrail)

1. Hold both crutches in one hand
2. Grip handrail with other hand
3. Lower crutches to next step down
4. Step down with INJURED leg (or keep it raised)
5. Use handrail and crutches to control descent
6. Bring good leg down to same step
7. Repeat

Stairs Without Handrail (Use One Crutch)

Going Up:

1. Use one crutch on your stronger side
2. Place crutch and injured leg on current step
3. Push up with crutch while stepping up with good leg
4. Bring injured leg up

Going Down:

1. Place crutch one step down
2. Lower injured leg (or keep raised) to that step
3. Use crutch for support as good leg steps down

How to Sit Down

1. Back up to chair until you feel it behind your legs
2. Hold both crutches in hand on injured side
3. Grip armrest or seat with other hand
4. Slowly lower yourself while keeping injured leg extended
5. Once seated, place crutches within easy reach (don't lean them where they can fall!)

How to Stand Up

1. Scoot to edge of chair
2. Hold both crutches by handgrips in one hand
3. Push off armrest/chair with other hand
4. Stand on good leg while keeping injured leg slightly forward
5. Position crutches under armpits/arms once stable

Rain & Wet Surfaces

• Check rubber tips: Smooth tips = slipping hazard
• Go slower: Take shorter steps, place crutches carefully
• Avoid puddles: Water hides depth and slippery surfaces
• Dry tips: Wipe crutch tips when entering buildings
• Consider ice grips: Attachable cleats for crutch tips ($15-$25)

Snow & Ice (Winter Safety)

• Use ice tips: Retractable spikes or grip attachments
• Clear paths: Shovel or salt your walkways
• Consider alternatives: Use wheelchair or get rides on icy days
• Dress warmly: But avoid bulky clothing that restricts movement

Best winter accessories:

• Ice grips for crutch tips
• Waterproof crutch handle covers
• Reflective tape for visibility

Hot Weather Tips

• Use padded grips to prevent blisters from sweaty hands
• Apply antiperspirant to underarm areas (for axillary crutches)
• Stay hydrated - crutch walking is exercise!
• Wear moisture-wicking clothing

Common Pain Points & Solutions

1. Underarm Pain (Axillary Crutches)

Cause: Resting weight on armpits instead of hands

Solution:

• Keep 2-3 finger gap between armpit and pad
• Add extra padding to underarm area
• Check crutch height - may be too short
• Strengthen grip to take more weight on hands

2. Hand & Wrist Pain

Cause: Bearing all your weight on hands/wrists

Solution:

• Use padded grip covers ($10-$20)
• Wear padded gloves or cycling gloves
• Take frequent breaks
• Do wrist stretches 3x daily
• Consider platform crutches if pain persists

3. Shoulder & Neck Pain

Cause: Hunching, crutches too tall, poor posture

Solution:

• Check crutch height adjustment
• Keep shoulders relaxed, not raised
• Do shoulder rolls every 30 minutes
• Strengthen upper back muscles

4. Rib & Side Pain

Cause: Poor crutch placement, crutches too far from body

Solution:

• Keep crutches closer to body (6" to side)
• Check crutch length
• Improve core strength

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Protections

As a crutch user, you are temporarily protected under the ADA. This means:

At Work:

• Right to reasonable accommodations (parking, elevator access, modified duties)
• Cannot be fired solely due to temporary disability
• Entitled to accessible workspace

In Public Spaces:

• Access to ramps, elevators, and accessible restrooms
• Priority seating on public transportation
• Reasonable modifications at businesses

At School:

• Early dismissal to avoid crowded hallways
• Elevator access (if normally restricted)
• Extra time between classes
• Accessible seating in classrooms

Air Travel with Crutches

• Allowed: Crutches are allowed through TSA and on planes
• Pre-boarding: Request pre-boarding at gate
• Storage: Crutches can go in overhead bin or be gate-checked
• TSA screening: You can request to remain seated during screening
• Tip: Arrive 30 minutes earlier than normal