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The most important part of using crutches is going slowly and safely to make sure you don’t reinjure your leg or damage your surgery site. Your healthcare provider can show you techniques to stand, move, walk and use stairs before you try crutches at home.
Crutches are one of the most common medical devices that people use while they’re recovering from an injury or after a surgery. They’re what’s known as a mobility aid — a tool that helps you move. Crutches help you stand, walk and move without putting your full weight on your recovering leg, knee or ankle. Your healthcare provider or orthopaedist will tell you which kind of crutches you need, how long you should use them and how to use crutches safely. When will I need to use crutches?It’s very common to need crutches after an injury or surgery. Some of the most common include: How much weight can I bear with crutches?How much weight or pressure you can put on your leg, knee, ankle or foot depends on why you need crutches and how far into your recovery you are. Your healthcare provider, surgeon or physical therapist will advise how much weight you can lean on your recovering side — the medical term is “weight bearing.” Some of the terms they might use include:
What are the different types of crutches?There are a few types of crutches you might need:
How do I make crutches more comfortable?Adjusting your crutches will make them more comfortable:
Remember these safety tips:
How do I stand with crutches?Follow these tips for standing up with crutches:
How do I move from sitting to standing with crutches?Getting up from a seated position is all about making sure you’re balanced and not letting your momentum move you farther than you want to.
How do I sit down from standing with crutches?Sitting down into a seat is easier than lots of other movements with crutches. Make sure you don’t tip backward into the seat too quickly — you should still try to have slow, controlled motions so you don’t slip or fall.
How do I walk with crutches?It’s important to walk safely with crutches while you’re recovering. If you’ve had a surgery, you might need to start moving as soon as the next day. Your surgeon will tell you when you should start walking. If you’re wearing a boot or cast on your foot or ankle, follow these steps the same way, just don’t put more weight on your foot than your healthcare provider says you can.
How do I walk with one crutch?After some injuries or surgeries, your healthcare provider might say you only need to use one crutch.
How do I walk up stairs with crutches?Climbing up stairs can be dangerous if you try to go too fast. Make sure to go slowly and regain your balance before moving on to the next step. If it’s possible, have someone help you, especially the first few times. If the stairs have a handrail, use it to support yourself while you’re going up:
Follow these steps to go up stairs if your stairs don’t have a handrail:
If you’re not comfortable or don’t feel safe walking up stairs on your crutches, you can hop up them on your butt.
How do I walk down stairs with crutches?Going down stairs can be harder than walking up stairs, especially if you’re still getting used to your crutches. Go slowly and make sure your strong leg is safely on the step below you before shifting your weight or moving down. If the stairs have a handrail, use it to support yourself while you’re going down:
Follow these steps to go down stairs if your stairs don’t have a handrail:
If you’re not comfortable or don’t feel safe walking down stairs on your crutches, you can scoot down them on your butt.
A note from Cleveland Clinic It’s very common to need crutches after an injury or surgery. The most important part of using crutches safely is going slowly, making sure you’re safe and stable while you’re moving. Don’t be afraid to ask for help throughout your healing process. Your healthcare provider or physical therapist can help you adjust your crutches to be comfortable and safe. They’ll also show you how to use them.
Last reviewed by a Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 05/23/2022. References
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Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Policy |