Why Use Crutches?

Crutches help keep weight off an injured leg, foot, or ankle, allowing proper healing while maintaining mobility. Using them correctly prevents further injury, reduces pain, and improves balance.

Adjusting Your Crutches

✔ Crutch height – Adjust so the top is 2 inches (2-3 finger widths) below your armpit when standing upright.
✔ Handgrip height – Adjust so your elbows bend slightly (15-30 degrees) when holding the grips.
✔ Avoid resting your weight on your armpits – This can cause nerve damage.

Walking with Crutches (Non-Weight Bearing)

1️⃣ Stand upright with crutches under each arm.
2️⃣ Move both crutches forward about 12 inches.
3️⃣ Swing your injured leg forward, keeping it off the ground.
4️⃣ Step forward with your good leg, placing weight on your hands, not your armpits.
5️⃣ Repeat the process, moving slowly and carefully.

Walking with Crutches (Partial Weight-Bearing)

1️⃣ Move both crutches and your injured leg forward together.
2️⃣ Step forward with your good leg, placing only partial weight on the injured side.
3️⃣ Repeat the movement while keeping a steady rhythm.

Sitting & Standing with Crutches

✔ To sit down: Back up to the chair until you feel it behind your legs. Hold both crutches in one hand, use the other hand to lower yourself slowly.
✔ To stand up: Hold both crutches in one hand, push off the chair with the other hand, then place the crutches under your arms once balanced.

Using Stairs with Crutches

🔹 Going UP Stairs (Good Leg First)
✔ Step up first with your good leg.
✔ Bring crutches up to the same step.
✔ Keep your injured leg off the ground.

🔹 Going DOWN Stairs (Crutches First)
✔ Place crutches down first.
✔ Step down with your injured leg first, followed by your good leg.
✔ Use a handrail for support if available.

🚨 If unsure or unsteady, sit and scoot up or down the stairs.

Safety Tips

✔ Keep crutch tips dry and slip-resistant (replace worn-out tips).
✔ Move slowly and avoid wet, uneven, or slippery surfaces.
✔ Do NOT lean on your armpits – Support weight with your hands.
✔ Wear supportive shoes with good traction.
✔ Keep floors clear of clutter to prevent falls.

When to Call Your Doctor

🚨 Severe pain or swelling in the injured limb
🚨 Numbness or tingling in hands from crutch use
🚨 Crutches feel too uncomfortable or unstable

Bottom Line

✔ Adjust crutches properly to avoid injury.
✔ Support weight with hands, not armpits.
✔ Use the “good leg first” method on stairs.
✔ Move slowly and stay safe to prevent falls.

Contact the Key West orthopedic clinic or reach out to Dr. Jason Pirozzolo.