How to use Crutches

Written by Brett Harrop

Updated: 1 July 2022

Why use crutches?

If used correctly, crutches can accelerate the healing of certain injuries by reducing potentially detrimental weight bearing forces during walking or standing. This allows healing to take place in the absence of further tissue damage, thereby accelerating recovery. Crutches may also improve mobility and walking technique. In addition, patients who use crutches correctly may be less likely to develop other injuries due to compensatory walking strategies (i.e. limping).

When should crutches be used?

As a general rule, if walking is painful and causing you to limp due to your injury, crutches are most likely to be useful. The suitability of crutches can be determined by a physiotherapist. Crutches are also indicated for conditions including:

• Most surgical procedures or fractures of the lower limb
• Most moderate to severe sprains of the ankle, knee or hip
• Moderate to severe muscle strains of the lower limb

All patients using crutches should see their physiotherapist to ensure their crutches are fitted and used correctly and that it is appropriate to use them.

How much weight should I be placing through my injury when using crutches?

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Become a PhysioAdvisor Member and gain full access to our complete Injury Database. Our experienced physiotherapists are updating PhysioAdvisor’s injury articles to include the most important information to help users take control of their injury and hasten their recovery. Updated sections include detailed information on: Treatment, Intermediate & Advanced Exercises and a step by step Rehabilitation Protocol for each updated injury article – ensuring you have the tools to take control of your injury and save money on expensive physiotherapy consultations.

How can I obtain crutches?

Crutches can usually be hired on a weekly basis from your local pharmacy. Alternatively, crutches can be purchased through the PhysioAdvisor Shop.

How do I set up my crutches correctly?

It is important to obtain crutches that are comfortable for use and are in a safe and working condition. Ensure you have no upper limb injuries that may be aggravated through the use of crutches. Adjust the height of the crutches so your elbow is at a slight bend and your back is straight (figure 1).

How do I use my crutches correctly?

There are several walking patterns that may be used with crutches to accelerate healing of injuries and allow for mobility. The correct pattern for a particular condition and patient should be guided by your physiotherapist.

Crutches walking pattern 1 – Non Weight Bearing

The following crutches walking pattern is the non weight bearing pattern (figure 2) and is the most effective way to reduce stress on the injured leg. You should discuss the suitability of this walking pattern for your condition with your physiotherapist. Generally it may be used for a period of time with severe injuries (such as fractures), following some surgical procedures or in the first 1 – 3 days following injury.

When walking, place both crutches on the ground in front of you, followed by hopping with your good leg either to the level of the crutches or slightly past them. Proceed slowly at first, practise in a safe environment to prevent falls and ensure you are maintaining good control and balance. Keep the injured leg off the ground throughout this walking pattern.

As your condition improves, this pattern may be progressed to one of the below partial weight bearing patterns as directed by your physiotherapist and provided symptoms do not increase.

Crutches walking pattern 2 – “Step To”

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Become a PhysioAdvisor Member and gain full access to our complete Injury Database. Our experienced physiotherapists are updating PhysioAdvisor’s injury articles to include the most important information to help users take control of their injury and hasten their recovery. Updated sections include detailed information on: Treatment, Intermediate & Advanced Exercises and a step by step Rehabilitation Protocol for each updated injury article – ensuring you have the tools to take control of your injury and save money on expensive physiotherapy consultations.

Crutches walking pattern 3 – “Step Through”

Members Only ContentBecome a PhysioAdvisor Member to gain full access to this exclusive content. For more details see Become a Member. Already a member? Login Now

Become a PhysioAdvisor Member and gain full access to our complete Injury Database. Our experienced physiotherapists are updating PhysioAdvisor’s injury articles to include the most important information to help users take control of their injury and hasten their recovery. Updated sections include detailed information on: Treatment, Intermediate & Advanced Exercises and a step by step Rehabilitation Protocol for each updated injury article – ensuring you have the tools to take control of your injury and save money on expensive physiotherapy consultations.

How do I use my crutches when going up and down stairs?

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Become a PhysioAdvisor Member and gain full access to our complete Injury Database. Our experienced physiotherapists are updating PhysioAdvisor’s injury articles to include the most important information to help users take control of their injury and hasten their recovery. Updated sections include detailed information on: Treatment, Intermediate & Advanced Exercises and a step by step Rehabilitation Protocol for each updated injury article – ensuring you have the tools to take control of your injury and save money on expensive physiotherapy consultations.

When can I stop using my crutches?

Members Only ContentBecome a PhysioAdvisor Member to gain full access to this exclusive content. For more details see Become a Member. Already a member? Login Now

Become a PhysioAdvisor Member and gain full access to our complete Injury Database. Our experienced physiotherapists are updating PhysioAdvisor’s injury articles to include the most important information to help users take control of their injury and hasten their recovery. Updated sections include detailed information on: Treatment, Intermediate & Advanced Exercises and a step by step Rehabilitation Protocol for each updated injury article – ensuring you have the tools to take control of your injury and save money on expensive physiotherapy consultations.

How to use Crutches Summary

Members Only ContentBecome a PhysioAdvisor Member to gain full access to this exclusive content. For more details see Become a Member. Already a member? Login Now

Become a PhysioAdvisor Member and gain full access to our complete Injury Database. Our experienced physiotherapists are updating PhysioAdvisor’s injury articles to include the most important information to help users take control of their injury and hasten their recovery. Updated sections include detailed information on: Treatment, Intermediate & Advanced Exercises and a step by step Rehabilitation Protocol for each updated injury article – ensuring you have the tools to take control of your injury and save money on expensive physiotherapy consultations.

Physiotherapy Products to assist with crutches use and rehabilitation

To purchase physiotherapy products to assist with crutches use and injury rehabilitation click on one of the above links or visit the PhysioAdvisor Shop.

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Find a physiotherapist in your local area who is an expert in the use of crutches and injury rehabilitation.

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