Dr. Chris M. Matsko is a retired physician based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. If you are given crutches by a healthcare professional pay attention to their advice on how to use them. This article has been viewed 74,219 times. Crutches should be adjusted while you are standing with the base of the crutches situated about six inches from the sides of your feet. Easy mobility and comfort for a successful recovery or for daily use. This article was co-authored by Chris M. Matsko, MD. It is … Relax your arms and let them hang down over the crutches. Push up into standing. How to fit your crutches: Stand tall with your shoes on. Or, more precisely, one or two inches below the bend in your elbow. wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. The underarm supports should be two inches below your armpits. Using crutches, a cane, or a walker can help keep your weight off your injured or weak leg, assist with balance, and enable you to perform your daily activities more safely. Some Helpful Tips. 6. Crutches should be adjusted while you are standing with the base of the crutches situated about six inches from the sides of your feet. https://www2.gov.bc.ca/assets/gov/people/seniors/health-safety/pdf/forearm_crutches.pdf, http://www.passitoncenter.org/kb_article.php?id=150, https://static1.squarespace.com/static/54d96b48e4b04bc268f6fde7/t/552b3b68e4b043705b2a7386/1428896616631/Sizing+and+Using+Forearm+or+Elbow+Crutches.pdf, https://www.redcross.ca/crc/documents/What-We-Do/Health/Crutches-2013.pdf, consider supporting our work with a contribution to wikiHow. When adjusted to the correct position, the top of the crutches should reach between 1.5 to 2 in (3.8 to 5.1 cm) below your armpits. Place the crutches beside your feet, about 6 inches or 15 centimeters away from each foot. When you first start using your crutches, take short walks to give yourself time to get used to them. 2. He holds a BS in Nutritional Science from Cornell University and an MD from the Temple University School of Medicine in 2007. To walk: First put the crutches forward, then the operated leg (between the crutches… Fully adjustable with built in shock absorbers, knee rest, padded grip, non-slip caps, reflectors, panic buttons and safety lights. Then adjust the height so there’s a space of about 2 fingers between the top of each crutch and your underarms. ", https://www.acfas.org/footankleinfo/crutches.htm, https://medlineplus.gov/ency/patientinstructions/000640.htm, https://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/patientinstructions/000640.htm, http://greatist.com/happiness/guide-to-survive-life-on-crutches, http://www.lifebeyond4limbs.com/adjustingyourcrutches/, http://www.unh.edu/health-services/sites/unh.edu.health-services/files/media/PDF/SelfCareGuide/UseCrutches.pdf, consider supporting our work with a contribution to wikiHow. Hello Select your address Health & Personal Care Hello, Sign in. Make sure the holes line up so they click and the buttons pop out. He holds a BS in Nutritional Science from Cornell University and an MD from the Temple University School of Medicine in 2007. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/1\/1e\/Adjust-Forearm-Crutches-Step-1.jpg\/v4-460px-Adjust-Forearm-Crutches-Step-1.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/1\/1e\/Adjust-Forearm-Crutches-Step-1.jpg\/aid1468920-v4-728px-Adjust-Forearm-Crutches-Step-1.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"
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\n<\/p><\/div>"}. If your crutches are damaged in any way, contact our team. Details . X 5. If the cuffs are not in right place, you will need to make some adjustments to enable you to use the crutches easily and safely. 2. Clean your crutches with a mild detergent. Make sure you keep your arm hanging down at your side, fully extended. Besides, the pad needs to be situated at 1.5-2” below your armpit. Adjust the crutches so that at least 2–4 inches (5.1–10.2 cm) separate armpit and crutch pad. This part contains a vast explanation. % of people told us that this article helped them. You want to be able to move freely, but with a secure fit. Sizing Crutches Even if you’ve already been fitted for crutches, make sure your crutch pads and handgrips are set at the proper distance, as follows: Crutch pad distance from armpits: The crutch pads (tops of crutches) should be 1½" to 2" (about two finger widths) below the armpits, with the shoulders relaxed. If either of the above measurements are incorrect, adjust the height of the crutches. Figure 1 – Crutches Setup. They can feel more stable and secure than a … Collection of medical information sourced from the US National Library of Medicine, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/d\/d1\/Adjust-to-Crutches-Step-1-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Adjust-to-Crutches-Step-1-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/d\/d1\/Adjust-to-Crutches-Step-1-Version-2.jpg\/aid4541508-v4-728px-Adjust-to-Crutches-Step-1-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"
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