Information provided by The American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society
First, determine the correct fitting:
One should be able to fit 2 fingers under the axilla when standing
with crutches.
With the arms hanging down, crutch handle should be at the wrist
crease. If any of the above are incorrect, adjust the height of the
crutches.
Crutch handle at wrist crease, close up.
Getting up from a chair:
Place both crutches in the involved hand (same side as affected leg).
Push off from the chair with the uninvolved arm and use the good leg
to rise up.
Once upright, place crutches under arms.
Another view of getting up from a chair:
Walking non-weightbearing on the affected side:
Move both crutches forward together.
Move body into the crutches.
Repeat motion.
Going up steps:
Get as close to the steps as possible.
With crutches on the floor, in one motion, bend the uninvolved knee and place the foot up on the first step. Use the crutches for assistance. The affected knee and leg will be bent and should not touch the step.
Continue up the steps.
To come down the steps, just reverse the process. Place the crutches on each step first then move the foot to the same step.
