How to use crutches weight bearing

Crutches provide temporary support if you're struggling to balance or need to take weight off of one, or both, of your legs.

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Standing Up
Sitting Down
Going Up Steps/Curbs
Going Down Steps/Curbs
Walking With Crutches Partial Weight-Bearing
Using Stairs With Crutches Partial Weight-Bearing

They can feel more stable and secure than a walking stick, but less than a walking frame.

Learn how to setup, adjust and check your crutches

Learn how to sit to stand and walk with crutches

Learn how to walk with non weight-bearing crutches

Learn how to walk with partial weight-bearing crutches

Learn how to walk with full weight-bearing crutches

Learn how to use crutches and a banister to go up and down stairs

Learn how to use crutches to go up and down stairs without a banister for support

Your physician will decide whether you are to be non weight bearing, toe-touch weight bearing, partial weight bearing, or weight bearing as tolerated on your surgical/injured leg. These instructions are specifically for patients that are weight bearing as tolerated (WBAT). It is important that place as much weight on the surgical/injured leg as tolerable, to prevent muscles in that leg from weakening. The therapist will instruct you on the appropriate set-up and fitting of your crutches.

Weight Bearing As Tolerated (WBAT): There is no limitation on the amount of weight you can place through the surgical/injured leg. You may place as much weight through the leg as tolerated, to your comfort. Placing weight through the leg is important for preventing the leg muscles from weakening.

Standing straight with your arm at your side, the crutch handle should align with the inside of your wrist.
The height of the crutch should be adjusted so that there are 1-2 inches of space between the top of the crutch and your armpit.
- This is roughly the width of two fingers.

Use your crutches only as instructed.
Use your crutches for all walking and standing activities until your physician instructs you otherwise.
Your weight should be placed through your hands by pushing down through the crutch handles.
Never lean on your crutches.
- Resting your armpits on the crutches may cause nerve damage!
Always use both crutches. Using only one crutch may cause back problems.
Place weight evenly on both crutches.
Walk slowly and carefully.
Have someone walk with you initially until you feel steady on your feet.
- This is especially important when walking on unlevel/uneven surfaces or stairs.
Remove loose rugs or other small objects from the floor in order to minimize the risk of tripping.
Wear appropriately-fitted, low-heeled shoes. Do not wear slippers or high heels.
Do not wear long, floor-length robes or gowns while using crutches.
Avoid slippery and/or wet floors.
Check the ground for objects that may cause crutches to slip out from under you.
Check the crutches daily for cracks and/or loose screws. Replace worn tips and unsafe parts.
When not in use, it is best to rest your crutches upside down. They are less likely to fall over this way.

Start with the crutches positioned 1-2 inches to the outside of each foot.
Advance one leg and the opposite crutch 6-12 inches in front of you (e.g. right crutch, left leg).
Repeat the previous step with the remaining leg and crutch.

Start by placing both crutches 1-2 inches to the outside of each foot and 6-12 inches in front of you.
Step your surgical/injured leg forward to meet the crutches.
Step your non-surgical/non-injured leg forward, in front of your surgical/injured leg and crutches.

You may combine the first two steps if you feel comfortable: Advance your non-surgical/non-injured leg and both crutches forward at the same time.

Option 3 (slowest, most support)

Start by placing both crutches 1-2 inches to the outside of each foot and 6-12 inches in front of you.
Step your surgical/injured leg forward to meet the crutches.
Step your non-surgical/non-injured leg forward to meet the crutches and surgical/injured leg.

You may combine the first two steps if you feel comfortable: Advance your non-surgical/non-injured leg and both crutches forward at the same time.

Standing Up

Scoot forward in the chair to make it easier to stand.
Hold both crutches in one hand, on the side of your surgical/injured leg.
Place both feet flat on the ground and place your free hand on the armrest (or seat) of the chair.
Lean forward at your hips, tighten your core muscles and then push down through both hands and both legs in order to stand.
Once standing and steady, place one crutch under each arm.

Sitting Down

Position yourself so that the backs of your legs are touching the chair.
Hold both crutches in one hand, on the side of your surgical/injured leg.
Reach back with your free hand until you feel the armrest (or seat) of the chair.
Slowly lower yourself into the chair.

Going Up Steps/Curbs

Stand close to the surface you intend to go up.
Step up with your non-surgical/non-injured leg.
Step up with your surgical/injured leg and both crutches.
If going up multiple steps, repeat this pattern until you have reached the top.

*If there is a railing available to use, hold both crutches on the side of your body opposite the handrail and grab the handrail with your free hand. Step up with your non-surgical/non-injured leg, then bring your surgical/injured leg and both crutches up at the same time.

Going Down Steps/Curbs

Stand close to the edge of the surface you intend to go down.
Lower both crutches down to the step below.
Bring down your surgical/injured leg first, followed by your non-surgical/non-injured leg.
If going down multiple steps, repeat this pattern until you have reached the bottom.

*If there is a railing available to use, hold both crutches on the side of your body opposite the handrail and grab the handrail with your free hand. Lower the crutches down, step down with your surgical/injured leg, then step down with your non-surgical/non-injured leg.

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This instructional video shows how to walk with crutches while putting partial weight on the injured leg. It's important to remember which leg goes first when walking with crutches partial weight-bearing. You will also learn how to use crutches properly when going up and down stairs, standing and sitting down.

Follow your doctor's weight-bearing instructions by only putting the amount of weight ordered by your doctor onto your injured leg.

To sit in a chair, back up until you feel the chair on the back of your legs. Place both crutches in the hand of your injured side. Hold your injured leg out in front of you as you reach back for the chair with your other hand. Lower yourself slowly to the chair bending at your hips. Do the reverse to stand back up.

Walking With Crutches Partial Weight-Bearing

When you walk with crutches, it is important that you keep the crutches under your arms and close to your sides. Squeeze the top of the crutches into your sides while putting weight on your hands and not through your armpits. Do not lean on the crutches with your armpits.

Move the crutches forward six to 12 inches. Push down on the handgrips as you step forward with your injured leg. Put the designated weight on your injured leg. Then, step through with your healthy leg. The injured leg always steps through first before the healthy leg. The sequence of how to walk with crutches properly is: crutches forward, injured leg forward, then step through with the healthy leg.

Using Stairs With Crutches Partial Weight-Bearing

To go upstairs, begin close to the bottom step. Step up with your healthy leg first. Then, lift up the crutches, followed by the injured leg. Check your balance before you continue. If there is a sturdy handrail available, you can place both crutches under one arm and use the handrail with the other. Remember, step up with the good foot first and then the crutches. Lastly, the injured foot or leg follows.

When going down stairs with crutches, start at the edge of the step, keeping your hips beneath you. Place your crutches on the lower step. Your injured leg goes down next. The healthy leg is last. Check your balance before you continue. Make sure you bend at the hips and knees to prevent leaning forward, which could cause you to fall. If there is a sturdy handrail available, hold both crutches under one arm and use the handrail with the other arm. Place the crutches on the lower step. Your injured leg goes down next, and the healthy leg is last.