Using Underarm Crutches Safely and Properly
If you need to use underarm crutches due to an injury or condition, it’s important to use them correctly to avoid accidents or further injuries. Unlike walking sticks, crutches require some careful consideration.
Underarm crutches are simple devices with a horizontal bar at the top that fits under your armpit. Two vertical tubes meet at the bottom where a single shaft touches the floor. There’s also a second horizontal bar at the height of your upper thigh where your hands rest.
If you’re using a single crutch, you typically place it on the opposite side of your injured leg. If you have a pair of crutches, how you use them will depend on the nature of your injury.
Here are some essential tips for using underarm crutches properly:
Crutch Height: Adjust the crutches using the button-clip in the single vertical shaft at the bottom. The height should be set so that the horizontal pad under your armpit has about two inches of clearance. It shouldn’t fit too tightly against your armpit. The right height ensures that your arms will bend slightly at the elbow when you hold the crutches.
Positioning: Avoid holding the crutches too close to your body. Instead, angle them slightly outwards so there’s a few inches of space between the outside of your foot and the foot of each crutch.
Now, depending on your injury, there are two general techniques: partial weight bearing and non-weight bearing.
For Partial Weight Bearing Situations:
- Move the crutches forward by one step length, then move your injured leg forward.
- Finally, bring your uninjured leg forward.
When climbing stairs, place your toes an inch or two away from the first step. Put your balance on the two crutches before stepping up with your good leg. Then bring the injured leg and crutches up to the same step. Repeat this for each step.
When going downstairs, bring the crutches down to the lower step, so your weight goes through them, followed by your injured leg. Lastly, bring your uninjured leg down to the same step.
For Non-Weight Bearing Situations:
- Use small steps and avoid over-reaching.
- Ensure your body weight goes through your hands and forearms, not your armpits.
To move forward, put all your body weight on your good leg, then move both crutches forward by one step length. Transfer your body weight onto the arms and the crutches before moving both legs forward together. This avoids putting pressure on the injured limb.
When climbing stairs, move your feet close to the first step. Slightly bend the injured leg so that your toes don’t trip on the step. Shift your body weight towards the step and step forward onto the first step with your good leg. Then bring both crutches up to the same step.
When going downstairs, hold the injured leg a few inches in front of the other leg. Bend forward and put the feet of both crutches on the step below. Once balanced, step down with your good leg. Repeat this process for each downward step.
By following these guidelines, you can safely and effectively use underarm crutches during your recovery.
