Gait Training/Assistive Devices: Crutch Walking

These instructions for Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) patients describe how to safely walk with crutches.

Patient Instructions: using crutches

Please follow the weight-bearing status reviewed by your therapist.

To stand

• Place both crutches in one hand. Put your other hand on the arm or seat of your chair. Keep your strong foot on the floor. (Picture A)

• Slide your body to the edge of the seat, lean forward and stand. (Picture B)

• Place crutches under each arm. There should be 2-3 fingers between your armpit and the top of the crutch. (Picture C)

• Place the crutch pad firmly into your sides and bear weight through your hands. (Picture D)

To sit down

• Stand with the backs of your legs touching the front of the seat.

• Place both crutches in the hand opposite the affected leg, grasping them by the handgrips.

• With the other hand, reach back to the armrest on the chair, or the seat if no armrests are available, and lower yourself to a seated position. Use the chair for balance and stability.

To walk

• Begin with the crutches slightly forward to the sides of your feet.

• Remember to keep all your weight on the strong leg.

• Advance both crutches and the affected leg forward.

• Move the strong leg forward to the crutches or slightly in front of them.

• Repeat.

• A caregiver should stand behind and to the side of the injured leg.

To walk up the stairs

• Place crutches as close to the bottom step as possible and hold handles firmly (Or use crutches under one arm and one rail). (Pictures G and H)

• Step upward with the strong leg. (Picture I)

• Straighten your body and follow with the crutch and the affected leg. (Picture J)

• Repeat.

• A caregiver should always stand one step below the patient on the stairs.

To walk down the stairs

• Stand at the top of the stairs.

• Move the crutches to the step below you.

• Move the affected leg out in front of the crutches. (Picture K)

• Hold the crutch handles firmly and step down with the strong leg.

• Repeat.

• A caregiver should always stand one step below the patient on the stairs.

Tips for safely using crutches

• Do not "hang" on crutches! Place weight on hands, not armpits.

• If you pad the tops of your crutches, you may need to decrease the crutch length.

• Be careful on slick or wet surfaces, for example, the kitchen or bathroom floors.

• Be careful of throw rugs or power cords; remove them if you can.

• Do not use walls or furniture for help when walking.

• Keep the crutches near you so they are easy to reach.

• Wear well-fitting shoes that will not slip off. Choose sneakers instead of slides or flip flops.

• Do not remove the rubber tips or any parts from your crutches.

Reviewed on December 22, 2022, by Julia Fogliano, PT, DPT