Physiotherapy
| Name: | Frame batch no: |
| Batch date: | Date of issue: |
Non-weight bearing
Non-weight bearing
Always keeping the affected leg off the ground, hold it a little in front, with the knee slightly bent, with the arms through the cuffs of the crutches and grip the handles.
Move the crutches one step forward, slightly apart and level, then move your body forwards between the crutches and step forward with your unaffected leg.
Partial weight bearing
Place both crutches forwards one step, then step the affected leg to the crutches, allowing the upper body to support approximately 50% of the body’s weight, pushing onto the handles of the crutches. Then step forwards with the unaffected leg.
Standing up
Do not stand up with your arms in the cuffs of the crutches.
Hold the crutches with one hand in front of you on your un-affected side, by the handles. Place your other hand on the arm of the chair. Lean forward, use your un-affected foot and your free hand on the arm of the chair (not on the crutches), to push forwards and up to standing.
Once balanced, place your arms, one at a time, through the arm supports, ready to walk. Make sure your arms are secure inside both cuffs.
Sitting down
Walk up to the chair as close as it is safe to do so. Slowly turn around until you can feel the chair with the back of your legs. Take your arms, one at a time, out of your crutches, then place both handles together, holding with your un-affected side hand by the handles. Reach down with your free hand for the arm of the chair and bend a little forward. Then lower gently into the chair.
Going upstairs
Hold onto the handrail on one side and the crutch in the other hand. Hold the spare crutch horizontally in the fingers of the hand using the crutch on the other side. Step up with the unaffected leg first, then step up with the affected leg to the same step followed by the crutch. Taking weight through both hands onto the handrail and crutch to support your affected leg.
If you are non-weight bearing, remember to always keep your affected leg off the floor, bend at your knee, if you are able to, keep your foot clear of the step. Hold onto the handrail on one side, hold the crutch and spare crutch horizontally in the fingers of the hand using the crutch on the other side. Push your weight through the crutch and the handrail and step up with your unaffected leg onto the step above.
Going downstairs
When going downstairs, place the crutch down first then place the hand a small distance down on the handrail. Taking some weight through the crutch and hand on the rail, lower the affected leg onto the step below followed by the unaffected leg to the same step.
If you are non-weight bearing, place the crutch down first then place the hand a small distance down on the handrail. Put your affected leg forwards in front of you and lower it down, remember to always keep your affected leg off the floor/step. Lean your weight through the crutch and the handrail and step down with your unaffected leg.
| Additional advice regarding use: |
Safety advice
- The life expectancy of walking aids is estimated at 2 years.
- Do not use the crutch if you feel it is faulty or damaged.
- Ensure crutches are adjusted to the correct height before use. The hand grip should be at wrist height and the cuff should be just below the elbow.
- Do not to apply padding to the handles.
- When using 2 crutches make sure they are adjusted to the same height.
- Ensure there are no loose rugs or obstacles in the area.
- Avoid wet or slippery floors.
- Always try to use a chair with arms and a high seat.
- Make sure you are wearing supportive flat shoes.
- Be careful of slipping in icy conditions or on wet leaves.
- Do not store in sub-zero temperatures.
Safety checks
Please ensure the crutches are checked regularly for safe use.
- Worn or split ferrules (rubber feet) need replacing.
- Check the tubing is not bent or cracked.
- Check the adjustment holes are not stretched – they should be round in shape.
- Ensure the clips come out through the adjustment holes.
- Check the hand grips are in good condition and not damaged.
Contact us
If you require further information please contact us on:
Telephone: 01642 854453
Email: [email protected]
The Friarage Hospital Northallerton: 01609 763046
Patient experience
South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust would like your feedback. If you wish to share your experience about your care and treatment or on behalf of a patient, please contact The Patient Experience Department who will advise you on how best to do this.
This service is based at The James Cook University Hospital but also covers the Friarage Hospital in Northallerton, our community hospitals and community health services.
To ensure we meet your communication needs please inform the Patient Experience Department of any special requirements, for example; braille or large print.
T: 01642 835964
E: [email protected]