How to Adjust Crutches
If you are one of the unlucky people who has been prescribed weeks on a set of crutches because of a sprained or broken bone, then you know how uncomfortable crutches can be. Crutches need to be adjusted for each person's height and weight to provide the most comfort. With a few simple steps, you can adjust your crutches to be personalized to your requirements, which means less aches and pains from using them all day. Here's how.
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Instructions
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1
Stand straight, with the shoulders forward and the plastic tips on the bottom of the crutches about 6 inches ahead of your own. Hold the crutches 6 inches to either side or your body.
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2
Remove the pin holding the crutch at it's current height.
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3
Have your helper then adjust the crutch height so that the shoulder pad is 1 1/2 inch below your actual armpit.
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4
Slide the armrest up, and replace the pin in the hole at its new height to lock it in place.
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5
Bend your elbows to a 30-degree angle and measure where your hands fall.
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6
Remove the hand rest pins and slide them to where your hands are. Replace the pins to readjust.
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Tips & Warnings
Always support your weight in the wrist and hands, rather than the armpit, for maximum comfort. Your brand of crutches may adjust in a different way, but the method of measuring the adjustment is the same.
