How to Use a Cane & Crutches

If you break a limb, have surgery or sprain your ankle, you may need the extra support of a cane or crutches to walk. Proper use of a cane or crutches is essential to the recovery process, and will keep you from injuring other parts of your body.

Instructions

1. Position the crutches properly. When you stand up straight, your crutches should be about 1 inch below your armpits. The hand grips should be in line with your hips, and you should have to bend your elbows a little bit to reach them. Keep the crutches close to your sides, and support your weight with your hands--not your armpits.

2. Walk with your crutches. Step forward with your crutches, swing your body forward and place your uninjured limb on the ground.

3. Sit with your crutches. Back up to the chair. Keep your injured limb in front of you and move both crutches to one hand. Use the other hand to guide and lower your body into the seat.

4. Position your cane. The top of your cane should reach your wrist when you are standing. Your elbow should have to bend a bit to reach the handle. Put your cane in the hand that is opposite of the injured limb.

5. Walk with your cane. The injured limb and the cane should hit the ground at the same time. Lean on the cane to provide extra support and balance, and finish each step with the non-injured limb.