Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsCrutch SizesHeight AdjustmentsCrutch TrainingUsing One Crutch
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Crutch Sizes
Height Adjustments
Crutch Training
Using One Crutch
Crutches come in various sizes, each of which are adjustable so you can get a just-right fit. Learning how to measure for crutches and adjust them properly for your height can make them easier, more comfortable, and safer to use.
Aphysical therapistcan help you pick the right crutches and fit them appropriately. If you find you need to do this yourself, read on. This article reviews crutch sizes, how to adjust your crutches, and how crutch training can help you use these assistive devices.
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How to Measure for Crutches
While it varies among manufacturers, crutches typically come in the following sizes:
To make sure you’re choosing the right one, all you will need is your height. Most manufacturers have size chart on their website that you can reference.
The size choice may be obvious (e.g., child size for a seven-year-old) or it may not. For example, a short adult may need a youth-sized crutch, while a tall teen may need an adult-sized crutch.
You can also measure for crutches using a cloth tape measure. With the person standing upright, measure from the armpit to the floor. Subtract 2 inches from the measurement to get the ideal crutch length.
(If you’re the one who needs the crutches, ask someone to help you with this so you get an accurate measurement.)
Why Proper-Fitting Crutches MatterIf your crutches are too high, it may be difficult to walk; You’ll feel like you are pole-vaulting over the crutches with every step you take. If your crutches are too short, it may cause you to lean forward too far, leading to back pain, shoulder pain, or neck pain.
Why Proper-Fitting Crutches Matter
If your crutches are too high, it may be difficult to walk; You’ll feel like you are pole-vaulting over the crutches with every step you take. If your crutches are too short, it may cause you to lean forward too far, leading to back pain, shoulder pain, or neck pain.
Adjusting Crutches to the Right Size
Once you determine the appropriate size crutch, you will likely need to adjust them so the handgrip is in the appropriate location. Most underarm crutches are adjustable with a range of 6 to 8 inches.
Here are some basic guidelines to follow when adjusting your crutches:
Traditional wooden crutches use screw bolts and wing nuts or swivel nuts. To adjust these, first remove the nut then take the bolt out of the hole. There are typically two sets of bolts you will need to remove on each crutch. Adjust it to the proper height, then reinsert both sets of bolts and secure the nuts on.
Your physical therapist can help you make sure your crutches are the proper height and that you are using them correctly for your condition.
Crutch Training Is Helpful
A solid crutch training session will focus on proper walking and weight bearing, practicing walking up and down stairs and walking up and over curbs and obstacles. Your physical therapist can ensure that you are safe while training on your crutches. Some doctors recommend you learn to walk on crutchesbeforean elective lower extremity surgery.
Remember, there are different levels of weight bearing and different types of gait patterns that may be used with your crutches.By learning these types of crutch walking patterns, you can be sure to remain safe while walking with your crutches.
1:50Click Play to Learn How to Use Crutches
1:50
Click Play to Learn How to Use Crutches
When You Only Need One Crutch
When walking with only one crutch, you should not need to make any changes to the crutch size or position. Typical progression from walking with crutches would be to walk with two crutches, one crutch, and then progress towalking with a cane.
When using one crutch or a cane, it is often used on the opposite side of your injury or weakness. You move it forward with your weak or injured leg, then follow with your good leg.
3 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons.Instructions for using crutches.American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.How to use crutches, canes, and walkers.Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin.Single crutch or cane walking.
3 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons.Instructions for using crutches.American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.How to use crutches, canes, and walkers.Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin.Single crutch or cane walking.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons.Instructions for using crutches.American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.How to use crutches, canes, and walkers.Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin.Single crutch or cane walking.
American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons.Instructions for using crutches.
American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.How to use crutches, canes, and walkers.
Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin.Single crutch or cane walking.
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