When the crutches are properly adjusted, your arms should be comfortably bent while you stand up straight. When you adjust the crutches, wear the shoes you’ll be most frequently wearing when you use the crutches. They should have low heels and good support.
Hold your injured foot cocked slightly behind your body, several inches from the floor so that it does not drag. Practice walking this way with your head forward, rather than looking at your feet. The motion will begin to feel more natural with practice. Practice walking backward, too. Look behind you to make sure no furniture or other items are in your way.
Lean the crutches against the wall or a sturdy table with the armpit rests down. They may topple over if you lean them tip-down. When you’re ready to stand up, turn the crutches right side up and hold them in the hand on your non-injured side. Hoist yourself up and place your weight on your healthy foot, then pass one crutch to the injured side and balance using the hand grips.
You may want to ask a partner to help you the first few times you take the stairs since it can be tricky to keep your balance. If you go up stairs without a railing, place a crutch under each arm. Step up with your good foot, bring your injured foot up, then put your weight on the crutches.
If the steps don’t have a handrail, lower your crutches to the stair below, move your injured leg down, then step down with your other foot with your weight on the hand grips. To reduce the risk of accidentally taking a topple, you can also seat yourself on the top step, holding your injured foot in front of you, and use your hands to support yourself as you scoot down the steps one stair at a time. You’ll have to ask someone to bring the crutches down for you.
