Orthopedic Tips: Crutches, Canes and Walkers
Crutches
• The top of the crutches should reach to 1-1 1/2 inches below the armpit while the
client is standing up straight. The handgrips of the crutches should be even with the
top of your client’s hips. The elbows should bend a bit when using the handgrips.
Don’t let the tops of the crutches press into the client’s armpits.
• When the client is going up stairs, the client should lead up with the good foot,
keeping the injured foot raised behind them. When the client is going down stairs,
hold the injured foot up in front, and hop down each stair on the good foot.
• Three Point crutch walking: Client has to bear weight on the uninjured foot and
both crutches. The affected leg does not touch the ground.
• Four point crutch walking: Client has to bear weight on both legs and both
crutches. Each leg is moved in sequence with the opposite crutch… the right leg
with the left crutch or the left leg and the right crutch.
Canes
• The top of the cane should reach to the crease in the client’s wrist when the client
is standing up straight. The elbow should bend a bit when the client holds the cane.
Hold the cane in the hand opposite the side that needs support. (See “COAL”
below)
• When the client walks, the cane and the injured leg swing and strike the ground at
the same time.
• To climb stairs, the client should grasp the handrail (if one is available) and step up
on the good leg first, with the cane in the hand opposite the injured leg. Then
step up on the injured leg.
• To come DOWN stairs, put the cane on the step first, then the injured leg, and
finally the good leg, which carries the client’s body weight.
Cane
Opposite
Affected
Leg
