Use crutches according to the weight-bearing instructions given for your specific knee injury—not a generic walking pattern. Before you walk, confirm whether you must keep the injured leg off the ground, may touch down lightly, may put only some weight through it, or may bear weight as tolerated. If you are unsure, contact your treating clinician or physiotherapist before loading the leg.
Confirm your weight-bearing instructions first
Your clinician’s instructions determine how much, if any, weight may go through the injured leg. The categories below are not interchangeable; do not choose one based on how comfortable walking feels.
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- Non-weight-bearing: Keep the injured leg off the ground while walking.
- Toe-touch: The foot may touch down only in the limited way your care team specified; do not treat this as permission to support your weight on it.
- Partial weight-bearing: Put only the permitted amount of weight through the leg, as instructed.
- Weight-bearing as tolerated: Put weight through the leg within the limits of your symptoms and care instructions.
If the status or permitted amount is unclear, ask the treating team to explain and demonstrate it before walking on the injured leg. MedlinePlus describes these categories in its crutch-use guidance.
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Have a clinician or physiotherapist check your crutches, especially if they were newly issued or your height, footwear, or condition has changed. General underarm-crutch fitting guidance places the top about 1 to 1½ inches (2.5 to 4 cm) below the armpit, with the handles around hip level and elbows slightly bent, according to MedlinePlus. The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons gives a similar top clearance of about 1 to 2 inches and places the handgrips level with the top of the hip line in its crutch and walking-aid guidance.
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For underarm crutches, your hands—not your armpits—should support your weight. As MedlinePlus puts it, “Let your hands carry your weight, not your armpits.” Leaning on the pads can cause pressure and discomfort. Check that the rubber tips are clean, secure, and not worn, and that adjustment fittings are locked and undamaged.
Walk using the pattern for your permitted weight-bearing
Stand balanced before starting. Move slowly, look ahead rather than down at your feet, and pause to regain balance between steps. The exact sequence depends on your instructions; follow the method your clinician or physiotherapist demonstrated.
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If you are non-weight-bearing
- Place both crutches forward together and position their tips securely.
- Keep the injured leg lifted clear of the floor.
- Support yourself through your hands and arms on the crutches.
- Bring the uninjured leg forward between or just ahead of the crutches, as your demonstrated technique allows.
Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust describes this sequence in its crutch-use leaflet.
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Place the injured foot as directed, alongside or in line with the crutches, and use only the amount of weight permitted. Then advance the uninjured leg according to the pattern demonstrated for you. Toe-touch, partial-weight-bearing, and weight-bearing-as-tolerated instructions differ; there is no single sequence that safely covers all three.
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Turning and changing direction
Take small steps when turning rather than twisting quickly. MedlinePlus advises pivoting on the stronger leg rather than the weak or injured leg. Keep the crutch tips positioned so they do not cross or catch underfoot.
Sit down and stand up with control
Choose a stable chair. Keep the injured leg within its prescribed weight-bearing limit throughout the transfer.
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To sit
- Back up slowly until you feel the chair at the backs of your knees.
- Bring both crutches together into one hand.
- Reach for the chair arm or seat with your free hand.
- Lower yourself slowly, keeping the injured leg positioned as instructed.
To stand
- Move toward the front of the seat while keeping the injured leg within its restrictions.
- Hold both crutches together in one hand and push up from the chair with the other.
- Once standing, pause to regain your balance before placing one crutch in each hand.
Do not pull yourself upright by leaning heavily on the crutches; use the chair for support as you rise.
Use stairs only with a demonstrated method
Stairs require balance, strength, and a method suited to your weight-bearing restrictions and the stair layout. Do not assume a technique from a general guide is right for your injury. Ask your clinician or physiotherapist to demonstrate the method you should use, including whether to use a handrail and have someone nearby. MedlinePlus advises practising with another person at first and waiting until you are ready; the AAOS guidance also notes the strength and flexibility stairs require.
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Hospital guidance describes more than one approach, including step-by-step use with a rail and moving up or down seated. If you feel unsteady, do not attempt the stairs alone; ask your care team whether seated movement or assistance is appropriate for you.
Reduce hazards at home and check your equipment
- Remove loose rugs, curled rug edges, cords, clutter, and spills from your route.
- Keep floors dry, pathways well lit, and commonly used items within reach.
- Wear supportive shoes with flat, non-slip soles.
- Carry essentials in a backpack, waist pack, or another hands-free bag so your hands remain available for the crutches.
- Check the rubber tips regularly and replace them when worn. Look for cracks, loose fittings, or wear around adjustment holes; do not use damaged or unstable crutches.
These precautions are included in guidance from Gloucestershire Hospitals, MedlinePlus, and the AAOS.
Know when to seek medical advice
Contact your treating team if pain is increasing or your symptoms are not improving; Gloucestershire Hospitals advises UK patients to contact NHS 111 in those circumstances. University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust lists increasing calf tenderness, redness or warmth, and swelling in one leg among possible signs of deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Its leaflet advises emergency care for chest pain or breathlessness. These contact routes are UK-specific; outside the UK, use your local urgent-care or emergency service.
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