Aphysical therapistcan help you pick the right crutches and fit them appropriately.
If you find you gotta do this yourself, read on.
How to Measure for Crutches
Buying crutches online can be a little complicated.
Jose Luis Pelaez Inc ./ Getty Images
Most manufacturers have size chart on their website that it’s possible for you to reference.
The size choice may be obvious (e.g., child size for a seven-year-old) or it may not.
it’s possible for you to 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.
Most underarm crutches are adjustable with a range of 6 to 8 inches.
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.
This should include proper crutch positioning and sizing.
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.
You move it forward with your weak or injured leg, then follow with your good leg.
American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons.Instructions for using crutches.
American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.How to use crutches, canes, and walkers.
Childrens Hospital of Wisconsin.Single crutch or cane walking.
