How do I use my crutches (Non Weight Bearing)?

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This leaflet gives general information. You must always discuss your individual treatment with the appropriate member of staff. Do not rely on this leaflet alone for information about your treatment. This information can be made available in other languages and formats if requested.

What does non weight bearing mean?

Walking “non-weight bearing” means that the injured or affected leg does not touch the ground whilst standing, walking or getting up from sitting.

How do I stand up?

• Hold both crutches in one hand
• lean forward and push up on the crutches and the opposite arm of the chair
• make sure you are well balanced
• once standing put your arms into the crutches securely and get your balance

How do I walk with crutches?

• From standing position, put crutches forward keeping your arms straight and close to your sides
• lean forward on to crutches
• hop forward with your weight bearing leg so your foot is level with the crutches
• recover your balance between each step
• make sure crutches are not too far apart, too far forward or too far back

How do I sit down again?

• Walk up to chair using crutches and turn round using small steps until you feel the chair with the back of your legs
• DO NOT swivel round
• make sure chair is not likely to move and that you are well balanced
• take both arms out of crutches; hold them in one hand on one side
• reach to the chair with free hand and sit down slowly.

How do I go up stairs?

• Hold onto a handrail when possible
• hold the spare crutch together with the handle of the remaining crutch
• keep the injured leg off the floor and behind you
• step up one step with your non-affected leg
• bring your crutches up to the same step and then repeat as needed.

How do I go down stairs?

• Hold onto a handrail when possible
• hold the spare crutch together with the handle of the remaining crutch
• keep the injured leg off the floor and in front of you.
• place the crutch on the next step down
• then bring the unaffected leg down to the same step and repeat as needed.

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