How to Size Crutches

Various injuries require the use of crutches to get around. Generally, crutches are used to take weight off an injured leg. Whether you've broken your leg, sprained your ankle or had foot surgery, it's important that your crutches fit you correctly. If you use crutches that do not fit you correctly, you could fall and seriously injure yourself. Poorly fitted crutches can also lead to nerve damage. Thankfully, it is not difficult to size crutches.

Instructions

• 1

  Wear the shoes you'll be wearing when you use the crutches. Choose flat, comfortable shoes for maximum stability.

• 2

  Stand up straight and hold the crutches at your sides. The top of each crutch should be approximately one inch below each armpit.

• 3

  Hold the crutches' hand grips. The hand-grips should be level with your hips.

• 4

  Bend your elbows slightly. Your hands should comfortably hold the hand grips while maintaining a soft elbow bend in each arm. If your elbows are locked out or perfectly straight, the crutches are too tall for you.

• 5

  Walk, using the crutches. Your hands should be absorbing your body weight. If the crutches are pressing into your armpits, they are too tall for you. Crutches that press into your armpits can lead to nerve damage.

• 6

  Adjust the crutches as needed. Most aluminum crutches allow you to lengthen or shorten them. Check the bottom of your crutches for adjustment abilities. Most wooden crutches are fixed and cannot be adjusted.