How to Adjust Crutches

If you are one of the unlucky people who has been prescribed weeks on a set of crutches because of a sprained or broken bone, then you know how uncomfortable crutches can be. Crutches need to be adjusted for each person's height and weight to provide the most comfort. With a few simple steps, you can adjust your crutches to be personalized to your requirements, which means less aches and pains from using them all day. Here's how.

Instructions

• 1

  Stand straight, with the shoulders forward and the plastic tips on the bottom of the crutches about 6 inches ahead of your own. Hold the crutches 6 inches to either side or your body.

• 2

  Remove the pin holding the crutch at it's current height.

• 3

  Have your helper then adjust the crutch height so that the shoulder pad is 1 1/2 inch below your actual armpit.

• 4

  Slide the armrest up, and replace the pin in the hole at its new height to lock it in place.

• 5

  Bend your elbows to a 30-degree angle and measure where your hands fall.

• 6

  Remove the hand rest pins and slide them to where your hands are. Replace the pins to readjust.