Crutches, arm supports for walking

Crutches

Crutches are supports held under the arms or gripped by the hands, used in a pair. They let a person walk while taking some or all of the weight off an injured or healing leg.

This matters after a fracture, a sprain or leg surgery, when a doctor says the leg must be spared for a while. Used wrongly, crutches can cause falls or sore hands and shoulders.

Our physiotherapist sets the crutches to the right height and teaches a safe pattern that matches the doctor’s weight bearing orders. We practise standing, walking, turning and stairs at home, so the person moves safely until the leg is ready to take weight again.