Using crutches is a common necessity after an injury or surgery, yet the experience can quickly become painful or dangerous if the equipment is not fitted correctly. Properly adjusting your crutches is a mechanical necessity that ensures effective weight distribution and prevents potential nerve damage. A secure and customized fit promotes safe mobility, reduces fatigue, and allows the user to focus on recovery. Taking the time to set the correct measurements is the foundational step toward a successful period of assisted walking.
Setting the Overall Crutch Height
The initial adjustment involves setting the crutch’s total length so the top pad sits correctly beneath the armpit, a measurement done while standing straight with the crutches positioned slightly out to the side. The overall height is correct when the top of the axillary pad is two to three finger widths, or approximately 1.5 to 2 inches, below the armpit crease. This specific gap is necessary because the user’s body weight must never rest directly on the axillary pad during use.
Setting the crutch too high forces the shoulders upward, causing unnecessary strain and making movement awkward. Conversely, a crutch set too low can cause the user to lean over, compromising posture and stability. The correct height ensures the axillary pad acts as a bumper, not a support surface, allowing the arm to move freely. It is important to make this length adjustment while wearing the shoes that will be used most often, as changes in heel height can affect the fit.
Adjusting the Handgrip Position
Once the overall crutch height is established, positioning the handgrip is the next step, as this component will bear the majority of the user’s weight. The handgrip should be adjusted so it aligns with the crease of the wrist when the arm is hanging relaxed at the side. This alignment ensures the elbow is in the correct position to absorb impact and support the body.
The handgrip height allows for a slight bend in the elbow, typically between 15 and 30 degrees, when the user is gripping the handle. This slight flexion provides the necessary leverage and shock absorption for walking and prevents the arms from being locked straight. A simple way to check this angle is to look in a mirror or have a helper observe your arm position. If the elbow is too straight or bent too sharply, the handgrip needs further adjustment to optimize weight transfer and minimize joint stress.
Checking the Final Fit and Preventing Injury
The final check involves simulating walking to ensure the adjustments hold and the body is aligned safely. When bearing weight, all downward pressure should be applied through the hands onto the handgrips, not through the armpits. The two-to-three finger space below the armpit must remain visible when the user pushes down on the handles to move forward.
Maintaining this correct posture is important for preventing crutch palsy, which is a compressive neuropathy. Leaning on the axillary pads can put excessive pressure on the brachial plexus, a network of nerves located in the armpit. The radial nerve is particularly susceptible to compression, and injury can lead to weakness or numbness in the hand and wrist. Users should also regularly inspect the rubber tips, or ferrules, at the bottom of the crutches for wear, as worn tips severely reduce friction and increase the risk of a slip or fall.