CYP Physiotherapy/ MSK/Using Crutches NWB/ Version number 4
Version number 4 (NTC code: 5.2.2.8.7.4)
Date of Issue: February 2016
Date of review: December 2024
Review Date: December 2026
If review date has passed, the content will apply until the next version is published
What does non-weight bearing mean?
It means NO weight can be taken on the injured leg.
Weight is taken through the other leg and the crutches provided.
How does my child stand up with crutches?
- Stand up using the arms/ seat of the chair while keeping the injured leg off the floor.
- Once balanced in standing, the arms should be slipped into the cuffs of the crutches, making sure the handles are pointed forwards.
- The crutches should be held 8-10cms in front and to the side of each foot, making a triangle from the heels and the 2 crutches.
The crutches should be removed before sitting down to prevent injury to the arms.
How does my child walk with crutches?
Your child should wear well-fitting footwear.
- Keep the weight off the injured leg.
- Lift and place the crutches one step forward, level with each other.
- Putting weight through the arms/crutches, take a small step with the uninjured leg to land level with the crutches.
How does my child go up stairs with crutches?
The handrail should be held with one hand and crutches in the other.
You should be behind your child on the stairs. Weight should be taken through a crutch and handrail. The injured leg should be held off the floor and slightly behind the body. Your child should hop up to the next step on the uninjured leg. The crutch should then be lifted onto this step. Repeat on the next step.
How does my child come down stairs with crutches?
The handrail should be held with one hand and crutches in the other.
You should be in front of your child on the stairs.
Weight should be taken through a crutch and the handrail. The injured leg should be held off the floor and slightly in front of the body. Place the crutch down one step. Your child should hop down onto this step on the uninjured leg. Repeat on the next step.
What if my child is unable to go up/down stairs using crutches?
Your child should go upstairs backwards on his/her bottom while keeping the injured leg off the floor.
Your child should come downstairs forwards on his/her bottom while keeping the injured leg off the floor.
You should be below your child on the stairs when he/she goes up or down the stairs in this way.
Please carry out the following safety checks regularly to make sure they are safe to use
- Check that the rubber stoppers on the end of the crutches are not worn down
- Check that the crutches are not bent
- Do not adapt the crutches eg pad the handles without checking with your therapist
- Check that the metal pins are fully in the hole.
- Do not adjust the height of the crutches
- Check for hazards eg rugs, toys on floor
Further advice
If your symptoms are not improving, please attend your GP for further assessment or complete a Physiotherapy Request for Assistance form on our website on NHS Fife at www.nhsfife.org or contact the Children and Young People’s Physiotherapy service on Fife.paedsphysioreferrals@nhs.scot
Accessible formats
If you require this information in a community language or alternative format such as Braille, audio, large print, BSL, or Easy Read, please contact the Equality and Human Rights Team at: email: fife.EqualityandHumanRights@nhs.scot or phone 01592 729130. For people with a hearing or verbal impairment you can also contact the team through the NHS Fife SMS text service number on 07805800005.
