CYP Physiotherapy/ MSK/Using Crutches PWB/
Version number 3 (CYP code: 2.10.3)
Date of Issue: February 2016
Date of review: August 2022
Review Date: August 2024
If review date has passed, the content will apply until the next version is published
What does partial weight bearing mean?
It means taking some weight through the injured leg and taking most of the weight through the crutches and the other leg. The physiotherapist will give you advice about how much weight your child should take through his/her injured leg.
How does my child stand up with crutches?
- Stand up using the arms/ seat of the chair while putting most of the weight through the uninjured leg.
- 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 at all times.
- Lift and place the crutches one step forward, level with each other.
- Putting weight through the arms/crutches, step with the injured leg, placing the foot level with the crutches.
- Step through with the uninjured leg.
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.Taking weight through a crutch and the handrail, step up one step with the uninjured leg. Step up onto the same step with the injured leg. Bring the crutch up onto the same 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.
Put the crutch down one step. Taking weight through the crutch and the handrail, step down onto the same step as the crutch with the injured leg. Step down onto the same step with 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.
Your child should come downstairs forwards on his/her bottom.
You should be below your child on the stairs when he/she goes up/down 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 metal pins are fully in the holes
- Check that the crutches are not bent
- Do not adjust the height of the crutches
- Do not adapt the crutches e.g. pad the handles without checking with your therapist
- Check for hazards e.g. 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.
