When kids can't put weight on a leg because of injury or surgery, crutches can help them get around and stay independent. It's important to use crutches correctly to prevent falls and injury. Review these tips with your child as a reminder of what you learned during your visit.

To help your child use crutches safely:

• Make sure all pads and grips on the crutches are securely in place and all hardware is tight.
• To prevent falls, remove small, loose rugs from floors in the house.
• Make sure cords, boxes, and any other items are out of the way to avoid trips.
• Your child can use a backpack if they need to carry anything around the house.

Your child should follow these safety guidelines while using crutches: 

• Wear snug, non-slip shoes. Don't wear flip-flops or other loose shoes that can cause falls.
• Hold your weight up with your hands on the handgrips. Do not put your weight on your armpits.
• If wearing a backpack, keep it on both shoulders to help with balance.
• Do not put weight on your injured leg unless your health care provider says it's OK.
• Check your balance after each step.
• Have someone around to help if you need it.
• Take your time and go slowly.
• Watch out for small pets around your feet.
• Be especially careful on ramps, uneven ground, and wet surfaces.

To walk with crutches:

• Hold the crutches gently against your sides.
• Put the crutch tips on the ground ahead of you about 6–12 inches.
• If you are allowed to put weight on your injured leg, gently step forward with your injured leg. Then push down on the handgrips and step forward with your good leg.
• If you are not allowed to put weight on your injured leg, push down on the handgrips and step forward with your good leg.
• Repeat.

To sit in a chair:

• Turn your back to the chair.
• Walk backward until your legs touch the chair.
• Hold both crutches on one side using the hand grips.
• Reach back with your free arm and grasp an armrest or the seat.
• Slowly lower yourself to the chair.

To get up from a chair:

• Hold both crutches on one side.
• Sit on the front edge of the chair.
• Put your free hand on the arm of the chair. Push against it to stand up.
• Put one crutch under each arm.

To use stairs:

• If you're unsteady or not strong walking with the crutches, it might be safest to scoot up and down the stairs on your bottom. 
• If there is a handrail, use one crutch and the handrail. (Someone else should carry the other crutch.)
• If there is no handrail, hold one crutch on each side.
• To go up stairs:
  • Keep your weight on your hands as you lift your good foot up onto the first step.
  • Bring your crutch(es) and the injured leg to the same step.
• To go down stairs:
  • Stand close to the edge of the step.
  • Slowly bring the crutches and your injured leg down one step.
  • Keep your weight on the crutches and your hips under your shoulders as you step down. Do not lean forward.
  • Bring your good foot down to the same step.

• Your child has pain, weakness, or a burning sensation in the arms.
• The crutch tips wear out or the crutches seem loose or broken.
• Your child is struggling on the crutches and needs training by a physical therapist.