Elbow crutches

Elbow crutches are used as mobility aids to assist with balance, take pressure off the legs and improve confidence when walking.

Prior to receiving your elbow crutches you will have been assessed by a physiotherapist, or physiotherapy technical instructor, who will have ensured the crutches are safe for use and measured them to your specific height and requirements.

You will also have been shown how to use the elbow crutches correctly to ensure your safety and make sure that you gain maximum benefit from their use.

Care of your elbow crutches

Your elbow crutches have been altered for your specific requirements and, therefore, should not be used by anyone else.

Elbow crutches have a rubber ferrule located on the bottom and this must be checked regularly for wear and tear. New ferrules can be collected from REWS.

If the elbow crutch becomes bent, or there is wear to the metal catch, then a replacement should be sought from REWS.

When you no longer need your elbow crutches please return them to either Rotherham Hospital or to REWS.

It is important that you keep your elbow crutches clean. They can be cleaned using a mild detergent, wiped off well with water. Do not immerse the elbow crutches in water. Dry them with a clean cloth.

The weight limit for a standard elbow crutch is 158.8kg or 25 stone.

Use of your elbow crutches

Firstly ensure that you have secure footwear on (slippers or shoes).

Standing

• Stand up from the chair or bed, do not try to push up through your elbow crutches with your arms in them as this will make you unstable and potentially damage your shoulders.
• Allow yourself time to balance before you start walking.
• If using a single elbow crutch it is usually used in the hand opposite to your weak/operated or painful leg.

Walking

Move the elbow crutch forwards and slightly out to the side before leaning on it gently and stepping the opposite leg.

Turning

When turning make sure that you step round with the elbow crutch in a small circle rather than twisting round on the spot.

Stairs/steps

• When going up stairs place your strongest leg on the first step and push through your elbow crutch to raise your other leg up. Bring the elbow crutch up onto the step last of all.
• When going down stairs it is best to place your elbow crutch on the first step below you. Follow this with your weakest leg and then your strongest leg.
• Always make sure that your feet are placed fully on each step and that you have the correct footwear on.
• Your physiotherapist will have taught you the best way to use any handrails that you have in place.
• If your physiotherapist may recommended that you do not use the stairs.

How to contact us

Park Rehabilitation Centre

01709 302323

Therapy Services

01709 424400

Medequip

01709 916889

Elbow crutches - patient information leaflet
Produced: December 2008
Revised: December 2013, August 2016, May 2022
Next Revision Due: May 2024. Version: 4.0
©The Rotherham NHS Foundation Trust 2022. All rights reserved.