How To Use Crutches Properly - The Nebraska Medical Center

This video draws upon the expertise of one of the physical therapists at The Nebraska Medical Center to show you the proper way to use crutches. Included are how to correctly stand up and sit down using crutches, how to go up and down stairs and how walk with crutches. You are also reminded of some things you shouldn't do while using them to avoid further injury. For more information, or to find a physical therapist to help with your recovery, call 1-800-922-0000, or visit www.NebraskaMed.com.

[@julie-tu7ce]

Fractured my ankle new to the whole crutches thing I miss walking

[@elaineitzel8834]

Omg same!😭

[@armangrewal993]

same LOL

[@wolfgang8234]

Julia Kaylokov same :(

[@brittneytravolta9392]

Same!

[@lizzyleo2513]

Julia Kaylokov same I just fractured mine

[@Tammy_Tammy123]

This was so helpful! Before I watched this, I felt so stupid trying to figure it out on my own. I've never used crutches ever in my life, but I knew I was doing something wrong lol. Thanks so much, I have school in one hour and I don't feel as stupid anymore, I still need practice though.

[@Nebraskamed]

Best of luck!

[@prince_sach50]

same lol

[@celinepowell7104]

Same I just got a sprained foot from a four wheeler accident this Memorial Day and I feel like imma make a fool of myself at school

[@BrendaD72]

I used them for months in high school. Now at 48, I felt like I never used them before.

[@patrickconnors7366]

A lifesaver! I severly sprained my ankle, and I had no idea how to use my crutches. Thankyou Nebraska Medical Center!

[@pookitypoo]

I am amazed how many people do NOT receive instructions after being given crutches. Using them improperly can not only be uncomfortable and cause people to NOT use them, but it can cause damage after long term use. Crutch training is mandatory at our hospital. Thank you for supplying this information!

[@RMtheCOOLEST]

I had knee surgery yesterday morning and I don't quite have the hang of walking on crutches yet. Thank you. I'm confident in trying again

[@Nebraskamed]

Glad it was helpful!

[@candeeloo9254]

Thank you for this video. I had surgery on my left foot a week and a half ago and my armpits have been constantly sore from the crutches 😥 I realized after watching your video that they were too long so I adjusted them and I feel much better. Also the part about the stairs was very helpful too. I appreciate the slow directions given in the video, I had no problem following along 👍 🙂

[@Ravenfey17]

I'm a nurse who just tore my gastrocnemius and working in cardiology had little knowledge of crutches.. Lol thanks so much this video has been very illuminating!

[@Jacob97501]

Thank you very much for the advice! I ended up needing to use crutches for my ankle and I kinda thought I knew more about using them until i watched this video.

[@missaelrenteria6328]

Damn she tripped me out with her eyes all open like that lmao

[@hannahsmith7693]

I opened the video, said "god damn you’re terrifying.. okay," and then realized what I said out loud and felt bad 😂

[@Brightestlightt]

She made me realize how serious my injury is 😞

[@larsonfamilyhouse]

And then she opened my eyes to the fact I’d been using my crutches wrong! Lol!!

[@kadiyahhall17]

Wow, thank you for this insightful and helpful video. I'm on crutches right now a I now know that I have been walking wrong sitting wrong, and walking up and down stairs wrong all along. ❤❤❤

[@Paulsmuse]

Thank you for taking the time to submit this video. I broke my pelvis last night and trust me, it is horrible. I cannot put any weight on my left leg. I just had multi fusion ACDF surgery in November and am fully disabled by several other chronic health issues so things are challenging as it. It was a freak fall....... this video really helped me (with my husband watching with me and coaching). Thank you again. Very good video!

[@kimberleeroberts5957]

Thank you! The adjustment of the handle/grip was never explained to me at the hospital. This one little change made a world of difference!

[@blackmist5575]

Before this video I felt like my arm pits were gunna rip in half

[@Nebraskamed]

Glad that didn't happen and glad we could help! #SaveThePits

[@exohexoh3948]

Me too

[@brookeprovost]

Blackmist #defenitio of art - That’s how mine were also! I got bruises... 😂

[@ssquib224]

SAME

[@annettef.5654]

Me too

[@taiwandaze]

WOW! This is an excellent video. I'm in Taiwan, where they just tell you to use crutches, and it turns out that I've been having issues because I've been doing things wrong. Thank you so much for an informative tutorial that deals with all the basics. Well done!

[@shanellnelson1306]

Omg thank you so much I broke my toe yesterday and learning how to use crutches!!!

[@kaitlynnelynch5278]

This was extremely helpful! My hand pieces were too far down on my crutches which was causing them to go into my armpit. I bumped up the hand pieces and everything feels much better! I also was having trouble figuring out how to do stairs, so I will implement what this video had said. Thanks for the demonstration!

[@amyk1849]

I am so glad I found this video. My daughter fractured her foot and the woman that was supposed to teach her how to use the crutches didn't.. Now teaching her how to use crutches. Thanks

[@Nebraskamed]

Glad it helped!

[@hshshshshshshs8831]

I broke my Malleolus bone yesterday. I'm using crutches for the first time in my life and this is very helpful. Thank you so much!!!

[@sammyismail343]

I broke my fibia yesterday

[@leticiaeleanorcastillo9460]

I broke my foot in cheer being one of the flyers and now I'm on crutches, I had no idea how to use them and this video helped so much thank you!! x.

[@oaksantenora5484]

Thank you so much for this video. The nurse who adjusted mine did them wrong and they hurt so much to use. Feels way better now.

[@breen2607]

Yesterday, a ligament in my knee tore away from my bone and took a piece of bone with it. I have never experienced this much pain in my life. It is extremely swollen and bruised. I went to the ER and they gave me crutches and a brace for my knee. I have never walked on crutches before. Thank you so much for this video! It was very helpful especially because all of my classes in school are upstairs (so everyday I will have to climb up and down the stairs).

[@reeree2698]

Dude same. Did it end up being your acl? I was running and it felt like my knee popped out. Then I saw I had a fracture on my tibia

[@ladybug2535]

I want to stress--never never ever support your weight on the top of the crutch. The nerve damage that can easily result from doing that is no joke. You could end up with permanent disability in one or both arms and hands. I feel that I have to say this because I see SO many people doing this, and not just when they are standing around either. I've even seen this when the crutches are properly adjusted--you can tell because the crutch user is leaning too far down or forward.--basically hanging on or over the top of the crutch. If your 'pits are sore after using your crutches or if you have numbness or tingling in your arm or hand then you are probably using your crutches incorrectly.

[@frankiegenovese6496]

FRANKIE CHRIS GENOVESE

[@frankiegenovese6496]

K9

[@syedmohamed3983]

Omg i think i have been using it wronly

[@scubacruiserx2]

Thank you. After ankle surgery I was given crutches, but no instructions except to not put weight on armpits (or ankle). No adjustments were made to the crutches for me. My arms and hands were hurting.After watching video, I adjusted crutches and what a difference in comfort. Thank you again.

[@morenoquinteiro]

I injuried my ankle few days ago and can't put any weight on it. I'm still struggling with my crutches, I don't feel very safe on it yet. This video helped me getting a bit more confident and not being too anxious about it anymore. Thank you and my best regards from Brazil.

[@neptronix]

Thanks so much for teaching me. I just had a major osteotomy and the hospital didn't teach me how to do it. This video saved my bacon. Thanks again!

[@joshuabelmonte12]

Thanks for the informative video, just tore my ACL and I miss walking so much, I took it forgranted

[@Ghost-ib1wt]

just fractured my ankle, first time using crutches and this really helped for walking so thank you !!!

[@loveofthousands8710]

man, i wish i would have found this video before I fell while using my crutches. Very helpful and informative! Thank you.

[@randalynkiltz4633]

I just had surgery and was told no weight bearing. I was given no crutches or instruction. This video is wonderful!!! Thanks

[@amalinanabilah1]

i am an active person so using crutches really set me back... but this video is gonna help me move around much safer. thnx!

[@bradozarko2443]

Fabulous Video! Much better than the instructions i received at the hospital.

[@VFamily-jf6eh]

this is a great demonstration, I was given crutches and I had to learn to use them/ measure them on my own.

[@MrART29]

Thank you very much for specific instructional film in Poland showed you how to walk, learning lasted 3 minutes and I have to practice according to the Polish standard.

[@tracymorry7204]

Great Video, I was hit by a car while walking my dog and broke my right tibeau plateau,I cannot put any weight on my right leg for 8 weeks. I was so nervous about using crutches, but now feel confident and I'm not afraid to use them. I have saved this Video on my desk top. Thanks so much Tracy

[@bhavana8118]

This is really helpful thank you , I got my crutches today and realised I was putting a lot of pressure on my armpits. Now imma gonna walk properly with this.

[@myallforjc]

This was excellent and easy to follow. After watching my wife gave the crutches another try. Saved as a favorite. Well done!

[@MsCacox97]

I just slide down stairs

[@abbyfrancis9062]

Same💀

[@Meen0123]

same

[@kizi7391]

Same

[@taylorbehner120]

Sammeee

[@mlgboss9434]

Ethyn Santos relatable

[@rosabonilla1690]

This is the first time i have to use crutches because of a injury in soccer and this video helped me allot

[@Nebraskamed]

Glad it was helpful!

[@winterchild5841]

this was very helpful, thank you - i am adjusting my crutches now; had been putting weight on armpits, no wonder my pecs were hurting

[@charlesg.vandesampel796]

When I first received my crutches for my knee replacements, I had no issues what so ever. Then I just recently went through a total foot reconstruct that is a NLB on the foot for 8-10 weeks. The hospital therapist came in the next day and had me using the crutches without any proper instruction especially when she had do the stair exercise. Watching your video has to some extent eliminated some of my fear, since I fell the first night home with the crutches, and now use a walker and wheelchair

[@hmongboy4564]

Thank you! I fractured my Left Patella and I'm a big person myself so I always struggled to go up the stairs n down the stairs. I'm currently at my second X-Ray Appointment as I type this. I will use this method when I get home and go up the stairs.

[@kaitlyn6961]

My crutches caused so much pain and I tried using padding and every thing. nothing worked but with the help of this.video I realised that my hand pad was 2 low and by correcting that I have had no further discomfort wish I knew that 3 weeks ago. thanks for all the help

[@johannak9064]

Thank you so much, everyone tried to teach me how to use the crutches ... total failure until I saw your video. God bless you

[@lol8625]

Thanks for the great info! I’m waiting for knee surgery and the cane isn’t doing me much good. I’m picking up crutches today and now know what to do.

[@queenandcorgis]

The urgent care doctor I saw gave me no information on if I should put weight on my ankle. All I was given was a boot. As it's extremely painful to walk, I got crutches for myself. This was very informative.

[@jamesdaugherty2339]

Fantastic and informative video! It really helped me, a new crutch user after a severely sprained ankle. also, I love those Doc Martens! Aren't they the best nonslip shoes in the office? 10/10 awesome upload

[@michaelching5692]

I had knee surgery scheduled and asked the surgical team if I could get the crutches early to practice. They told me that I could and that I could also schedule a crutches practice session with a PT. That was so much more helpful than being given the crutches on the day of surgery. I don't know why they don't advise this for every scheduled crutch user.

[@dareenconde]

I need to know this for my nursing board exams. Very thorough!

[@مقاطعمتنوعة-ت4ن]

This was an informative demonstration,, I will have a bunion surgery soon wish me a good luck

[@Fahif808]

I live down the road from yall. This is like a free consultation! Thanks! Lol

[@moorecrew7]

I appreciate this. I. 4' 11.5" tall and the crutches I have only go down to 5 2. I need shorter ones. This helped me figure it out. I'm hoping that makes using crutches a little easier.

[@callumcoyle1975]

Thanks you so much!!! I came down a hill on my long bored and stacked it pretty badly. I broke my foot and had to get a metal plate put in. The doctors who treated me didn't even show me how to use crutches so thanks :)

[@madmarge2011]

Very true I hurt my ankle at work and was told to stay off it and was gave crunches and they did not teach me at all, I was about ready to throw them at them and say I'll hop

[@subtledemisefox]

Just broke my foot last night. My first broken bone in the 35 years I've been alive. They tried to tell me at the hospital and I just barely did well enough to let me go home. But I did most of this correctly by instinct, just wasn't sure the proper way to "walk". Thanks for this video!

[@jarret747400]

This is amazing. Never would've figured out how to get up and sit back down again so well.

[@BarbSeguraLifeisGood]

This is so helpful! Especially the stairs. Thank you!

[@ThisIsHafiy]

God bless this video! Really helped alot! The physiotherapist taught me the wrong thing! You shown on the segment ' How do I stand up' just like how you demostrate. I underwent Calcaneum ORIF on my right feet. so I have only left leg to hold my weight. The therapist demo me positioned the crutches on my left side before getting up. And I tried following you position it on my right side, its more efficient. Thank you!

[@smartcrutchusa]

Great video! We have a lot of long term underarm crutch users that have sustained injuries from improper use.

[@ipains]

Thanks you very much Lisa i hope you the best things, My first time using crutches i just got tendon teared up in my foot and i can't walk normally, at first my armpit just got fucked up but after this video i learned how to walk.

[@robinlawson7441]

Good video. I have never used crutches before yesterday and my armpits hurt. I knew I wasn't using them correctly.

[@BreeOlson9]

Thanks KZbin for doing the job my doctor should have.

[@haroonz89]

thanks you saved me !! i was doing it all wrong i had my surgery of knee i tore my acl :( This was excellent and easy to follow. thanks

[@donhayward1940]

I broke my foot for the first time , I fell down some stairs, now I'm on crutches, this vid gave me an idea on how to walk with the crutches thank you.

[@gyrocyclist]

Thanks for your excellent instruction! I did something to my ankle during a run yesterday, and bought a set of crutches (since it's Thanksgiving Weekend, and I can't see a specialist until Monday or Tuesday). Very painful to put weight on left foot. I'm doing RICE, but the crutches help a lot -- thanks to you video!

[@mxr4248]

Omg this help so much I was in a car crash broke my leg used a walker for about month cause I didn't know how to use them this video help so much

[@TheFloridaPappy]

I've been fumbling with these things for three days. Thank you so much for this video.

[@Mak_Crypto_S]

You guys made my college days delightful now

[@chetanpradhan9750]

Thanks a ton ma'am. I just broke my ankle. It helped me. 🙏

[@adventuresinweaving]

Really helpful! Broke a bone in my foot during 2020 pandemic. No time to show me how to use crutches at ER understandably.

[@lilliana41]

Thank you. I just sprained my ankle (grade three) and are going to be on crutches for over two months, and I was a little bit confused about how to use them, especially on our stairs. I'm not supposed to put any weight on it, and I am going to have an ankle brace on, and I really needed help with this. Thank you!

[@amclain3021]

Thank you for this video-- just had foot surgery and released without the crutches being fitted or even ensuring I knew how to use them!! Looking forward to receiving and venting on the patient survey. Regardless, I feel so much better now that I know how to get around.

[@Arthur172B]

Always thank all your doctors for their lack of interest in this crutch training problem. If you need help, see a Physical Therapist! I fired my doctor when he insisted I NOT see a P.T. clinic nearby. He only said, "Well, if all you want is to fix the pain, OK....." Hmmm, that was THE reason I went to him at all. Duuuh.

[@badbrunette412]

i have 2 get knee surgery and i was soo nervous because i'm about to start school and i was scared on wat i'm goin to do for the school bus stairs.. but this made me feel better!!

[@vibinvo]

Thanks for the video ... hard a rough time all morning trying to figure these things out. Now I am floating around the house. Thanks.

[@imranmeco3393]

Thank you so much! I was sort of rushed out of the hospital because of the epidemic and never got to learn to use these.

[@000selma]

Thank you this video helps for a presentation I am going to use for school

[@samdevine292]

Thank you - very helpful. Now I've seen how to use crutches I'm hoping my armpits will hurt less than my broken foot!

[@rotfan77]

Thanks so much for making this video, the one thing they forgot to teach me where I got my crutches was how to get up and down. They showed me how to walk , Which was fine. You should've seen what I was doing before this video. To get up from a seated position I was grabbing the top of the crutches and pulling myself up , something like some sort of iron -cross maneuver on the rings. Pretty funny and not very safe. Thanks again

[@BlanxBeee]

Thus was very helpful. I got my crutches 2 days ago for a fractured left ankle. The discomfort I have are super sore arms and sore right leg. Not to mention my right foot (my good foot) cramps up a lot

[@dmjlovessrg]

Thanks so much. I have a stress fracture in my heel that I am supposed to stay completely off of for a weeks and had no idea how to use crutches. Since we already had some the doctor just thought I knew how to use them. And honestly do did I. Boy was I wrong. This really helped.

[@jesuisravi]

Good advice. I had to learn all this the hard way.

[@carmenpr4u]

No wonder my armpits hurts thanks to this video I learned how to properly use my crutches.

[@michd5049]

Very helpful - particularly the stairs and standing up. Thanks!

[@TheSilverdeer1]

I agree with other posters who say this is the most helpful video on KZbin for learning how to use crutches. Just one small quibble: Wish the video showed how to go up and down stairs WITHOUT a handrail.

[@jaytubing607]

I figured it out, but this confirmed that I was doing the right thing. Plus I learned what not to do, so thank you!

[@wiihaiishka8376]

I want to thank you for the important tips

[@TheRedArrowHD]

Crutches fucking suck they're cool when you use your friends but when you don't have the option to walk it just blows

[@savannahf1135]

I just broke a bone for the first time, and this video helped!!!!

[@dmm743]

Wow! This really helps. It took me forever to go up the two steps to get inside my house.

[@kylieramberg4505]

This was were helpful. I just sprained my ankle pretty badly and I need crutches to walk. I have never gotten an injury this bad before and I've never used crutches either.

[@videosofwill]

This video was informative and helpful. Thank you

[@Nebraskamed]

Glad it helped!

[@mitchgreen2249]

Good, practical demonstration. Thank you.

[@Ms1animefreak]

same with me I broke my foot and im using crutches for the first time and one day after using them my arms where sore and my hands were blistered. One of my friends said to put washclothes under your arms to help cushion it better, I mean its not the best in the world but it helps alot. HOPE this helps you too.

[@hamzaahmed2322]

This is honestly nice cuz I dislocated my knee cap (patella) and new to this too. I am currently using it but im still learning cuz sometimes i almost fall down which lick i never yet

[@hamzaahmed2322]

Lucky*

[@lindakranz2909]

thank you so much! this really helps Me ii didn't know how to use my crutches properly

[@rachelshipsides]

I don't have crutches but I may be getting them on Saturday so this video was very helpful in telling me what I'll need to do if I get them. (fell and landed on my knee badly. can't actually walk if any1 is wondering )

[@jimzamerski9018]

Extremely helpful. Thank You!!

[@sheveevee3365]

yesterday i hurt my foot coming down from my bunk bed i went to the er and i had a sprain and i had to use cruches (wich ive never done) thatnks for the help this helped a lot

[@Nebraskamed]

Glad it helped!

[@Sbannmarie]

Excellent video thanks

[@cztop54]

Excellent tutorial! Wish the hospital had made me watch and practice before leaving.

[@Carolina_girl86]

Thanks for the video!! I have never used crutches before. I have posterior tibial tendonitis in my right foot and it hurts like hell.

[@Kiirs5]

Thank you so much!! I hurt a tendon or ligament in my ankle and have to use crutches, and had no idea how.