Orthopaedic Surgery - Walking with Crutches - Non Weight Bearing (NWB)

How to stand up

1. Make an “H” shape with both crutches.

2. Push from the bed/chair with your other hand and stand up.

Image showing person doing the above instruction

3. Put both forearms into the loops of the crutches, one after the other.

4. Now separate both crutches.

How to walk

1. Place both crutches in front of you.

2. Put your weight through the crutches.

Image showing person doing the above instruction

3. Keep your affected leg off the floor.

4. Hop with your unaffected leg to a point just before the crutches.

Image showing person doing the above instruction

Turning round

When turning take a series of small steps round, moving the crutches first and then your feet (don’t twist round as you may injure yourself).

How to sit down

1.    Turn round with your back to the chair/bed.

2.    Feel the chair/bed behind your legs.

3.    Make an “H” shape with both your crutches.

4.    Remove your forearms from the crutch loops (otherwise you may injure yourself).

5.    Hold onto the crutches with one hand.

6.    Reach back for the bed/chair with your other hand.

7.    Slowly lower yourself down.
 

Date of Review: October 2023
Date of Next Review: October 2025
Ref No: PI_DS_490 (Bury)

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