You can translate this page by using the headphones button (bottom left) and then select the globe to change the language of the page. Need some help choosing a language? Please refer to Browsealoud Supported Voices and Languages. Show This leaflet has been produced to give you general information about how to use elbow crutches. You have been provided with elbow crutches to help you walk safely whilst allowing you to protect the injured leg. It will take a little time to get used to the crutches and so it is important you try not to rush. Your clinician will advise you on whether you can put weight through the affected leg whilst using the crutches; this will depend on the type of injury you have sustained. It is very important you follow this advice to give you the best chance of recovery. The section below give a step by step guide to how to use the elbow crutches depending on what weight you are allowed to put through the affected leg. What is the correct crutch height?
Sitting and StandingTo ensure you do not injure your shoulders or elbows it is important you stand up and sit down following the advice below. Standing up
Sitting down
Non-Weight BearingNon-weight bearing (NWB) means you should not put any weight through the affected leg when attempting to stand, walking with the crutches or sitting down
Toe touch weight bearingToe touch weight bearing (TTWB) means the tips of your toes can rest on the floor but you still should not put any weight on them when attempting to stand, walking with crutches or sitting down.
Heel weight bearingHeel weight bearing (HWB) means you can place weight through your heel only when standing, walking with crutches or sitting down
Partial weight bearingPartial weight bearing (PWB) means that you can put some weight on your affected leg; you will have been advised how much by the clinician that you saw.
Full weight bearing or weight bearing as toleratedFull weight bearing (FWB) or weight bearing as tolerated (WBAT)
Progressing to one crutchWhen fully weight bearing or weight bearing as tolerated, it is possible for you to progress to one crutch to help you walk, if you feel able to do so. There are some photographs over the page to demonstrate the process.
Note: Your walking pattern should be as normal as possible using one crutch. If you find that you are leaning heavily on the crutch it may be that you are not ready to progress to one crutch as yet. StairsWhen climbing the stairs you should follow the pattern below:
When coming down the stairs you should follow the pattern below:
General SafetySafety checks you should complete regularly:
Other safety tips
Who to contact if you have any further questionsIf you have any problems with your crutches or have any queries then please contact the department in which your crutches were issued using the switchboard telephone line (01482) 875875. If you have been referred on to a physiotherapy service for further assessment and treatment you can discuss any issues with the relevant physiotherapy team. Community Physiotherapy ServicesHull GP (01482) 300003 East Riding GP (01377) 208300
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