When your child gets hurt and needs crutches, it can feel a little scary—for them and for you. The good news? It’s easy for kids to learn how to use crutches safely and comfortably. With a little practice and support, most kids get the hang of it quickly. Let’s dive into why crutches are important, choosing the right size, then step by step, conquering getting around with crutches.
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It’s all about healing from an injury. Crutches help your child keep weight off the injured leg or foot while it heals. They also help kids move around without putting any unnecessary pressure on the injured part of their body.
Pediatric orthopedic specialists usually recommend crutches after:
A broken bone
A sprain or strain
Foot or leg surgery
How do I know the right size for my child’s crutches?
Crutches should fit your child’s height. If they are too big or too small, they can hurt the shoulders, arms, or hands. Here’s how to check the fit:
When your child stands tall, the top of the crutches should be about 1–2 inches below their armpits.
The handgrips should be even with your child’s hips.
When holding the handgrips, their elbows should be slightly bent.
An orthopedic specialist or physical therapist will help adjust the crutches before your child uses them.
How to use crutches, step by step
Let’s go through the basic steps for walking with crutches. Make sure your child practices in a safe area like a carpeted room or with someone nearby to help.
Stand up
Sit in a chair with both crutches on one side.
Tell them to hold both crutches in one hand and push off the chair with the other hand.
Once standing, place one crutch under each arm.
Walk
If your child has been told to keep weight completely off one leg:
Move both crutches forward together.
Hop to the crutches with the uninjured leg.
If your child is allowed to put some weight on the injured leg:
Move the crutches and the injured leg forward together.
Then, step through with the “other” leg.
Important: Always look straight ahead—not down.
Sit down
Back up until the chair touches the back of your child’s legs.
Move both crutches to one hand.
With the other hand, reach back for the chair and slowly sit down.
On the stairs
Stairs can be tricky with crutches. Here's how to do it safely:
Going up: Step up using the “good” leg. Then, use the crutches to bring the injured leg up to the same step. Have your child use railings if they are sturdy.
Going down: Place the crutches down on the next stair. Then move the injured leg down. Finally, bring down the “good” leg. Again, use railings if they are reliable.
What to know about weight-bearing and non-weight-bearing safety when using crutches on stairs:
How your child navigates stairs with crutches depends on their weight-bearing status—which means how much weight they’re allowed to put on their injured leg, according to their medical team.
If your child is non-weight-bearing, they should not put any weight on the injured leg. They’ll use their strong leg and crutches to move upstairs with the strong leg first and downstairs with crutches and the injured leg first.
If they are partial weight bearing, they can put some weight on the injured leg, as advised by their doctor or physical therapist. They’ll still need crutches for support but can use both legs to move more steadily. If they’re full weight bearing, they can use both legs normally and may just use crutches for balance.
If your child is non-weight-bearing, they should not put any weight on the injured leg. They’ll use their strong leg and crutches to move... If they are weight bearing, they can put some weight on the injured leg.
Tenney Georgetti, PT, DPT,
Lead Pediatric Physical Therapist, Connecticut Children's
More ways to make life with crutches easier:
Keep a clear path and remove obstacles. That includes rugs, toys or anything that can cause a tripping accident.
Help with balance. Ask a friend to help carry their backpack or school supplies if needed.
Ask about any pain. If your child’s armpits hurt or they get tired quickly, check with your doctor.
Let them rest as needed. Crutches can be tiring. Let your child take a break.
Redness, blisters, or pain under the arms or hands
Trouble moving or using the crutches after a few days of practice
New pain in the arms, shoulders, or back
Your child is not improving or seems more uncomfortable
Most children only need crutches for a short time—usually a few weeks. As the injury heals, the doctor may say your child can start putting more weight on the leg. Eventually, your child will no longer need crutches at all. Learning to use crutches is a new skill, and like all new things, it takes practice. With the right support, your child will become more comfortable each day.
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