How to Walk With Forearm Crutches: Technique and Gait

Forearm crutches feel awkward for the first day or two, then click. Getting the technique right early saves you the sore wrists and shaky balance that come from improvising. Here’s the basic gait and the habits that matter.

Set them up first

Technique only works if the crutches fit. The cuff should sit 1–2 inches below your elbow, and the grip should land at your wrist crease when your arm hangs straight, leaving a slight bend at the elbow. See how to size forearm crutches before you start.

The basic gaits

Which one you use depends on how much weight you can put on the injured leg, follow your physical therapist’s instruction:

• Non-weight-bearing (swing-through): Both crutches forward, then swing your good leg between or just past them while keeping the injured foot off the ground.
• Partial weight-bearing: Move both crutches and the injured leg forward together, take some weight through the crutches and the leg, then step the good leg through.
• Two-point and four-point gaits are slower, more stable patterns a therapist may teach for balance issues.

Posture and habits that protect you

• Push through your hands, not your armpits. Forearm crutches load the grip and cuff; let your hands and forearms do the work (see crutches that don’t hurt your hands).
• Stand tall. Look ahead, not at your feet, and keep your shoulders down and back.
• Small steps. Place the crutch tips a comfortable stride ahead, not so far that they slip.
• Stairs and curbs have their own method, see our stairs guide.

Get comfortable crutches first

Good technique is easier on a comfortable, well-built pair. See our best forearm crutches picks and take the quiz for a match.

This is general information, not medical advice. Ask your physical therapist to check your gait and weight-bearing, they override anything here.