How to Walk With Forearm Crutches: Gait and Technique Guide

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Forearm crutches feel awkward for the first day or two, then click. Getting the technique right early means more stable movement and less unnecessary load on your hands. Here’s the basic gait and the habits that matter.

Before you walk: set the fit

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. A crutch that is too tall forces you to lock your elbow; one that is too short makes you hunch forward and shifts load onto your shoulders. See how to size forearm crutches for the full setup before you start walking.

Step-by-step: the basic walking gaits

Which gait you use depends on how much weight your physician or therapist has cleared you to put on the injured leg. Follow their weight-bearing prescription exactly.

• Non-weight-bearing (swing-through): Move both crutches forward about one stride length. Press down on the grips and swing your body forward, landing on your good leg while keeping the injured foot off the ground.
• Partial weight-bearing (four-point gait): Move one crutch forward, then step with the opposite foot, then move the other crutch, then step with the remaining foot. Four points of contact at all times, which makes this the most stable pattern.
• Two-point gait: Move one crutch and the opposite leg simultaneously, then repeat on the other side. Faster than four-point, used when partial weight-bearing is well established.

For a plain-English breakdown of all five gait patterns and which weight-bearing status each suits, see crutch gait patterns explained.

Posture habits that keep your wrists neutral

Keep your weight pressing down through the handgrips, not pushing outward against the cuffs. The cuffs are a retention catch, not a load path. Carry a relaxed bend in your elbows (15–30 degrees) and keep your shoulders down and back rather than hunched forward. If your wrists feel tired or uncomfortable during use, the first thing to check is grip height; then check whether you are unconsciously bending the wrists back under load rather than keeping them neutral. See grip and padding options for long-distance use for choices that make longer distances easier on your hands.

Stairs, curbs, and uneven ground

Forearm crutch technique on stairs is different from level walking and has to be learned separately. The short version: going up, lead with the good leg; going down, lead with the crutches and the injured leg. Curbs follow the same logic. On uneven ground, shorten your steps and slow your crutch placement to keep the tips stable underfoot. See the full stairs and curbs guide before attempting any elevation change.

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 personalized match.

This is general information, not medical advice. Ask your physical therapist to check your gait and weight-bearing status; their instructions take precedence over anything here.

This guide covers general crutch technique. Follow your physical therapist’s or physician’s specific instructions for your condition.