How to Walk Safely with Crutches

From Laura Inverarity, D.O., former About.com Guide

Updated January 30, 2005

About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by the Medical Review Board

There are six different way to use crutches to assist with ambulation, or walking. Each of these has advantages, disadvatages, and appropriate indications. Review the six patterns of crutch usage below to determine what the safest pattern is for you and your condition.

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• Using Crutches to Ambulate
• Four-Point Crutch Gait
• Three-Point Crutch Gait
• Two-Point Crutch Gait
• Swing-Through Crutch Gait
• Swing-To Crutch Gait
• Tripod Crutch Gait

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