Forearm crutches

Draft — clinical review required

Crutches with a cuff around the forearm, often used longer term.

Four-point patternIllustrative example — prescribed sequence, not a model prediction

Involved limb: Both
Device: Forearm crutches
Device side(s): Both
Weight-bearing: Weight-bearing as tolerated on both legs — as prescribed

Start position. Press play or choose a step.

0/4

Highlighted items moved in this step. Coloured foot = involved limb. Guard on the involved side and supervise until safe. Weight-bearing must follow the actual prescription.

Two-point patternIllustrative example — prescribed sequence, not a model prediction

Involved limb: Both
Device: Forearm crutches
Device side(s): Both
Weight-bearing: Weight-bearing as tolerated on both legs — as prescribed

Start position. Press play or choose a step.

0/4

Highlighted items moved in this step. Coloured foot = involved limb. Guard on the involved side and supervise until safe. Weight-bearing must follow the actual prescription.

Modified three-point pattern (partial weight-bearing, step-through)Illustrative example — prescribed sequence, not a model prediction

Involved limb: Right
Device: Forearm crutches
Device side(s): Both
Weight-bearing: Partial weight-bearing on the right — amount as prescribed

Start position. Press play or choose a step.

0/4

Highlighted items moved in this step. Coloured foot = involved limb. Guard on the involved side and supervise until safe. Weight-bearing must follow the actual prescription.

Go deeper

Open each part when you are ready.

Purpose and broad suitability

Longer-term or bilateral needs; frees hands briefly while the cuff holds the crutch.

Fitting principles

Handle at wrist-crease height; cuff on the forearm below the elbow.

Required balance, coordination and upper-limb capacity

Good upper-limb strength and trunk control.

Walking sequence

Four-point, two-point, three-point, step-to or step-through, as prescribed.

Turning

Small steps; keep crutches wide for stability.

Sitting down and standing up

Remove or hold crutches as taught; use chair arms.

Common errors and safety

Cuff too close to the elbow.
Crutches placed too close to the feet.
Guard on the involved side (or as appropriate) and provide supervision until safe.

Device-specific limitations

Less lateral support than axillary crutches for some users.

Apply it

Which pattern is slowest but most stable?

Open the Movement LabWalking-aid sequences are shown in the step demonstration above; the Movement Lab does not include devices.

Sources and review status

Draft — clinical review required

Starting points for verification. Validated protocols are linked where available; clinical content has not yet been reviewed.

FSBPT — NPTE content outline

Learning objectives

Explain the purpose and broad suitability of a forearm crutches.
Describe fitting principles and the walking sequence.
Identify common errors and safety considerations.

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