How to Walk With Crutches: Gait, Turns, and Curbs

To walk with underarm crutches: move both crutches a short step forward, press down through your hands, and swing your body to land your good foot near the tips. Keep the weight on the grips and the steps short. This is general guidance, not medical advice, so follow the instructions from your doctor or physical therapist.

Swing-to vs swing-through

There are two common patterns for a leg you are keeping weight off of:

Swing-to: move both crutches ahead, then swing your good leg so it lands just behind the crutch tips. Slower, steadier, and the usual starting point.
Swing-through: swing your good leg so it lands just past the tips. You cover more ground per step, but it takes more upper-body strength and balance.

Both rely on the same core move: weight on your hands, not your armpits, with a small gap between the pads and your rib cage. If that idea is new, start with the how to use underarm crutches guide.

Set the right pace

Take small, even steps and pause between them to settle your balance. Long strides and a fast pace are where slips happen. Look ahead at where you are going rather than down at your feet, the same way you would walking normally. Smooth beats quick.

Turning and changing direction

Do not pivot in place. To turn, take several small steps to walk yourself around in a gentle arc, leading with your good leg and letting the crutches follow. Give yourself more room than you think you need, especially in tight spaces like doorways and bathrooms.

Curbs and steps

A simple rule helps here: the good leg goes up first, and the crutches go down first.

Going up a curb: step up with your good leg, then lift the crutches and your injured leg up to meet it.
Going down: lower the crutches to the lower level first, then step down with your injured leg, then your good leg.

Use a handrail whenever one is available, holding it with one hand and both crutches in the other.

Common mistakes to avoid

Leaning on the underarm pads. This is the big one. Press through the grips so your weight stays in your hands.
Steps that are too long. Overreaching with the crutches puts the tips too far ahead and pulls you off balance.
Rushing. Fatigue and slick floors are when falls happen, so slow down on tile, wet ground, and stairs.
Worn rubber tips. Smooth, cracked tips lose grip. Replace them when the tread wears down.

Comfort makes the miles easier

Sore hands or ribs after a day of walking usually mean thin padding or off fit. A well-cushioned pair like the Vive Health crutches eases pressure, while the Drive Medical aluminum crutches are a solid all-around pick. Not sure which fits your situation? The quiz takes about two minutes, or compare picks in the best underarm crutches roundup.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between swing-to and swing-through gait?

In a swing-to gait you swing your body so your good foot lands just behind the crutch tips, which is slower and steadier. In a swing-through gait you swing past the tips so your foot lands ahead of them, which covers more ground but takes more strength and balance. Many people start with swing-to and progress from there.

How do I turn around on crutches without falling?

Turn by taking several small steps in a curve to walk yourself around, rather than twisting in place. Keep your steps short, lead with your good leg, let the crutches follow, and give yourself extra room.

Why does walking on crutches make my underarms sore?

Usually because weight is resting on the underarm pads instead of the hand grips. Keep a small gap between the pads and your armpits and push down through your hands. If soreness continues, recheck your crutch height and consider better-padded crutches.