DRIVE™ - Aluminum Crutches

• Lighter than wood, the standard aluminum crutch provides stability and durability
• Double extruded center tube provides additional strength to weight-bearing area
• Pushpin adjustment makes it easy-to-adjust crutch height in 1" increments
• Non-skid, jumbo-size vinyl contoured tips provide excellent traction
• Easy wing nut adjustments for hand grips
• Comfortable, durable accessories are latex-free
• Weight Capacity 350 lbs on an aluminum crutch (excluding pediatric)

Walking and Turning

• Place your crutches about 1 foot in front of you, slightly wider apart than your body.
• Lean on the handles of your crutches and move your body forward. 
• Finish the step by swinging your strong leg forward.
• Repeat steps 1 through 3 to move forward.

Do not attempt to adjust or use your crutches without reading all instructions carefully. Failure to follow instructions may result in injury.

Before Each Use:

1. Crutches are positioned correctly when you can lean forward comfortably while resting on the underarm supports. When standing straight, the underarm padding should sit 2-3 inches below your armpit. Ensure push buttons are firmly in place and handgrip wing nuts are securely tightened. 
2. Adjust crutch height by pressing both pushbuttons, rotating the base, and pulling down until the desired height is obtained. Rotate base again until both pushbuttons snap back into place. Push buttons are engaged when they fully protrude through the holes in the bracket and an audible click is heard.
3. To position hand grips, let arms hang at your sides with an approximate 10° bend at your elbow. Measure from the floor to the center of your wrist. Adjust hand grips to this height by loosening wing nuts, sliding grips to the appropriate position, then securely re-tightening the nuts.

Using Your Crutches:

1. Walking - Leaning on your uninjured leg, place crutches in front of you, positioning them slightly wider than shoulder-width apart. Supporting your weight with your hands (not your armpits), carefully swing your good leg forward, placing this foot just in front of the crutches. Keep your head and posture upright to maintain balance. When using crutches, watch for possible safety hazards such as cords, water, or oil on the floor, rugs, or other obstacles.
2. Walking upstairs – Hold onto the handrail with one hand while positioning both crutches under your opposite arm. If there is no handrail, position one crutch under each arm. Keeping the crutches on the stair on which you are standing, step up with the stronger leg first, followed by crutches and the injured leg.
3. Walking downstairs – Place crutches down on stair first, followed by injured leg, then the stronger leg.
4. Sitting down – Back up to the seat until you feel the backs of your legs touching it. Hold both crutches by the handgrips in the hand on the injured side. Hold onto the seat with the other hand and lower yourself slowly, bending at the hips. Unless authorized by your healthcare provider, keep your injured leg off the ground and your weight on your good leg.
5. Standing up – Make sure that your seat is secure. If using a wheelchair, ensure that the brakes are engaged. Move forward until you are sitting at the edge of the seat. Place the stronger foot on the floor. Hold the crutches by the handgrips in the hand of your injured side. Push up from the seat with the stronger leg, keeping your head forward. When upright, place a crutch under each arm.

General Care:

To ensure that your crutches will have a long service life, inspect them regularly, and follow these general maintenance tips:

1. Wipe metal parts with a clean, soft cloth at least once a week. If exposed to moisture, dry immediately.
2. Use only a clean towel dampened with cool water when cleaning hand grips and underarm padding. Confirm that the grips are dry before using. NEVER use ammonia-based cleaning solutions or soap on hand grips and underarm padding, which may cause them to loosen or crack.
3. Periodically check tips for damage, cracks, or worn tread. If any of these issues develop, discontinue use until tips have been replaced.

Warning:

Do not exceed the maximum weight capacity or serious injury may result.