During sitting with crutches, which hand position is recommended with respect to the affected leg?

• A. Crutches should be placed behind the chair.
• B. Crutches should be held in the hand on the same side as the affected leg.
• C. Crutches should be placed in the closet.
• D. Crutches should be held in the hand opposite the affected leg.

Answer: (D)

Holding the crutches in the hand opposite the injured leg gives you the best balance and leverage when standing from a seated position. With the crutch on the opposite side, you can push up through the arm on the uninjured side while the crutch provides support on that side, helping to shift your weight safely and steadily toward standing. This arrangement keeps your center of gravity in a stable position as you begin to move and reduces the risk of tipping toward the injured leg. Placing crutches behind the chair or on the same side as the affected leg would limit leverage and balance, and putting them away isn’t practical for this maneuver.