Choosing the right crutches can greatly affect your recovery and movement. Whether healing from surgery, an injury, or managing a long-term condition, finding crutches that suit you is important. This guide will help you explore the different types of crutches and offer useful tips on using them safely and comfortably during your healing journey.
Injuries that Require Crutches
- Broken ankle
- Broken foot
- Sprained ankle
- Stress fracture
- ACL injury or tear
- Achilles tendon injury
- Muscle strain
- Knee injury
- Hip dislocation
- Other leg injuries
Types of Crutches
Underarm Crutches
Underarm crutches, or axillary crutches, are designed to fit under your arms and are often used in the U.S. for leg injuries like a sprained ankle. They’re convenient for short-term recovery because they’re simple and easy to use.
Unlike forearm crutches, these require less upper body strength, making them suitable for many people. However, they can cause discomfort in the hands, wrists, and underarms due to the pressure when using them.
To reduce this discomfort, you can add padded grips and focus on proper posture and movement. Avoid putting too much weight on your armpits to prevent pinching nerves, leading to numbness or weakness. Good fitting and use are important for comfort during recovery.
Forearm Crutches (Elbow Crutches)
Forearm or elbow crutches have a cuff that goes around the forearm for extra support. These are more common in Canada and Europe for different mobility needs. In the U.S., they’re often recommended for people with long-term disabilities, but they’re becoming more popular for short-term injuries, too.
They require more upper body strength and can take time to get used to, but once you do, they make handling stairs and uneven surfaces easier. Many users find them more comfortable by encouraging good posture, which can help with back pain.
Unlike underarm crutches, they don’t put weight on the armpits, avoiding soreness. While you might still feel some fatigue in your hands and arms, the overall design is a more comfortable choice for many.
Gutter Crutches
Gutter crutches, also called adjustable arthritic or platform crutches, support the forearm and wrist with a padded platform. They are mainly for people with arthritis who can’t grip regular crutches well. These crutches shift weight to the forearm instead of the hands, reducing wrist pressure and making them more comfortable for those with limited hand strength.
Gutter crutches are helpful for those who need to keep their hands free or are healing from upper limb injuries. While a bit bulkier than other crutches, their adjustable features let users customise them for stable support and safe mobility.
Hands-Free Crutches
Hands-free crutches offer a new way to move around without using your hands. Unlike traditional crutches, these attach to your leg and allow you to walk naturally. They’re great for healing from lower leg injuries, as they free up your hands for other tasks, making daily life easier.
They also provide stability by balancing weight more effectively than standard crutches. However, there is a learning curve to getting used to them and ensuring proper weight distribution and balance. Users should verify they suit their injury type and get adequate training for safe and effective use.
Factors to Consider Before you Pick the Most Suitable Crutches to Use
Consider Which Type of Crutch Suits Your Specific Needs and Comfort
When choosing crutches, think about what works best for you. Underarm crutches are the most common, fitting snugly under your arms with padded tops to support your weight, and are great for short-term injuries. Forearm crutches come with cuffs and a handle, giving more stability for longer-term use.
If you need a different option, hands-free crutches or knee scooters can reduce strain on your arms and shoulders. Gutter crutches are ideal for arthritis patients or those with grip problems, featuring adjustable handgrips and a rotating handle for added support.
Choose Crutches That Are the Right Size for Your Height and Weight
Choosing the right size crutches is essential for comfort and safety. Ensure they’re adjustable to your height so your hands rest easily on the handles with a slight bend in your elbows. Also, check that the crutches can hold your weight; most can handle between 110 and 136 kg.
Look for Crutches That Have Comfortable Hand Grips and Padding Under the Armpits
Try out different crutches to make sure they are comfortable and fit well. Focus on the padding of the underarm supports and the grip of the handles or cuffs. Comfortable hand grips and well-padded armpits can improve your experience.
Consider the Material
Crutches come in different materials, each with its strengths and weaknesses. Aluminium crutches are light and strong, making them popular. Wooden crutches are heavier and less intense but cheaper. Carbon fibre crutches are the priciest but are the lightest option.
Consult with a Healthcare Professional
Before picking crutches, talk to a doctor or physical therapist. They can help you choose the suitable crutches for your needs and condition.
How to Set the Right Height for Crutches
Underarm Crutches
- Stand up straight with your shoes on.
- Place the crutches under your arms and let your arms hang down over them. There should be about 1-1 ½ inch (or roughly two fingers’ width) between your armpit and the top of the crutch.
- The hand grips should align with your wrist when holding them.
- Your elbows should bend slightly to about thirty degrees.
Forearm Crutches
- Stand straight with your shoes on. Let your shoulders relax, and your arms hang by your sides.
- The handgrips should align with your wrist crease when holding them.
- Press the spring button to adjust the leg to the right length to change the height.
- Once the height is set, your elbow should be slightly bent at about 30°.
Adjusting the Cuff
- Position the cuff 1-2 inches below the elbow’s bend.
- Press the spring button on each cuff to adjust the height for the right fit.
Choose Enhance Mobility for more Comfy Handle Grips. Call us today to Elevate your Mobility Experience!
Picking the suitable crutches requires careful thought to ensure comfort and support. Whether you need underarm crutches, forearm crutches, or hands-free options for you mobility aid, the right choice can significantly improve your recovery.
Take the next step toward better mobility and comfort. Contact Enhance Mobility today to check out our ergonomic crutches and support devices. Our UK team is ready to help you find what works best for you. Call us now and change how you move!
FAQs
How to walk with crutches?
To walk safely with crutches, follow these steps. Stand upright and place the crutches a bit in front of you. Lean forward slightly, moving the crutches and your injured leg together. Support your weight with your hands and arms, not your armpits.
Move your weight onto the crutches, then bring your good leg forward, lining it up with them. Keep repeating this to move, ensuring the crutches are stable on the ground to prevent slips. Practice and tips from a healthcare pro can build your skill and confidence in using crutches.
How to walk with one crutch?
To walk with one crutch, place it on the side opposite your injured leg. Move the crutch and your injured leg forward together for support. Let the crutch bear the weight as you progress with your healthy leg.
Keep your back straight and walk at a steady pace to avoid strain. Practice regularly, and seek advice from a healthcare professional to ensure you use the crutch correctly and comfortably.
How to use crutches on the stairs?
When using crutches on stairs, focus on safety and balance—going up? Keep both crutches under one arm and use the other hand to grip the railing. Step up with your good leg, then bring your crutches and injured leg to the same step.
Going down? Hold your crutches under one arm and use the railing. Move the crutches to the step below first, then your injured leg, and finally, step down with your good leg. Take it slow and be cautious. If you can, get advice from a healthcare professional.
When using a crutch, which leg goes first?
When using a crutch, start by moving it with your injured or weaker leg. This lets the crutch take the weight off your injured leg, keeping you balanced.
After moving both together, step forward with your good leg. This way, you stay safe and steady. Always get tips from a healthcare pro to ensure you do it right.
How can I walk on crutches without getting tired?
To walk on crutches without getting tired, use the proper technique to ease the strain. Share your weight equally on both crutches to avoid overworking one side.
Stand tall and tighten your core muscles for support and balance. Go steadily, and take regular breaks to rest and reduce tiredness. Make sure your crutches are the right height for comfort.
Strengthening your upper body and practising regularly will help build endurance. Comfortable and supportive shoes also make a difference. Always talk to a healthcare professional for advice on using crutches correctly.
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