Don't Get Crutched: Finding the Best Mobility Aids

Why Choosing the Right Mobility Aid Matters

Cruches are essential mobility aids that help millions of people maintain independence during recovery from injuries or surgeries. Whether you're dealing with a broken ankle, recovering from knee surgery, or managing a chronic condition, the right pair of crutches can make the difference between a smooth recovery and unnecessary pain.

Quick Answer for Crutches Buyers:

• Underarm crutches: Best for short-term use (2-8 weeks), injuries like sprains or fractures
• Forearm crutches: Ideal for long-term use, chronic conditions, better posture control
• Key features: Adjustable height, comfortable grips, lightweight aluminum construction
• Price range: $20-$80 for basic models, $200+ for premium ergonomic options
• Weight capacity: Most support 300-350 lbs, bariatric models up to 500 lbs

More than 100 million pairs of crutches are produced worldwide each year, yet many people struggle with discomfort, improper fitting, or choosing the wrong type for their needs. The research shows that incorrect crutch use can lead to nerve damage, shoulder pain, and delayed recovery.

The right crutches should feel like an extension of your body, not a burden. They need to match your height, support your weight capacity, and provide the comfort features necessary for your specific situation. From lightweight aluminum models weighing less than 2 pounds to heavy-duty bariatric options supporting up to 500 pounds, today's crutches offer solutions for every need.

Understanding the Different Types of Cruches

Choosing the right cruches begins with understanding the available options. Each type is designed for different needs, from short-term injury recovery to long-term mobility support. Here are the main categories to help you make the best choice.

Underarm (Axillary) Crutches

Underarm crutches are the most common type, often used for temporary injuries like broken bones, sprains, or post-surgery recovery where you must keep weight off one leg. They consist of a padded top that fits under the arm, a handgrip, and an adjustable shaft for height.

While widely available and easy to learn, proper fitting is crucial. Your weight must rest on your hands, not your armpits. Leaning on the padded tops can compress underarm nerves, causing a condition known as "crutch palsy," which leads to numbness or weakness in the hands and arms. They are excellent for short-term use but can be cumbersome and may cause discomfort with extended use.

Forearm (Lofstrand) Crutches

Also called Lofstrand crutches, these feature a cuff that wraps around your forearm and a handgrip below. Forearm crutches are ideal for long-term use and chronic conditions. They encourage better posture, as you aren't hunched over, and distribute weight more evenly across the forearm, reducing hand and wrist fatigue.

Many users find they can walk longer distances and steer daily activities more easily. Modern ergonomic designs are incredibly lightweight—some less than a pound each—while supporting over 300 pounds. The adjustable cuffs and ergonomic handgrips help prevent issues like tendinitis that can arise from extended use.

Specialized and Alternative Crutches

Beyond standard options, specialized cruches address unique needs:

• Bariatric crutches use heavy-duty steel to support up to 500 pounds, providing extra strength for larger individuals.
• Hands-free crutches (like the iWALK3.0) strap to your injured leg, freeing your hands to carry items or perform daily tasks.
• Platform crutches have a padded forearm platform, taking all pressure off the hands and wrists. They are excellent for users with arthritis or weak grip strength.
• Folding crutches collapse for easy storage and travel without sacrificing strength or adjustability.

How to Choose the Perfect Pair of Crutches

Selecting the right cruches is like finding the right shoes—fit and features are essential for comfort and safety. Your height, weight, and recovery needs will determine the best choice. A poor fit can lead to pain, slower healing, and even new injuries. Let's ensure you get it right.

How to Choose the Right Size Cruches for Your Height

A proper fit is critical to prevent discomfort and nerve damage. Follow these steps to ensure your crutches are adjusted correctly.

• Overall height: For underarm crutches, there should be a 1 to 1.5-inch gap (about two fingers' width) between the crutch top and your armpit when standing straight. This is crucial because your armpits should never bear your weight. Most crutches accommodate heights from 4'6" to 6'7".
• Handgrip position: With your arms hanging naturally, the handgrips should align with your wrist crease. When you grip the handles, your elbows should have a slight bend of 15 to 30 degrees. This allows your arms to do the work properly.
• Forearm cuff position: For forearm crutches, the cuff should sit 1 to 2 inches below your elbow bend to provide stable support and leverage.

Your hands carry your weight, not your armpits. If you're unsure about the fit, consult a healthcare professional. You can find more details in this helpful guide to fitting and using crutches.

Key Features for Comfort and Durability

Once sized correctly, specific features improve comfort and safety.

• Ergonomic handles follow your hand's natural curve, spreading pressure evenly to prevent pain and calluses.
• Padded supports on underarm models prevent chafing, while padded handgrips reduce fatigue. You can also buy accessory pads to upgrade standard models.
• Forearm cuffs should be comfortable and secure. Some models have open-close systems that keep the crutch attached to your arm, freeing your hands.
• Shock-absorbing tips smooth out movement on hard surfaces, reducing jarring impacts on your arms and joints.
• Non-skid rubber tips provide essential traction. Check them daily for wear, as worn tips are a slip hazard.
• Material choices affect weight and strength. Lightweight aluminum is common, while durable steel is used for bariatric models supporting up to 500 pounds.

Key Considerations for Long-Term Cruches Use

For weeks or months of use, your priorities shift to preventing chronic issues.

• Forearm crutches are often better for extended use as they promote better posture and distribute weight more evenly.
• Durability is paramount. Look for high-grade materials like aerospace aluminum and designs that eliminate weak points.
• Ergonomic design is key to preventing chronic pain like shoulder and hand tendinitis, which is common with long-term use of traditional crutches.
• Maintenance is vital. Regularly check tips, adjustment mechanisms, and padding to keep your cruches safe and comfortable.

Mastering Your Mobility: How to Use Crutches Safely

Using your cruches correctly is a skill that protects you from further injury and helps you maintain independence. With the right technique, you'll move confidently and safely, making the crutches feel like helpful extensions of your body.

Basic Walking and Standing

Proper posture and technique are essential from the start. Your cruches are designed to support your weight through your hands, never your armpits, to prevent nerve damage and discomfort.

Positioning: Stand straight with your cruches slightly in front and to the side of your feet. Ensure a 1 to 1.5-inch space between the crutch top and your armpit. Keep your shoulders relaxed.

Weight Distribution: Press down firmly on the handgrips, letting your hands and arms do the work. Your armpits are only guides. If you find yourself leaning on them, readjust immediately.

The three-point gait is the standard walking pattern for non-weight-bearing injuries. Move both cruches and your injured leg forward together. Press down on the handgrips to support your weight, then swing your uninjured leg forward, landing it ahead of the crutches. A simple way to remember this is "crutches and bad leg, then good leg." Move slowly and deliberately.

Balance: Keep your eyes looking forward, not down at your feet, to maintain spatial awareness. If you feel unsteady, stop and regain your balance.

Standing up from a chair: Scoot to the edge of the seat. Hold both cruches in the hand on your injured side. Use your free hand to push off the chair while balancing on your strong leg. Once upright, position one crutch under each arm.

For more detailed guidance, check out these 6 Expert Tips on Using Crutches.

Navigating Your Environment

Moving around your home and beyond becomes easier with practice. Always take your time and use proper form.

Sitting down: Back up to a chair until it touches the back of your uninjured leg. Move your injured leg forward, transfer both cruches to the hand on your injured side, and use your free hand to find the chair. Slowly lower yourself down.

Stairs: The rule for stairs is "Up with the good, down with the bad."

• Going upstairs: Face the stairs. If there's a handrail, use it. Hold both cruches under your other arm. Step up with your uninjured ("good") leg first. Then, bring your injured leg and crutches up to the same step.
• Going downstairs: Face the stairs. Place your cruches and injured ("bad") leg down on the step below first. Then, bring your uninjured leg down to meet them.

Don't hesitate to ask for help or sit and scoot down stairs if you feel unsafe. Your safety is the priority.

Using handrails: When a handrail is available, always use it. Hold both cruches in the hand opposite the rail for maximum stability.

Mastering these techniques takes practice. Start with short distances and build your confidence and skill over time.

Frequently Asked Questions About Crutches

Here are answers to common questions about using cruches.

What is the typical price range for crutches?

The cost of cruches depends on the type and features.

• Basic aluminum underarm crutches are the most budget-friendly, typically costing $20 to $80. They are suitable for short-term recovery.
• Forearm crutches usually start around $70, reflecting a more complex design and higher-quality materials for longer-term use.
• Specialized and ergonomic models are at the premium end. Hands-free knee crutches can be around $169, while high-end ergonomic models may cost $240 to $350 or more. These are investments in comfort for long-term users.

Accessories like soft grip covers ($35) or specialized rubber tips ($76) can also add to the cost but improve comfort.

Insurance coverage is often available for medically necessary cruches. Many plans, including Medicare and Medicaid, cover durable medical equipment. At ProMed DME, we work with most insurance plans to help minimize your out-of-pocket costs.

How do I make my crutches more comfortable?

Cruches can be uncomfortable, but proper adjustments and accessories significantly improve the experience.

• Proper adjustment is the first step. Ensure the height and handgrips are fitted correctly to your body.
• Accessory pads and covers for handgrips and underarms prevent blisters and chafing. Padded cuffs are essential for forearm crutches.
• Proper technique is key. Always bear weight through your hands, not your armpits, to prevent nerve damage and strain.
• Build upper body strength with your doctor's approval to reduce fatigue.
• Take breaks as needed. Don't push your body beyond its limits while it's healing.

How do forearm crutches differ from underarm crutches?

The two types of cruches differ significantly in design and function.

• Support Points: Underarm crutches support weight through the hands, guided by the armpits. Forearm crutches distribute support through a forearm cuff and handgrips, creating a more balanced feel.
• User Posture: Forearm crutches naturally encourage an upright posture, while underarm crutches can lead to hunching and back pain.
• Use Duration: Underarm crutches are best for short-term injuries (a few weeks). Forearm crutches are superior for extended or permanent use, as they are less fatiguing.
• Maneuverability: The cuffs on forearm crutches allow you to release the handgrips to open doors or carry items without dropping your crutches, offering greater independence.

The best choice depends on your situation. For a short-term injury, underarm crutches are adequate. For long-term mobility, forearm crutches offer superior comfort and functionality.

Conclusion: Move Forward with Confidence

Your journey to recovery doesn't have to be a struggle when you have the right mobility support. Choosing the perfect cruches truly makes the difference between feeling limited and maintaining your independence during healing.

Throughout this guide, we've walked through everything you need to know to make the best choice for your situation. Whether you're dealing with a temporary injury that calls for traditional underarm crutches, managing a long-term condition that benefits from ergonomic forearm models, or exploring innovative alternatives like hands-free knee crutches, understanding your options empowers you to take control of your recovery.

The key factors we've covered - proper fitting, safe usage techniques, and comfort features - aren't just nice-to-haves. They're essential for preventing additional pain, avoiding further injury, and actually speeding up your healing process. Your weight should always rest on your hands, not your armpits. Master the basic walking techniques and stair navigation, and don't hesitate to invest in comfort accessories like padded grips or ergonomic handles.

Your recovery is personal, and so should be your mobility solution. The right cruches should feel like a natural extension of your body, supporting you without adding to your discomfort. Whether you need lightweight aluminum for easy maneuvering, heavy-duty steel for extra support, or specialized features for long-term use, there's a perfect match for your needs.

At ProMed DME, we understand that navigating medical equipment and insurance coverage can feel overwhelming when you're already dealing with an injury or condition. That's exactly why we're here to help. Our dedicated nurse is always available to answer your questions, and we work directly with most insurance plans to keep your costs as low as possible. Plus, with free shipping across the United States, getting the mobility support you need has never been easier.

Don't let uncertainty hold you back from getting the support you deserve. Your path to recovery is important, and having the right mobility aids makes that journey smoother and more comfortable. For expert guidance on selecting the best cruches and navigating your insurance options, we're here to support you every step of the way.

Explore our range of mobility solutions and take that confident first step toward better mobility today.