You need crutches and want to know where to start? If you are recuperating from injury or surgery, and need them for a couple of weeks or months, you want to make the right choice without breaking the bank. Crutches are not all the same and choosing wisely will make your life a lot easier. Here’s what you need to know about buying crutches, from someone who has been on and off of them more times than I can remember.
What you need to know
Types
There are several different kinds of crutches available to you. The right ones for your needs depend on a couple of factors. You can buy them here and have them shipped directly to your house (this is an affiliate link).
- Underarm crutches are the most common for short term use, and are often the cheapest, although not by a lot. I’ve used these a lot and find them very easy to learn and use.
- Forearm are the crutches with the cuff around the forearm. These are more common in long term use.
- Platform crutches are designed for people with low forearm strength.
- Leg support crutches are mostly for ankle and foot injuries.
Size
Crutches come in a number of sizes that serve a range of heights. You can refine their length for your measurements quite easily. Most companies carry Child and Adult crutches. For larger individuals, bariatric crutches (suppporting 300+ lbs) are available as well.
Second Hand Options
It is worth asking around, if you are looking for crutches. You would be surprised at how many people have a pair sitting in their storage room. They last almost forever and the bits that do wear out are cheap and easy to replace. (I had the same set for 20 years, using them off and on.) All I did was replace the pads occasionally (more on that later).
Many not-for-profits have a loan program for mobility aids, if you qualify. But crutches are not terribly expensive, compared to most mobility aids.
If you do go second hand, be prepared to replace pads and feet, if necessary (see customizing crutches below).
How to Adjust Crutches
Adjust crutch height
Once you have the crutches, you need to set them to the appropriate height.
Making sure that you have them adjusted correctly is critical. For example, if underarm crutches reach the armpit, your full body weight can damage the nerves that run through there. They should always end an inch or two short.
Check out some of these great guides to help you, including a video or two:
- Video: How to measure a crutch to the correct height by peagreenphysio
- Video: How To Properly Size Forearm Crutches by SideStix
- Web Article: Crutch Positioning and Sizing by verywell.com
- Web Article: How to Choose Crutches by lifemobility.com
- PDF Article: Measuring and Using Crutches by LifeTec
How to customize crutches
Whether new or old, adult or child, you may want to consider customizing your crutches. Why, you ask? Well crutches are quite commonly needed for a few weeks to a couple of months. If they are going to be with you that much, you might as well make friends with them.
Consider your circumstances and needs and whether these reasonable accessories might make life easier.
Weather
If you are going to be on crutches in inclement weather, you may want to invest in proper tips. There is nothing worse than the feeling of a crutch sliding out from under you and not being able to stop it. They make tips for ice, snow and rain or slippery terrain. Make sure the package includes a pair, or you must buy two. Sometimes they are packaged for canes and not crutches and as a result there is only a single one in the package.
Comfort
If you buy your crutches new, they will likely come with a brand new set of pads, if not you may have to buy some. Otherwise, if you are borrowing or buying second hand, you will likely have to replace the pads.
If you are using your crutches in summer and may not always wear sleeves, you may want to consider some soft crutch covers. The top part of the crutches rub back and forth on/under your arm and I have had more than one rash as a result. There are pads are for both underarm and forearm crutches that will make you far more comfortable. Even if you are not going sleeveless, these pads may add stability and grip to your crutches.
Additionally, you can replace the pads that you hold with your hands. If you use your crutches for very long, you may have to do this, especially if it is hot. Hand sweat and rubber pads are not a happy union. Again they make pads for both the underarm and forearm crutches.
Style
While there are a lot of great options for fashion crutches, they can add significantly to the price. A little duct tape can go a long way and can be a lot of fun. Alternately, there are a number of very tough paints that work well on aluminum, if you have the time to spray them a vivid red or cool blue. This can be especially effective with the inexpensive aluminum crutches as they seem to last forever.
Convenience
If you are going to be out and about and can see yourself using a wheelchair or scooter, get a bag to hold your crutches. These bags strap to the back of a wheelchair or scooter and hold your crutches safely out of the way. If you don’t have one, your alternative is to hold them while someone else pushes you, occasionally dropping one and derailing your wheelchair. And holding your crutches ties up your hands, which you don’t need. I love these bags.
I’ve been seeing these cellphone/water bottle/wallet bags for crutches for a while now, and while I have never tried one, I am curious. They could be the solution to a lot of problems attached right to your crutches, but I will be checking into them before I make any recommendations; I can see an opportunity for them to be clumsy too.
More
That is everything you will need to get your crutches setup. If you need more information about getting around with mobility aids check out some of our other posts:
- Coping With Crutches about how to get around as conveniently as possible and living day-to-day.
- Making a Temporary Wheelchair Comfortable about how to choose and use a short term wheelchair.
