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HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT CRUTCHES?
The choice of crutches depends on several important factors: the nature of the injury, your height, weight, balance, and the extent to which you can put weight on your injured leg. Improperly selected or incorrectly adjusted crutches can cause pain in your wrists, shoulders, or armpits, make it harder to move around, and slow down the healing process.
If you’re unsure which crutches are best for you, it’s a good idea to consult a doctor, physical therapist, or orthopedic specialist.
Types of crutches: what are they?
Underarm crutches are recommended in cases where the body’s weight needs to be completely taken off the injured leg, such as after fractures or surgeries. They provide firm support and ensure stability while walking.
Advantages:
- allow the injured leg to remain completely unloaded;
- provide good stability;
- are suitable for the early healing period.
Important: Crutches should not rest directly against the armpits. It is recommended to leave a gap of about 2–3 cm between the armpit and the crutch to avoid pressure on nerves and blood vessels.
Elbow crutches are most commonly used during the rehabilitation period, when it is possible to partially bear weight on the injured leg. They are lighter, more compact, and more comfortable for long-term use, which is why they are often chosen by more active people.
Advantages:
- lightweight and easy to use;
- take up less space;
- provide greater freedom of movement;
- suitable for long-term rehabilitation.
To use elbow crutches safely, it is important to adjust their height properly—the elbow should
How do I know what type of crutches I need?
The choice of crutches depends on your doctor’s recommendations and your health condition. If you cannot put any weight on your leg at all, underarm crutches are usually recommended. If you’re allowed to put some weight on the injured leg or are undergoing rehabilitation, elbow crutches are usually the preferred choice. If you have any doubts, it’s always a good idea to consult your doctor or physical therapist.
How do I determine the correct height for my crutches?
The height of the crutches is very important for comfortable and safe use.
- The top of underarm crutches should be approximately 2–3 cm below the armpit. Body weight should be transferred to the handles, not the armpits.
- The handles of elbow crutches should be at wrist level when the arms are hanging loosely at your sides. When holding the handles, your elbows should be slightly bent—about 15–30°.
Improperly adjusted crutches can cause pain in the arms, shoulders, back, or armpits.
Is it okay to rest your armpits on the crutches?
No. This is one of the most common mistakes. Your body weight should be supported by your hands, resting on the handles. Pressure on the armpits can damage nerves and blood vessels and cause numbness or pain.
Is one crutch enough?
Whether to use a single crutch depends on the nature of the injury and your doctor’s recommendations. Most often, a single crutch is used in the later stages of recovery, when the leg can already partially support your body weight. In this case, the crutch is held in the hand opposite the injured leg.
How much weight can crutches support?
Standard aluminum crutches are generally designed for users weighing up to 100–130 kg. For heavier individuals, reinforced (bariatric) crutches are recommended, as they offer greater strength and stability. It’s always a good idea to check the maximum load specified by the manufacturer.
How to walk safely up and down stairs?
Move carefully and slowly when using stairs.
- When going up, place your healthy foot first, then move the crutches and your injured foot.
- When going down, lower the crutches and the injured leg first, and only then place the healthy leg down.
This rule is easy to remember: going up—healthy leg first; going down—crutches first.
Can crutches be used on slippery surfaces?
Yes, but you must be extremely careful. In winter or when it’s raining, it’s recommended to use non-slip crutch tips and avoid sudden movements. Worn rubber tips should be replaced with new ones in a timely manner.
How should you maintain your crutches?
Regularly check to ensure that:
- the height adjustment locks have not come loose;
- the rubber tips are not worn out;
- the handles and supports are undamaged;
- the frame is not bent or cracked.
Well-maintained crutches ensure greater safety and a longer service life.
When should you replace your crutches?
It is recommended to replace crutches if:
- they have become unstable or deformed;
- critical structural parts are worn out;
- your health condition has changed and you need a different type of support;
- your current crutches no longer suit your weight or height.
Common mistakes when using
- Crutches adjusted too high or too low.
- Shifting body weight onto the armpits instead of the handles.
- Using worn rubber tips.
- Moving too quickly on wet or uneven surfaces.
- Choosing the wrong type of crutches for the injury or stage of recovery.
Properly selected and adjusted crutches help you move more safely, reduce the risk of further injury, and allow you to return to your normal daily activities more quickly.
Do you have any questions?
If you have any questions, please contact the staff at the Rehastar.com online store by phone on weekdays from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM or by email at any time, and we will do our best to respond as soon as possible.
Email: info@rehastar.com
Phone: +370 626 11553
