Crutches - Aluminum Crutches, Steel Crutches, Crutch Pads & Crutch Tips

If your underarm adjustable crutches are uncomfortable, you can replace the standard hand grips and underarm crutch pads with thicker and softer ones, like Crutch-Mate. These pads are made from a high-glycerine gel that provides more comfort by helping prevent friction and thus reducing the chance of skin breakdown. You can also consider switching to other mobility aids, like walkers or forearm crutches, as they are typically more comfortable and easier to use. Forearm or elbow crutches also encourage proper posture and allow for more mobility.

Walking boots are usually prescribed for soft tissue injuries, stable fractures, acute sprains, ankle stress fractures, or after surgery. Since each case is different, you should always follow the doctor's recommendation regarding the use of walking boots and crutches and you can ask them for alternative mobility aids. In most cases, orthopedists will encourage the use of standard aluminum crutches with walking boots, at least in the first days, when you shouldn't put too much weight on the injured foot.

Most crutches specify the maximum weight and the height range of the patient they are suitable for and some even have a patient height guide on the crutch to make adjustments easier and more accurate. Besides choosing the appropriate size range, it is equally important to adjust it to your exact size. When standing up straight, the axillary pad of underarm crutches should be 1.5-2 inches below your armpit. To measure for hand grip adjustment, keep arms at the side without straightening them — keeping the natural bend at the elbow is important — and measure from the ground to the wrist. This is equivalent to handgrips being even with the top of your hips. When it comes to forearm crutches, make sure the forearm cuff is about three fingers width from the elbow and the handgrip is, once again, at wrist height.

Aluminum, steel, and wood crutches are all height-adjustable. In addition to that, underarm (axillary) crutches can also be adjusted between the hand rests and the underarm pads, whereas some forearm crutches offer cuff-to-handle adjustments and others are fitted with fixed bi-injected polypropylene handles. Unless the forearm cuff fits your arm just right — ending three fingers width from your elbow — when the crutch height is properly adjusted, stay clear of fixed handles and opt for crutches where you can adjust the size between the cuff and the hand grip. To make your crutches as comfortable and safe as possible, consider using crutch accessories like gel underarm pads and rubber crutch tips for better grip, cushioning, and shock absorption.

All mobility aids have pros and cons and you can ask your doctor for help in making the right decision for you. Crutches, for instance, are lightweight, versatile, and easy to travel with, whereas walkers and rollators provide additional stability, something seniors and children need more than other age groups. The right choice also depends on the type of injury and whether it allows for partial weight-bearing movement or not. If you only need a little support, consider using a cane and holding it with the hand opposite to the injured leg.