Crutches

Underarm crutches have pads below the armpits, while forearm crutches use cuffs below the elbows, changing how the supports sit against your body and stay positioned during movement. Start with the format specified for your mobility needs, particularly if you have been given instructions about keeping weight off a leg. Ankle braces support the ankle but cannot substitute for crutches when you need to unload that leg.

The format decision affects handling as much as support. Underarm crutches take up space beside the upper body, so think about moving through narrow doorways and bringing them alongside a chair before sitting. Forearm cuffs differ in how they open and hold the arm; check how your arm enters and releases, especially if dressing or removing outerwear is difficult. Neither format makes grip comfort irrelevant: compare the handle shape and padding with your ability to grasp it securely. If a prescribed crutch technique is difficult to manage, seek help with the fit or format before choosing a different design.

Next, establish whether the adjustment range fits your body. A suggested user height is a starting point; the actual handle position and upper support position must suit you in your usual footwear. On forearm designs, check whether cuff height adjusts separately from handle height. The stated user weight limit must accommodate you and anything you routinely carry, according to the manual. For transport, folding or sectional shafts can be easier to pack, but compare their folded dimensions with your storage space and examine how the joints lock before relying on that convenience.

Before ordering, confirm whether the listing supplies a pair or a single crutch, since photographs may leave this unclear. For the surfaces you expect to encounter, read the guidance for the supplied tips and any restrictions on wet or uneven ground; specialty attachments may be sold separately. For upkeep, find out how the grips, pads and cuffs can be cleaned and whether removable covers are washable. Replacement tips must match the shaft diameter, and replacement pads or cuffs need the correct attachment, so confirm that compatible replacements are available.

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