Choosing the right crutches is an important decision that impacts the user’s comfort, mobility, and safety. Here are the main criteria to consider when selecting crutches, along with some tips for making the best choice.
Criteria for Choosing Crutches
Type of Crutches
Axillary (Underarm) Crutches: Suitable for short-term use and provide greater support. Forearm Crutches: Lighter and more maneuverable, ideal for long-term use.
Height
Crutches should be adjustable in height to fit the user’s stature. The handgrips should be at wrist level when the arms are hanging freely at the sides.
Material
Crutches can be made from aluminum, steel, or wood. Aluminum crutches are lighter yet strong, steel crutches are heavier but durable, and wooden crutches are traditional
Comfort
Soft padding on the handgrips and underarm supports reduces pressure and prevents blisters. An ergonomic design helps reduce strain on the wrists and shoulders.
User’s Weight
Ensure that the crutches can support the user’s weight. Each model specifies the maximum allowable weight.
Tips for Choosing Crutches
The Best Models
Pepe – Forearm Crutches for Adults (x2 Units, Open Cuff), Adult Crutches Adjustable, Arm Crutches Forearm, Aluminum Crutches for Walking, Muletas para Adultos – Made in Europe
- Adjustable Height: These forearm crutches offer 11 height adjustments to ensure a perfect fit for any user.
- Lightweight: Weighing only 1.2 pounds, these crutches are easy to carry and provide a lightweight mobility solution, enhancing user comfort.
- Safety: Equipped with PVC tips featuring a self-draining system, these crutches provide excellent grip and stability.
- Durable Construction: Made with an extruded raw aluminum frame, and polypropylene handle and elbow pad, these crutches are designed for durability and can support up to 275 pounds.
- Ideal For: Perfect for use during recovery and rehabilitation periods. Sold in packs of 2 units.
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Vive Premium Crutch Pads & Hand Grips – Comfortable, Breathable, Machine Washable Padding – Moisture Wicking & Odor Reducing Pillow Accessory Covers for Adult & Youth Walking Crutches
Essential crutch comfort from a trusted brand: Upgrade your crutches with Vive’s Crutch Pads and Hand Grips, designed to provide exceptional comfort for anyone using crutches. Made with soft, high-density foam padding, these pads ensure all-day comfort. The breathable, moisture-wicking fabric is washable and gentle on clothing.
Eliminates painful pressure & irritating chafing: Vive’s foam crutch pads effectively eliminate chafing and reduce painful pressure on your armpits and hands. The premium foam is extra soft and gentle on the skin, making your recovery more comfortable and efficient.
Simple & easy to use: These pads easily attach to most standard-sized crutches, suitable for adult men, women, and youths. Simply stretch the cover over the rubber crutch pad and secure it with the hook and loop straps. The padded hand grips wrap around the existing crutch grips and are secured with a strong hook and loop fastener for a non-slip fit.
Breathable contoured cushioning: The superior contoured foam maintains its shape through extensive use, providing non-slip cushioning for ultimate comfort. The hand grips feature a textured lining to prevent slipping, while the breathable material keeps you cool and comfortable by preventing heat buildup. Designed to reduce hand fatigue, these pads evenly disperse pressure and minimize friction.
Vive guarantee: Enjoy peace of mind with a 60-day guarantee, allowing you to purchase with confidence.
BodyMed Aluminum Crutches, Adult, Medium, 5′ 2″–5′ 10″ – Pair of Lightweight, Height Adjustable Crutches – Includes Padded Underarm Cushions, Hand Grips, & Rubber Tips – Max. Weight Capacity 300 lb.
Stay Moving: Designed for individuals 5′ 2″ to 5′ 10″ tall, BodyMed Aluminum Crutches help support ankle, knee, and leg injuries, allowing you to walk with less strain on the injured area.
Support & Comfort: These crutches are lightweight and durable, offering balanced body weight support. The hand grips and underarm cushions are equipped with thick padding for extra comfort during use.
Durable: Built to support a variety of heights and builds, these lightweight aluminum crutches can hold up to 300 pounds.
Added Traction: Non-skid rubber tips provide excellent traction and absorb shock, ensuring secure maneuvering on the go.
Adjustable Height: The crutches can be adjusted in 1-inch increments. Simply press the push-button height adjustment to set your desired height.
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Carex Folding Aluminum Under Arm Crutches – Lightweight Crutches for Adults 4’11” to 6’1″, Adult Crutches, 2 Crutches Included, Universal Crutches for Walking
Foldable Design: These crutches feature a convenient folding system for easy storage, suitable for kids, adults, and tall users. Height adjustable for individuals ranging from 4’11” to 6’1″ (59″ – 73″). Each pair comes with sporty blue crutch pads and grips.
Travel Easily: Perfect for traveling, these crutches fold up easily to fit into an airplane overhead compartment. No more struggling with large, bulky, full-length crutches.
Lightweight Aluminum: Made from durable aluminum, these crutches are lighter than wood alternatives, supporting users up to 250 pounds. They are strong, durable, and easy to carry.
Comfortable Crutches: Designed for comfort, these foldable underarm crutches feature thick underarm pads for added cushioning while walking, suitable for both adults and kids.
Very Light: Weighing only 4.5 pounds, these crutches are durable yet lightweight, making them ideal for children (4’11”+) and adults (up to 6’1”).
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