Best Crutches Reviews 2018

You can get a good pair of crutches for a wide range of prices: $20 to $100 plus (we told you it’s a wide range). Now, if you just want something that gives you the basics and shuts up, then you should know that you’ll be spending much less than someone who’s getting something with spring adjustments, LED lights and all. And of course, you should also know that the more expensive ones will be way cooler and more comfortable, of course, than the less expensive. But anyway, either category delivers the basics, and that’s what really matters, isn’t it?

There will always be the temptation to get cheap crutches, but you wouldn’t want to try that. Ask those who have had to walk with crutches, and they’ll tell you that crutches are a little hard to master, especially the forearm ones. And no matter how good your crutches are, they’ll still give a bit of discomfort to your hands and wrists, so you’d best avoid cheap crutches – your leg might heal, but you could develop worse complications.

When in the market for a good pair of crutches, there are quite a few things to consider to ensure that you get the most comfortable set that equally delivers on durability and strength. We’ve listed some of them here. Have a look:

• Type
• Fit
• Crutch Tips
• Crutch Handles

Let’s get into the details already!

If you know even a little bit about crutches, then you probably already know that there are two types of crutches: the forearm (elbow) and the underarm (axial) crutches. Now, let’s look at which of the two types you’ll be needing.

Forearm Crutches: One major issue with this kind is that it can be quite difficult to master. Its learning curve isn’t quite the easiest on the block. It requires you to exert a lot of physical strength, especially from your upper body. But on the plus side, you control your movements a lot better with these crutches – once you’ve mastered walking with them, that is.

If you’ll be walking a lot in difficult or steep areas like stairs, for instance, you’ll appreciate forearm crutches better. Also, your posture is in safer hands – you won’t drop them only to have picked up bad posture. Because of the way they are designed, users tend to always stand up straighter. Plus, their design doesn’t press into the armpit, thereby reducing the risk of nerve issues in that part of the body.

Underarm Crutches: These are, by far, the more common of the two types of crutches, because they are far easier to use. They do not require as much physical exertion from the upper body as the forearm types. These crutches are best for injuries that are short-term.

Now, when going for underarm crutches, it is an absolute must to ensure that they are properly fitted. If they aren’t, it could lead to health complications, as the massive and constant pressure under your arms can cause issues with the nerves there.

Also, bad posture is another risk, because it is so easy to hunch over while walking with underarm crutches – and this hunching will only lead to more pain. If balance isn’t your strong point, though, these crutches might be your best bet. The only issue is that they’re not exactly your go-to for comfort, even though they’re not difficult to master.

Next, let’s look into the construction of crutches and how they can help alleviate your discomfort.

First, we look at crutch tips:

The crutch tips, as you know, are the points that make contact with the floor as you move. These tips should be rubber and non-slip, for obvious reasons. They also have to be quite sturdy, as they will be supporting your entire body weight and will also be keeping the crutches balanced as you walk. In terms of size, you’d be better off with larger tips, as they will ensure that you have more balance and stability.

Now, we take a look at the handles:

With the use of crutches of any kind, whether forearm or underarm, there will always be a considerable degree of strain placed on the hands and wrists. It would, therefore, be wise to go for something ergonomic, or something with extra padding to increase comfort. Also, aside from comfort, your crutches should also be sturdy and durable.

The fit of your crutches is highly essential to how comfortable you’ll be while using them. You have to ensure that the crutches are properly fitted, not just for comfort, but for the sake of your health too.

Normally, while using a pair of crutches, one should be able to stand upright without discomfort while bending the elbow in an angle range of 15 to 30 degrees, with the hands resting on the handle.

As we mentioned earlier, ill-fitting crutches can lead to health issues such as muscle pains, abrasions, and even worse, nerve damage. Especially if you’re using underarm crutches, you have to be triply sure that they are fitted correctly.

Finally, assess yourself correctly. If balance and upper body fitness aren’t your strongest points, then you should choose underarm crutches, as they will give you the least stress. More active patients will enjoy the forearm crutches more though, since they provide the individual with more options for different kinds of terrain.

So, these are the basics to note when choosing crutches. Hopefully, you can now take your pick and, in no time, you will be walking around without needing them anymore.