The Best Crutches

Hugo Mobility Crutches

Sometimes, you can’t beat the classics, and this pair of crutches from Hugo Mobility is nothing if not classic. These super-durable crutches are the kind of purchase you only have to make once. With a lightweight aluminum frame that supports up to 300 lbs, you can rest assured that these crutches have you covered. Hugo Mobility’s thick, washable underarm pads are sturdy without being too stiff, and the handgrips work to absorb impact shock while walking. These crutches aren’t the most flashy or cushiest on the market, but if you’re looking for dependable crutches you can rely on for the duration of your recovery, this is the brand for you.

Pros:

• Durable and sturdy crutches
• Lightweight aluminum frame that supports up to 300 lbs
• The underarm pads are secure but not too uncomfortable

Cons:

• Only supports people from 5’2” to 5’10”

Carex Folding Crutches

Crutches might be an essential purchase for people in recovery, but finding a good place to store them can be a drag. But with these folding crutches from Carex, that problem seems a lot more manageable. These crutches weigh in at an ultra-lightweight 4 1/2 lbs, so they won’t tire you out after a long day of walking. Traditional crutches are a hassle to travel with, but these folding crutches from Carex fit easily into your trunk or airplane’s overhead storage. Not to mention, these comfortable, versatile crutches can support people from an impressively wide range of heights from 4’11” – 6’4”.

Pros:

• Easy to store and travel with
• Lightweight and durable
• Supports a wide range of heights

Cons:

• Only supports people that weigh up to 250 lbs

DynamoMe Sportswing Crutches

We love to see innovative, bold designs in any product line, and that’s exactly what DyanamoMe delivers with these forward-thinking crutches. Their ergonomic handles make walking through recovery much more comfortable than traditional crutch handles, while their elongated crutch tips offer more support and grip. The Sportswing’s underarm cushions mimic your body’s contours, providing you with a much less invasive walking experience. If you’re tired of uncomfortable conventional crutches and want to try something a little out of the box, look no further than these beauties from DynamoMe.

Pros:

• Underarm cushions mimic your body’s natural contours, offering a more comfortable walking experience than traditional crutches
• Ergonomic handles
• Elongated crutch tip for more support and grip

Cons:

• Higher asking price than more traditional picks
• The underarm cushions could be softer

Vive Forearm Crutches

If you’ve ever used conventional crutches for an extended period, you know how much of a beating your underarms can take from all the pressure. The underarm is one of the softest areas of your body, and putting all of your body weight into it for days or weeks on end can cause some serious pain. That’s why these forearm crutches from Vive are such a breath of fresh air. The design of these crutches allows the bulk of your body weight to be distributed between your forearm and wrists, which can feel a lot more manageable than your exposed underarm. These crutches are much easier to maneuver than stiff, traditional underarm crutches. Not to mention, these lightweight crutches take up a lot less space than bulkier alternatives. For anyone looking to say goodbye to skin and muscle irritation in their underarms, we highly recommend these forearm crutches from Vive.

Pros:

• More comfortable than traditional underarm crutches
• More lightweight and easier to store
• Slick matte finish

Cons:

• They don’t offer as much support as underarm crutches

Vive Faux-Sheepskin Crutches

If forearm crutches aren’t your thing, your underarms are inevitably going to take the brunt of the pressure applied by your crutches. In your time of recovery, anything that can soften that blow is greatly appreciated. That’s why these super-soft faux-sheepskin crutches from Vive are so ideal. With high-density foam padding covered by a layer of thick faux-sheepskin cloth, these crutches will feel like walking on a cloud. Vive also offers premium padding on the handles, giving your hands a much-needed reprieve from the constant pressure. Wrist fatigue is all too common with long-term crutch usage, which means your wrists may thank you down the line for protecting them with this level of padding.

Pros:

• Offer a comfortable alternative to stiff underarm pads and handles
• Faux-sheepskin padding fits virtually every size of standard underarm crutches
• Padding is machine-washable

Cons:

• Might not offer the same kind of support that sturdier cushions do

Frequently Asked Questions

Can any health issues arise from the long-term use of crutches?

Long-term use of crutches has been known to result in minor injuries to the underarms. Crutches put a lot of pressure on the nerve endings in your underarm, which can cause minor nerve damage after long-term use. This is why proper padding is so important when using crutches. It should be noted that if you’re using crutches with adequate padding, this is not likely to be an issue.

What are the most common injuries that require crutches?

Crutches are most commonly used for lower body injuries such as broken ankles, foot fractures, tibia fractures, and various sprains and pulled muscles. If an injury is severe enough to prevent you from walking upright, a doctor will recommend a wheelchair instead of crutches.