How to Make Crutches More Comfortable

Crutches get the job done, but they are rough on the body. Most of the ache comes from a few fixable things: pressure under the arms, strain on the hands, and poor fit. Here is how to make crutches more comfortable so you can get through recovery with less soreness.

Take the pressure off your underarms

The most common complaint is raw, sore underarms, and it usually means someone is leaning on the top of the crutch. Your weight should travel through your hands, not your armpits, with a small gap between the underarm pad and your body. Padding helps two ways: it softens the contact and it reminds you not to rest there. A set of crutch pads with higher density foam cushions the underarm and the hand grips at the same time.

Protect your hands and palms

After a day on crutches, the hands take a beating from the hard grips. Padded hand grip covers spread the pressure and cut down on blisters and numbness. If you use forearm crutches, the idea is the same in a different spot: forearm crutch pads cushion the handles for long term use.

Check the height and fit

Crutches set too tall drive into the underarms, and too short makes you hunch. Standing straight, the underarm pad should sit about two finger widths below your armpit, and the hand grips should reach your wrists when your arms hang loose. Adjust the fit before you add padding, since fit does most of the work.

Keep your hands free for the essentials

Crutches take both hands, so carrying a phone or water becomes a puzzle. A crutch bag that straps to the crutch keeps your phone, keys, and medication within reach with no backpack and no free hand required.

Small habits that help

Wear supportive shoes, sit down before your arms give out, and keep the crutch tips clean for grip. Replace worn rubber tips too, since a slipping tip makes everything harder and less safe.

None of these take much, and together they turn crutches from an ordeal into something manageable. Start with the fit, add padding wherever it rubs, and give yourself a way to carry your things.