Reddit mentions: The best crutches

I'm using In-Motion forearm crutches (these). Before using these, I'd only tried under-arm crutches before -- they bothered my shoulder and took up lots of space, thus the switch. Anyway I don't know much about forearm crutches in general -- just lots of experience with this one single model. Which is great! But not without its problems, and I imagine some of them are present in other models too. Let's go by bullets.

> What can you tell us about the current forearm crutch?

It's more compact, lighter, and a little less stable than under-arm counterparts. It takes an extra second to pick up and use, or to put down -- sometimes that's great, like if you want to knock on a door or something, the crutch stays right there with you; sometimes it's a little annoying, like if you only have to move a small distance, you'll spend more time slipping the cuffs on and off than actually walking. Forearm crutches aren't as stable as under-arm, in my experience, but despite that, they're much easier on my shoulders (though that could be partly due to the shock-absorber tips on mine -- you could get under-arm crutches with those). Overall I definitely prefer forearm.

> Likes and dislikes?

I like the size, weight, look, and feel. Also, transitioning to a single crutch feels a lot more natural with forearm models, I think -- it's somewhere between a crutch and a cane.

I don't like the elaborate dexterity process required to put them on. Especially with mine -- the handgrips are specific to one side or the other, but not marked very well, so I usually wind up fumbling with them for a few seconds. More importantly though, I don't like the way the handgrips are designed -- I suspect this varies between different models, but on mine, the grip is rubber, wrapped around a metal post and secured in place with a bolt and washer. But as the rubber heats up, whether from use or from ambient temperature, it gets malleable enough that it slides right over the washer and starts to slip off. They can come totally free in mid-use, and if that happens you're just kind of boned. It's kind of a lot unsafe.

> Is it stable enough?

Most of the time. Wet tips can sort of ruin that -- I guess if they were wider (or maybe just less worn-out than the ones I'm using), that might help.

> What would your ideal crutch have that current crutches lack?

I'm pretty sure that not all models have the spring-tip shock absorby things that mine have. They totally should. Those are awesome. I think it would be neat if it was easy to collapse -- think, like, switchblade crutches that just retract up into a tiny size when they're not in use, and then shoot out like lightsabers and play heavy metal music when you need them. Or, okay, maybe not that -- but that's always gonna be a good direction to explore. When you get into a car, it would be nice if you could quickly, easily, and comfortably stow your crutches.

Oh man. Do yourself a favor and get some forearm crutches if you think you'll be on them for a while. I spent the first week after knee surgery on a set like that and they were super uncomfortable and way harder to use in everyday life. The forearm crutches require a little more upper body strength on your part, but are way more comfortable and easier to use. I bought a set and spent the next five weeks much happier on the forearm crutches.

Like these: https://www.amazon.com/Lightweight-Forearm-Crutches-Size-Small/dp/B008OD6FWM

Let me tell you about the pegleg crutch. It was $150 on Amazon and after my achilles tendon surgery, it was AMAZING! I love this thing with all my heart. I swear this is not an ad, I just really, really loved this crutch.

https://www.amazon.com/iWALK-HFC20001BK-iWALK2-0-Hands-Crutch/dp/B00092RB06

I live in the US! I use amazon for a lot of my needs, and really love these! They're a little pricy, but they last forever and have great customer service. I've gotten free rubber tips like 4 times now!

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00LGZ43E2/ref=pd_aw_sim_sbs_121_1?ie=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=DFS25BCJCAH52PE98FJG&dpPl=1&dpID=81KwBVUy1%2BL

My brother in law went across the country for his bachelor party. He went with his brothers, best friends and his dad (his dad went to keep him out of trouble....)

After a night of going out, the went back to the hotel when my future brother in law had the genius idea to walk to a gas station looking for dip. He decided to take a short cut by going through some yards and jumping the fence. As he put it, he went up like Tarzan and down like Humpty Dumpty.

He shattered his ankle, broke his phone, and had to hobble to the street where a stranger drove him to the hospital. He had to have surgery and screws put into his ankle/foot.

For his wedding, he used a knee crutch. He looked like a pirate. My bridezilla of a sister surprised us all by not freaking out, despite the fact they had spent months on private dance lessons and had an adventurous honeymoon planned.

The bachelor party story was epically hilarious. It just added to it that they had wedding crashers in sports attire come to a black tie wedding. Then the bride and groom overslept the next day and missed their flight for their honeymoon. They lost a day on the island as a result. The whole thing was like a movie.

Ah man that can’t be fun. I’m sorry to hear that. Crutches are such a pain! Have you heard of a hands free knees crutch? iWALK2.0 Hands Free Knee Crutch - Alternative for Crutches and Knee Scooters - by iWALKFree https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00092RB06/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_fBQMDbVS25A4Y It’s definitely something i wish i had known about when i broke my ankle! Good luck with your recovery!

https://www.amazon.com/Medline-Wheelchair-Desk-Length-Swing-Away-Antimicrobial/dp/B07G8PNH76/ref=mp_s_a_1_2_sspa?keywords=wheelchairs&qid=1563313437&s=gateway&sprefix=wheelch&sr=8-2-spons&psc=1


Here’s the chair I’m looking at,

And here’s the crutches!

https://www.amazon.com/Millennial-Medical-Motion-Forearm-Crutches/dp/B011NZH1QQ/ref=mp_s_a_1_9?keywords=forearm%2Bcrutches&qid=1563313586&s=gateway&sprefix=forearm%2B&sr=8-9&th=1&psc=1

If you do, please DM me, I’d love to help you in some way as return, or at least offer free drinks at my work!

This is awesome for when you need real crutches. However, for a sprained ankle, check this out: https://www.amazon.com/iWALK2-0-Hands-Free-Knee-Crutch/dp/B00092RB06

I saw a guy wearing one of these walking down the street, just booking it. it keeps both your hands free.

They're amazing if they work for you (so not for knee stuff, just for foot stuff).

That’s awesome! I thought about doing that when I was recovering, but never did.

On the topic of crutches, you should check out Mobilegs! They’re armpit savers and they’re SUPER agile if you still want mobility.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01N9OAW75/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_UF-QCbSEMY7VV

Yo! It's been a ride this past week. I posted a while ago that I had a stress fracture in my foot from running. Well I went back to the doctor cause it still hurt and I was not ready for them to say "Well, if it hasn't healed yet you really shouldn't be on it. You need to be on crutches for two weeks. Then in a boot for two more". So. I live alone in an old house with stairs so crutches or a scooter are not great options. In the end, I got this thing that's basically a modern pegleg called the iWalk 2.0- I'd never seen anything like it before. It's hands free and can do stairs, so I can do most things, but obviously not as much as I want!

I manage to do maybe 4000 steps a day on the iWalk and can't really do much else for exercise without putting weight on my foot, so while I want to feel bad for myself and eat everything - I need to be super careful about what I eat cause I have no buffer! If you have super easy, low cal meals that require almost no dishes and no prep hit me up!

One more week on me pegleg, Mateys! Have a great one!

If you're out for a while, this is what you need.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00092RB06/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_6-SByb5BRZ46E

I severed my Achilles in October and used crutches for a few weeks. This is miles better than anything else. Complete use of your hands is amazing. I've fitted mine with some more padding on the knee but everything else works great. I'm in a boot now, but I still keep this around as its handy for around the house.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00092RB06/ref=mp_s_a_1_1_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1542286211&sr=8-1-spons&keywords=iwalk&psc=1&smid=A16VRQ4X5LV1CM

I don’t know if you have the spare cash for this but one of my friends was in a similar situation and used this. She swears by it as it is much easier to maneuver than the knee scooters!

Thank you. Yes I did. It was a soft rubber tip, and would break off. You can go to Walgreens, Target, Walmart, or wherever and buy new ones. They're super cheap.

Medline MDS805161 Aluminum... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00083DFOW?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

I don't have a knee scooter (sold it already), but I do have an iWalk 2.0

I found it way more useful than a knee scooter, especially for doing stuff around the house or being in small spaces.

I'm in town this week if you're interested.

BQ Favorite vacation was in 2010 when I took the kiddo to the Riviera Maya area of Mexico and we had a blast together. Or, maybe when I backpacked in the Rocky Mountains in my 20's.

Yesterday I was really good - kept my foot elevated, took short breaks from the lying on the couch to do stuff. I have one of these that I'm borrowing from a friend. It's made life way easier. I can cook food and do dishes and I'm not completely dependent on someone else for everything! (I still can't drive. Stupid stick shift car.) Oh, and I had a lovely little dinner/fun take my mind of things evening with B before he had to play softball.

Today

• Work from home. I've already discovered that sitting at the desk must include propping my leg up on top of my desk. We'll see how this goes. I've got stuff I need to get done, though.
  
• Exercise - do my z-health drills. Figure out how to do some more upper body stuff today.
  
• Life - continue to behave. Don't try to walk on the damn foot (I tried yesterday. No go. I tested just a little bit of weight this morning. Still no.) Take breaks from sitting. Figure out how to pad the back of my knee so that knee crutch stops killing me there.

i recommend a cane with elbow support-that being said here is a link to a few cute ones!

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01L0SN5EI/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_ytCUCbTTEMYWB

You're likely going to be in a quite a bit of pain after your surgery. You really are going to need a lot of care in the first week post-surgery. I went through this recently with my SO. He broke his ankle in 2 places and had to have surgery to put in a plate and 6 or 8 screws. He was not able to really even move the first few days as he was in so much pain, and it took about a week for him to at least be somewhat comfortable again. I don't want to make you nervous, but I just want to tell you what you could be facing.

See if there is any way possible to have someone in your family or even a close friend come and be with you during this time. Your boyfriend is already feeling overwhelmed now, and it is going to get worse before it gets better. Even if you could rotate people after a day or two, to give your boyfriend a bit of a break, that would probably help. I did it without question for my SO, but we've been together for 13 years and I wouldn't have it any other way. If you and your boyfriend have not been together too long, this could definitely put some strain on your relationship.

After that initial period of pain, however, you should be able to start moving around again. I suggest getting: http://www.amazon.com/Drive-Medical-790-Steerable-Walker/dp/B003VMAKVS/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1414551922&sr=8-1&keywords=medical+scooter

or: http://www.amazon.com/iWALK-2-0-Hands-Free-Crutch/dp/B00092RB06/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1414551964&sr=8-1&keywords=iwalk+free

**EDIT: If you have the type of injury that would allow for either of these devices. If not, I would definitely look for devices that would accommodate your injury. Being somewhat mobile is the key to your (even limited) independence and crutches are just a pain.

You can probably rent one of the scooters from your surgeon's office, but we found out the hard way that it was cheaper to buy one on Amazon and then resell it when you are finished with it. People told us that the iWalk crutch worked out well for them, too. By the fourth or fifth week post surgery, we were in Vegas with my SO scooting around all over the place. The scooter is a drunk person magnet, FYI. Ha ha

I hope you have a speedy recovery!

get a duffel bag that you can use as a backpack.

Get one of those kneeling hands free crutch things for walking and going up and down the stairs. They are so neat I almost want to break an ankle!

https://www.amazon.com/iWALK2-0-Hands-Free-Knee-Crutch/dp/B00092RB06

#1, get the ADA seating; you'll surely have a good view and no one bumping you. #2, I saw a guy at the Gorge this summer with one of these, and he said it made the whole Gorge experience possible; using a scooter was impossible out there. https://www.amazon.com/iWALK2-0-Hands-Free-Knee-Crutch/dp/B00092RB06

Why do americans always use underarm crutches? They seem pretty clunky and forearm crutches seems to suffice in most situations.

40 with osteoarthritis of the spine here. I had the same apprehensions when thinking of switching from a cane to these (what I refer to as a forearm crutch). In my experience, folks in the US are a little more understanding that you have a condition when using these.

The cuffs do not come off unless I turn my to release them. This frees my hands up to do much more and I don't have to worry about dropping the crutch. My one recommendation is to look for a pair with well cushioned hand grips. I have this pair but would prefer to have this set if I were to purchase again.

You mean like an IWALK? https://www.amazon.com/iWALK2-0-Hands-Free-Knee-Crutch/dp/B00092RB06

I got these off of amazon crutches

just buy them here

24 bucks on Amazon.

This

Can she use the forearm crutches or do you need the under arm kind. I have a pair of forearm crutches I can lend you. We are in upstate Manhattan so an easy subway ride.

While we're on the subject... check out this, for the amateur medical student in all of us!

https://www.amazon.ca/iWALK2-0-Hands-Free-Knee-Crutch/dp/B00092RB06/ref=asc_df_B00092RB06/?tag=googleshopc0c-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=292950082213&hvpos=1o1&hvnetw=g&hvrand=15463579542744911318&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9001082&hvtargid=pla-406644562735&psc=1

https://www.instructables.com/id/Peg-Leg-from-Old-Crutches/

Directions unclear. Where do I put my penis?

Why could't you just buy crutches, and fake it?

> Fuck the idea of for-profit healthcare right in the ass.

At the risk of sounding kind of like a jerk, can I point out that maybe it's your own fault for buying crutches at the hospital instead of paying $24 for them on Amazon?

I mean, seriously, even the Ontario health system is a ripoff by comparison.

And Canadian health care is also "for profit". Those doctors and nurses aren't working as volunteers. The government just tells those doctors and nurses that they can't make what they're worth in a free market.

I tore all four ligaments in my knee along with the meniscus. So I had to go to a specialist and is much, much worse than most.

With that in mind, I was off my knee for six weeks after surgery and only in the last two weeks have I started putting weight on it. I am wearing a brace all the time at home and work. When I'm around the house I don't use crutches and only use one when outside the house. I've started to sleep without a brace.

The doctor/physical therapist say that in another 4 weeks I should be able to walk without crutches and start using the brace less. Once they give me the go ahead I am going to start going to the gym and cycling/swimming to strength my leg.

Each morning and night I stretch my leg. I bend and straighten my knee 50 times. Next I bend the knee as far as I can and hold it for 30 seconds. I repeat that five times. Finally, I lay on my stomach and bend my behind me and hold it for 30 seconds. I use a strap to help pull the leg but you can use a towel or a belt. I repeat that 5 times.

I am not taking any medicine for pain normally. I will take two aleve or Tylenol if I over-work my knee. I ice my knee whenever it starts to hurt.

I know surgery isn't an option for you right now, but in the case that changes I have nothing but good to say about Texas Orthopedics. I'm doing physical therapy with them also.

I'm wearing this brace
https://www.amazon.com/DonJoy-Motion-Advance-Support-Standard/dp/B019KNV1VO/ref=sr_1_14?ie=UTF8&qid=1467838088&sr=8-14&keywords=don+joy+knee+brace

I'm using these crutches
https://www.amazon.com/DonJoy-Rebound-Ergonomic-Crutches-Height/dp/B017PAN7T8/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1467838158&sr=8-1&keywords=don+joy+crutches