Crutches

Crutches are mobility devices used to transfer weight from the lower extremities to the upper body, helping individuals recover from leg, foot, or ankle injuries or surgeries or for balance support. They come in several designs but share the goal of enabling partial weight bearing and greater stability during movement.

Two common forms are axillary crutches, which support the body under the armpit with a hand grip for the user to bear weight, and forearm crutches, also known as Lofstrand crutches, which rely on a cuff around the forearm and a hand grip. Platform crutches provide a rigid surface under the forearm for non-weight-bearing use. Many patients use adjustable-height models.

Proper fitting is essential to avoid nerve or joint injury. With axillary crutches, the top should be about 1 to 2 inches (2.5–5 cm) below the armpit, and the elbow should bend about 20 to 30 degrees when the hand grips the bar. The crutch tips should be placed slightly in front and to the side of the feet; weight should rest on the hands, not the armpits.

Users should follow clinician guidance on weight bearing and avoid using the axillary area for support to prevent nerve or tissue injury. Use with care on stairs, slopes, and uneven surfaces; maintain good posture; and check tips and hand grips regularly for wear.

Maintenance involves cleaning, checking for wear, and replacing worn pads or tips. Avoid moisture and damage, store properly, and ensure correct fit after growth or weight change.