It's hard to tell from a video, but they look like they may not be adjusted properly. Standing naturally, arms at your side, the grip should be at the height of your wrist (the first crease). Yours look a bit too tall since you're putting them out at an angle when moving. They should be comfortable going straight down. I noticed it in the other video you posted too. The second fit point is the forearm cuff. It should be 3-4 fingers width below your elbow. You want it high enough to be stable and low enough to have full range of motion. I used to have those crutches - I think all of us who use crutches did! - they are not the best and will always feel a bit "loose" I guess? Basically, you can feel the adjustable parts moving when you walk. It makes noise and is a pain in the ass. I don't know what tips you have on them, but those can make a big difference too. Thomas Fetterman, a crutch user since like the 1960s or something, has some amazing tips called Tornado Tips. Literally, every crutch user I know uses them and they're sold with pretty much all of the higher-end crutches. They're about $40, so not a huge investment but a lot more stable, won't slip as easily, etc. Finally, it takes time to feel comfortable. You're doing something new. I was a wobbly baby giraffe for weeks when learning to use mine, and now I hike on pretty rugged terrain. Be patient with yourself, you will get used to them :)
I also found having a wider grip for my hands helped. I wrapped a flannel (face cloth) around the hand grips and secured with two hair ties a piece and that made me feel a whole lot more stable 🙂
like morgan thorne explained, they are way too high right now :) since morgan wrote such a great explanation I won't bother, just read that one. love your videos.
Those crutches are the only crutches available here in Denmark, so I’ve never tried anything else. I just got used to it when I had no other choice. I’m disabled now and can’t use them anymore. My way around that now is using a walker. I have an awesome one that I’ve put loads of amazing stuff on so it isn’t boring. I’m 37 and don’t want my aids to make me feel sad, so I spruce up what I can. Especially around Christmas 🎄
You can get the ones she mentioned in Germany. But doctors also hestitate to give them out here because the can mess with blood circulation and nerves if not padded properly (and the padding is gone quickly). Usually you only get them when problems with you hands an wrists don't allow the other model.
I have used this for literal years. I got you boo! You can adjust these ones in height, and yours are wayyyy to tall right now causing you to point them outwards. If I remember correctly the part where you put your hands should be same height as your hips. That way you can use them more parallel to your legs instead of the Bambi effect 😂 Maybe adjust and experiment, they can be more comfortable than this I guarantee you.
Like others are saying you need to adjust the height a bit. I found learning to balance on them really helpful when first using them, plus you’ll get insanely toned arms
Stability is found in stacking joints. You want your wrists in line with your elbows and shoulders and to effectively be pushing straight down while your body swings through. You can't do that if they're too tall or too short. Also closed cuffs are a lot more comfortable and they leave your hands free. You do get open/close crutches so you may be able to adjust the ones you already have.
One thing I've always had help me when I'm using my forearm crutches is to make sure that my wrists are tilted in such a way that the back of the crutches are firmly pressed against my arms no matter how I move them. At first it might feel as if it would get uncomfortable after a while, but you'll find after trying it that it doesn't actually get uncomfortable at all. I totally psyched myself out of using my crutches for the first few months of having them because they felt so unstable, but after I figured out how to grip them to make them feel more like extensions of my arms, rather than some weird foreign attachment to my clothes or body, it got so much easier to use them.
Aside from the needed adjustments, another tip would be to get crutches that are designed so the "elbow cuffs" don't immediately fall off when you're not gripping on to the crutches. There's some that have a more closed cuff (not fully closed) so you can use your hands (to maybe open a door or get your keys) without crutches falling off or having to make sure they're leaning on to a wall or smth
Pad out the arm rings, the bruises around my arms from a night out were insane. It also makes them feel more solid because they don't wobble as much around your arms. Two thin layers of foam one firm one more gentle then fabric wrapped around each side (the wrist support sock things work quite well)
I think adjusting them to be lower will help a lot. These types of crutches are incredibly wobbly if adjusted wrong, so you really have to try what works for you. From the video I think you need to go down 1 or 2 notches. For stability you can also add grips to the handles (like you would for a bike). The things that go around your arms should also either be tighter or just not around your arm all the way (mine for example cup a bit less than half my arm and I prefer it that way). I'm sure with some practice you'll get there. I never had the ones under my armpits, so I wouldn't be able to work those right away either.
Jo: "these crutches make me feel like a wobbly baby deer." Also jo: does gymnastics with crutches. Love the energy and good luck getting use to the crutches 💙
Jo, the first thing I’ve noticed is you have the wrong size forearm cups, those are way to big for your arms, getting a smaller size would make them more stable. As others have said pad the grips (bicycle handlebar tape is good), and pad the arm cups, I used the sponge from foam arm slings (cut a slot in the cover and then stretch over the cups). Keep up the great videos. Hope this helps from one long term crutches user to another.
I have used both types, and I prefer the forearm crutches. I don't like the ones under my arms, because they can impede the blood flow to your arms. You can easily bruise the armpits. I have never felt unstable with the forearm crutches. You do have to build your upper body strength, and they will help you do that. Going from one to the other, I Guess they could be that much different, but I started out using them when I lost my leg. I love the mobility of the forearm crutches. Raise your arms, and the crutch stays with you. With underarm crutches, when you raise your arm, the crutch falls away. It just takes practice to get used to them.
Whenever I've used crutches i mostly felt "stable" because of momentum. I always felt pretty solid with putting some force behind my movement. But then again I'm also clumsy af so rather than stable I guess the better description would be I'd feel "in the groove" until I'd hit something that knocks be out of that groove lmao.
I used them when I got a bone taken out of my foot (for pain management, it didn’t really help) and for me it was just leaning into them and having my body do like an A shape (you can go really fast with them that way). We don’t have the underarm crutches in Germany so I can’t say if there is much of a difference 😅
I was using them for back pain and I was also struggling until I went into my work and a coworker who was at uni for physical therapy noticed they were too tall and adjusted then for me. It makes a huge difference to have them adjusted to the right height! I have to adjust them to my shoes as well if I'm wearing chunky shoes.
Based on my experience, I would say that adding some padding to close the gap between your forearms and the forearm-grips is crucial. That change alone was enough to take me from wobbly to stable. I used some flexible 1/8th inch thick foam from a craft store, layered up to the right thickness using some spray adhesive, some double sided tape to attach the foam to the grips, and a razor knife to trim the foam to size once it was in place. Cheap, comfortable, and effective. Edit: I should add that I left just enough of a gap at the front that it was easy to pop my forearms out on purpose, but unlikely to happen by accident. Start with a small gap and cut it larger a little at a time until it feels right.
Lower height helps! I know many have said that too, but i thought i'd add my tips. I use arm crutches for short distances, and a wheelchair to get about. My experience goes as follows. -If its too low, your back will HURT. -if it's too high, your shoulders will ache very soon after beginning your walk, and you'll be unsteady. -no matter what, eventually, you will start the process of building calluses where you rest your hands. -try not to swing your body too far forward on slick surfaces like wood or tile, you can and will slingshot yourself forward and your crutches wont be there to help you. Gope that can help a little
I was though to use them and your injured leg as the "three musketeers" so they always move together. And also height, the crutches have to be at a height that "feels natural" (your shoulders should stay at the same height as normally). Hope this helps :)
Nurse responding here. Adjust the hand grip about 2 to 3 holes lower, per Morgan's explanation. It should put the cuff about 2 fingers below your elbow. The crutches shouldn't be posed out to the side. They should be a lot closer in. You'll have full range of motion from the elbows but you'll feel more comfortable doing the pass through the crutches. You will be wobbly for a bit until you adjust. They are better for the nerves in the armpit. Adjust, practice in a close space like a hallway in case you lose balance. And they are easier on stairs.
Morgan Thorne really hit every point that should be considered! my brother is a all-time crutch user (European, so we only have forearm ones) and he does sports in them. the rubber tips and the forearm cuffs really are the most important things, but what he says is very berry underestimated most of the times is the plastic piece you hold onto, the grip. he reinforced it with skin friendly breathable foam and then chaged the grip to a different shaped one. (I'm not sure what it's called in other languages since it's German manufactured but it's L shaped to ensure that your hand doesn't slip out and it can be reinforced with special gloves that you can get tied to the grip). :) love your videos, and thank you for being so open about this part of your life, it does a great deal normalising such matters and drawing awereness to them!
Hello! I was born with a physical disability called spina bifida and have used forearm crutches like those for the past 16 years. My biggest tip would be to buy better rubber tips for the end of the crutches than the ones they come with. My favorite brand is Tornado crutch tips with the rain slip guard. It's a chunkier rubber tip so there is more weight at the end, but it provides more cushion and traction. And they usually last me about a year (and I am using my crutches on a daily basis). I also find that having some type of thick padding on the handles of my crutches absolutely necessary. I usually use a couple layers of mole skin (thick, soft, and has a sticker backing so it's easy to put on and stays in place). It helps with the pain in your palms and with calluses a bit. I've also tried yoga mat gloves that have built in padding in the palms and a tiny bit of wrist support. (Not my favorite, but an idea to try). Also, play around with the height of the crutches. I prefer the top of the crutch to hit just below my elbow, but have met some people who like it to sit mid forearm. Go with the one that feels most comfortable and stable to you. I've just recently found your channel but have really enjoyed every video I've seen. Awesome job!
I have used these for years prior to being confined to a wheelchair after suffering from a TBI. The key is to lean your forearms against the back of the cuff. Bicycle/Weightlifter gloves with padding on the palm will minimise your blisters/callouses but you will not fully avoid them if you're using the crutches full time or long term. Making sure you have adequate wrist, elbow, and shoulder strength and flexibility is a MUST. You'll be sore at first. Ensure the crutches are properly extended to your height. The cuff should be halfway to two-thirds of the way up your arms. Also, make sure you have a good tip on the bottom if you're going to be using these for long distances or on gravelly or uneven surfaces. I recommend the "Tornado Tips" for that.
Heya! Longtime forearm crutch user, there are tips that are much wider that provide a bigger surface area. There are also crutches that provide a more horizontal plane for your forearms. Also making sure that the center of balance is behind the crutch is important for crutch fit. If any of these sound like they can help, lmk I can expand on them more indepth. 🤘🏻
I have used these crutches since I lost my lower left leg. Bend in the top cuffs so they are tighter on your arms. Just squeeze the circular cuffs so the gap is smaller. Best of luck Jo!
Hi! I use forearm crutches on a daily, here's what I found helps keep me more stable! 1. Correctly adjusted. The handles should be the same height as your wrists, with your arms straight against your body. And three figures below your elbow. 2. I tend to be wayyyy more stable if I have the kind that have a wider, flat back in between the handle and top of the cuff. Like a lot that you see on Amazon. 3. Flexible grips! Lots of crutches come with harder rubber tips that dont have any give. I found that replacing those with a softer more flexible rubber gives a ton more stability. And lastly 4. Brand and reviews count! I got my crutches off Amazon, they're the BigAlex foldable ones. Their rubber tips suck but they're super easy to replace. Another high quality brand is Kmina. They're fantastic but don't have a cuff that goes all the way around your firearms. However they make padding for them that has a cuff. It's just more expensive to get the crutches and the padding. Both are the same quality, but I found the the Kmina wide tips are superrrr stable. The BigAlex and Kmina brand are the only two I could find with thousands of reviews and 4½ stars. Hope this helps!!
I was born with my physical disability (Spina Bifida) and used forearm crutches up until I was around fifteen when I transitioned into using a manual wheelchair. Now I’ve always been known for having massive upper body strength because I’ve used my upper body to compensate for my legs my whole life. I’ve tried under arm crutches before and they don’t really compare to forearm crutches. You’re using completely different muscles with forearm crutches and it takes your body time to build up strength. Even though I’ve never stopped using my arms and they’re still massively strong, if I went back to walking full time with forearm crutches it would take awhile for my arms to adjust. You are not just using your biceps when you walk with forearm crutches.
My physical therapist carefully tried to teach me how to use those but I never felt physically stable on them nor the standard cain even with two legs hence my therapist came to the conclusion that I needed a different kind of device for outdoor activity, I'm somewhat fine indoors but outdoors on uneven unfamiliar surfaces not so good, I use a semi custom device outdoors. I wish I could offer some helpful advice as to how to use those safely but I nearly fell multiple times during my attempt. Love you're energy and candor keep up the good work! ❤️
Ive been using them since 1998. I was born with CP waist down. Tried a walker, under arm crutches then found these at 8 years old. I LOVE these. Its no trick to em. I used to teach others how I do it. Just trust your arms. I do not rely on my legs at all. All my weight is on my arms. I have leg braces of course, but I trust my arms far more. Maybe for starting out try closed cuff crutches it will help you feel more secure
Hi, hope your forearm is ok. There is those who cling hard with their fingers in order to controll the crutces. But you dont need to. My english is not "complete" , but I will try. The "bay" between thumb and connecting finger is the only point to be conectet to the bar at all times. This gives you loose fingergrip, so you rest your forvarm and avoid sweaty hands. When walking, push down on handlebar, no need to grip it. To lift, simple aply a loose bend to fingers so the bar can rest inside it. This tecnik have helped me a lot. I never have had a need for any kind of padding. Since my fingers is active instead of static, i rearly need gloves in winter. I am sorry about any misspellings.
I have never used that type of crutch. I just want to say I love your attitude. You brightly ask questions without letting something new hold you back. I bet you’ll soon be an expert with these crutches!
Once the height is adjusted properly, as many other commentators have noted, you'll want to place the crutch tips closer to your body, so there's a straight line from your shoulder down the crutch, perpendicular to the ground. This means that you can, by keeping your body weight over your crutch tips, do much less work to stay balanced. You'll still need to develop some balance muscles, but it will become much easier.
1. Like others have said, you seem to have them too high. Stand up straight (ideally with your prosthetic on to be standing even and full height) and set the crutch handle to be level with where your palm meets your wrist. 2. Try taking a smaller swing, underarm crutches are higher up and have a much larger swing on each step than forearm ones so if that's what you're used to try taking smaller steps.
Apart from them being too high as already mentioned, I find there's a technique involved. I like to lock my arms to my side from shoulder to elbow. Also where you place your weight is important, you want to press down straight towards the floor, not press on them from a sloping angle if that makes sense. You'll be a pro in no time though, once you get the hang of them you'll be pulling some really cool moves! Happy hopping :-)
Try pushing down on your hands and back with your elbows back into the arm cuffs if that makes any sense… been suffering from severe nerve pain for 5 years wishing I could get an amputation… love what you share with us! Thank you!
I have a lot of experience with these crutches. I have a joint disease and regular crutches were too short for me at the time, and by the time regular crutches finally fit me I was used to these forearm crutches. make sure the rubber ends make at least 80% touchdown before taking a step. keeping them like a straight line down your side closer to your hips as if they are an extention of your arms. once you get used to the way you move around in them you won't need to keep them so close to your body. make sure going up they are about where you're arms would normally rest with your hips put perfectly between the crutches. hope this helps
A potential alternative to traditional forearm crutches are Smart Crutches, they're similar, but the shape/design is definitely different. I use just one as a psuedo-cane, I know other disabled people who use both. I personally find it very comfortable and less painful on my hand/wrists than a regular cane. Worth looking them over and deciding yourself if they'd be a good fit
In Germany these are the norm and unfortunately I have some experience. First tip: if you don't want your hands to hurt and want a better grip: use biking gloves. You can also put them over thin normal gloves, when it get's cold. Tip 2: make sure they are the right hight. Tip 3: you need a sturdy grip. Use the marked places for your fingers, if your hands - like mine - are too small, grip a bit to the back rather than to the front. Tip 4: when you need your hands free, have them facing each othe wit the handles building kind of a mini platform and put the non-walking leg on top (so you basically rest your leg on the cruches, while storing them away) And then it just takes practice and training. The first days are the worst for the arms 😅
Open cuff crutches are guaranteed to have you fall face first into the corner of something sharp at some point...buy either closed cuff crutches or those with a cuff that only have an inch or two of separation at the opening. You can also buy replacement feet for your crutches that aren't so hard and make each step a bit less abrupt/more natural feeling. They have a thicker base to them for cushioning purposes. Also, there are different sizes of crutch cuff for some brands, different widths available. Research is a must.
I'm exactly the same as you. After 50 years, i still use the old wooden crutches like the ones i came out of hospital with. I've never felt safe on the modern types. Three falls on the end of my stump told me i NEVER wanted to do that again. That.... is extreme pain, far worse than a night of Phantom pain.
I am a 75 yr old polio survivor. I've used forearm crutches forever & much prefer them to underarm crutches. They do take time to feel "stable", but I have an observation to make about the fit of the cuffs on your forearm crutches. My cuffs are snug enough that the crutches do not fall off my arm when raising my arm, like reaching for a door handle. My cuffs are loose enough my arm can pull through the cuff if needed. I might end up with a bruise but won't break my arm. Hope this makes sense. P.S. I also agree with those commenting re:the height of your crutches is too high.
I've only ever used them to take load off strained feet I could stand on but wanted to let rest/introduce load to carefully. Our experiences may wary. However, I've found a hip forward lean to help. And a shuffle where the crutches break the momentum of the lean, and where the foot is not extended beyond the crutches. Foot on ground: stable crutch triangle, crutches forward, follow with hip, follow with foot, stable crutch triangle. If you really want to risk stability for speed, you need to add elevation when the foot comes forward so that the foot makes a jump and catches itself. If it is arm strength that is your issue, wrists are effectively locked off and only take z axis loads. This disengages muscles and removes any mechanical arm (leverage) from the wrists. It should be all elbow over wrist over palm, like the legs have hip over femur over knee over shin over ankle over foot - and thus the system can take the load for hours. It feels like a bit awkward proclaiming how to do a thing when in all the experiences I've had, I've have had a spare leg to stand on, even if that could possibly involve pain.
I used those after I sprained my foot. Literally, I sprained the arch of my foot, and those were a lifesaver. You really have to get the length just right. Imagine you're setting the height of a walker.
In the UK, as far as I know, these are the only crutches given to patients (under the NHS anyway). My biggest tip you can try in my opinion is try not to swing as much. Take smaller strides as big strides in these types of crutches can make you swing and loose a lot of stability. I honestly think it’s something you just get used to, so if you’d like to use them my best recommendation is try using them for as long as possible everyday instead of the ones you are comfortable with. Once comfortable you can switch between them or use these types permanently. 🤷♀️
if you can try out SmartCrutches without buying them first, I highly recommend them. they're *super* adjustable, so you can change the angle you're using them at quickly and easily, for example. I have mine set up to use as a cane, as I only use one at a time. A different rubber tip might also help. i've tried a few different ones, and now I have ones that help disperse the impacts against the ground, which helps my arms and back a *lot* best of luck!
I use these crutches daily due to my hEDS and one thing that has helped is to get hair ties and put them around the open part of the arm. It just gives that extra level of comfort and safety.
I wear “Combo Stix” by a company called M+D. They are a bit on the heavier side but sooooooo much more stable with sorta “all terrain” rubber bottoms as well as cushioning for the forearms. I feel safer walking with them than with any other upright device 👍🏻
i use smart crutches which has a similar design and i feel they are definitely more stable. i can bare weight on both legs so my needs are a little different, but i definitely feel more secure when i can brace against my forearms more.
I use these crutches pretty regularly and survived my first semester of college on them so here's what i can say: - clench ur abs. fr like its a little bit your arms but if you can use your abs to be more stable: do it. it took me like a solid week or so before i felt more confident but like. the grip isnt in ur wrists or anything (the regular hand holds hurts a lot long term and i u kind of just have to get used to it imo) its tensing ur abs. if this makes sense - wrap a regular hairband around the openings of the arm cuffs. then u can lean on one and grab something with your other hand while the crutch holds onto ur arm! (this primarily works for me because my main issue is lots of weight bearing so i can stand on two feet and use both hands but i think it can still apply!) - as others have said, i definitely recommend lowering the crutches more than u have now! mine are comfortable a little lower than the recommended height of around ur hip-height, and i'm 5'5". best of luck! these have been a lifesaver for me and they just take some more practice than the other kind :)
I used Canadian crutches (that's what they're called) as a kid. As a lot of others keep saying, you need to adjust the height and the cuff to better suit your height and arm width. Morgan Thorne explained it really well in text format, Josh Sundquist probably has a similarly decent visual explanation. Hope you're able to use them comfortably soon!
I'd love to know too. If I need crutches again I'd love an alternative to the typical ones here. I'd always have bruises from them. I hope you end up being a pro with these too 🎉
I have been using them for years now. I won’t use anything else but you have to get the right kind and make sure there are a few modifications that really help.
I was on these types for sixth months and I’ve just had to come back on them again. Best advice I can give is to adjust to the proper height. Also you can get much nicer handles to go on them to not only make you feel more secure but they mould to your hand better to ease arm ache. I have also found that sometimes putting one of the crutches down slightly before the other can help me be more stable. That way I have more control over where my crutches are landing to avoid slip ups or catching onto things
in addition to making them lower (as others mentioned before) try to always keep your shoulders in one line with your hands and the „foot of the crutch“. Both forward and sideways angle. For that you should have to have your elbows just ever so lightly bent but keeping the same angle through the step. And you can try tilting your wrist slightly so you have the pressure point more towards thumb and index. This helps to push the back of the crutch against your arm. (Don‘t try pushing your arm back into the crutches, this leads to a „chase your tail“ kinda situation and makes you less stable.) You can also try different hand positions like all the way back against the pole or all the way forward. I like both of them better than a centered grip.
I think maybe adjusting the height so that your crutches reach the ground with your hands just resting on the holder thingys would really help, and also I personally have a prosthetic and walk with one, but it helps me to move the lofstrand, then my legs, then the lofstrand, and so on, as you would with skating. It takes a lot of getting used to if you do decide to start using them, but also remember to take frequent breaks and maybe get gloves or something to put in between your hands and the crutch, you get bad blisters and calluses very quickly. Lofstrands are a lot easier to use than a wheelchair and are very easy to get around with and are personally my absolute favorite tool to use. Be VERY careful on wet or slick floors, I've fallen dozens of times and it gives your really bad bruises and could probably break your arm if falling with enough force. Good luck :D
It's so beautifuly explained, I can just agree. But I have a small suggestion: try to get ones, that hold on to your arm, with the upper part more shaped like a ring. These are uncommon here (don't know how it is where you live) but I got these kind in Spain when I broke my leg there (20 years ago, time is running so fast 😭😭😭) and it makes opening doors, putting on a backpack and just life in general so much easier!
If you have spare pennies for them, I recommend either Smart Crutches or Ergobaums. I have a pair of ergos and they kept me on my feet another couple of years. If you can't get them yet, get Flexifeet. They give you suspension and stay in flat contact with the floor until you lift them (rather than tilting through the edges) which gives you a lot more stability and increases the life of your ferrules.
Tighten the arm cuffs. The cool thing you should be able to do is to let go raise your arm and have the Canadian crutches on your arm barley. Try different heights. Looks like you might be a tiny bit tall. Shorter might be better. The hills, stairs and ramps are where you will love the elbow bend for climbing and deciding. Press forward so your arm is tight against the backside of the arm cuff. Good contact with the arm cuff will reduce the strain on your hands and wrist. Use the arm cuffs to the max is my best advice. They are the stability component. Some of my friends actually use a Velcro strap for their arm cuffs.
When I was a kid, I used them in a walking motion. (Kinda like you're swinging your arms in the natural walking motion. My advice to you, if you still feel unstable with them, try to replace the single rubber tips with wider 4 corner tips so they take up more surface area.
I love this type of crutch and absolutely cannot get on with the underarm style. I would recommend experimenting with the adjustments to find what works for you. Back in my teens when I was using them full time for several years I found that I needed to tweak length depending where I was walking. Generally I kept them a notch or two longer than my physio said they should be. For me this gave a longer stride and much greater speed. But then going up hill I would shorten them notch below recommendation to help keep my arms at a comfortable angle on the forward stroke. As with so many things in life practice and tweaking to find your sweet spot is the answer.
Please look at smart crutches! They are amazing give so much stability. They are fit to you based on the measurement chart. Definitely worth looking in to.
I have used these multiple times. Make sure they are the right hight. When you are standing the handle should be the at the hight of your hand while the crutches are parallel to your leg. Yours seem slightly to high, but that might also be a personal preference. Hope you can make them work for you :)
Fill the bottom of the crutches, with weight you may need to go to a metal workshop or they can add attach some weight to the outside of canes. Check first PT therapist to be sure they are adjusted correctly. I’m a pro too with crutches, but arthritis in shoulders and elbows I can’t use them but for very short distances, so it was a wheelchair.
We only use these types of crutches in the UK. You can wrap something soft round the hand grip because your hands can hurt putting your weight on them ❤
I occasionally turn mine around so that the bar is actually in front of my arm. It sounds odd but it gives the feeling a stable barrier or railing to help keep you from tipping. Just like the difference of walking on a 12 inch path 6 inches off the ground and walking a 12 inch path 40 feet in the air. It's the same path but you have the sense of security of being ok in a fall...same for your crutches, if you're feeling unstable, turn them around for a bit to give you that sense of security...make sure they're adjusted to not throw off your gait when you turn them around. Make sure the cuffs are properly fitted to you. Properly fitted cuffs should NOT allow your arm to slip through the front AT ALL. You should have to slip in from the top but still have room for your arm to flex and move. Also, WRIST STRENGTH IS SO IMPORTANT TO ANY CRUTCH USE. I hope this helps. Best of luck.
you can take a ponytail holder and place it across the arm part where they flare out a little to keep your arms in. or use zip ties. you can also wear weight lifting gloves with grippy stuff on them.
It always kinda amazes me that these arm pit crutches are way more common outside of Europe. Being a physical therapist in Germany, I have literally never worked with arm pit crutches, there's very few cases where hospitals or doctors do not hand out forearm crutches to patients here. I think this is due to the possible pressure on nerves and blood vessels that arm pit crutches can cause, leading to numbness or other kinds of paraesthesia. Our forearm crutches do look a little different tho, but I feel like yours are just not properly adjusted and might be a little too long.
Arm put crutches shouldn’t actually touch your arm pit. They’re designed to rest on the side of the chest wall, about 2” (5cm) below your pits. The support from the chest wall provides far superior balance and thus they’re easier to use for many patients, especially children and the elderly. The reason they’re rare in Europe is space. They stick out further from your body, they’re awkward to fit in small cars, and narrow spaces are just a bit harder to get through with underarm versus forearm. (I’m a trained product designer who’s father designed surgical tools for 30 years. That combo creates a lot of very interesting conversations with medical professionals, especially my ortho. It was fascinating, as a crutch-user, to learn so much about these things. I used underarm for 4-5 years total and I’ve been on forearm crutches for a decade now.)
On top of adjusting the fit, something you can also try: turn the wrists a bit more outwards, ie so that the back of your hand and your arm are almost straight. That way you lean and balance less on your bones and rely more on the grip strength. This is more strenuous but gives a bit more control from the wrists. It might not be a good solution for long term use though if you get tired.
Hi @FootlessJo When I was using those crutchers I found that making them a little shorter & having them a little closer to my body helped stability. All the best!
Crutch user of nearly 7 years here using only forearm crutches due to circulation issues. My first tip is get them adjusted to properly match your arm length and height (if their not already it looks off to me but your moving around a lot) if you have to use the medical model, although my favorite has been the smart crutch model, their really expensive but have been worth it for me. It also might be worth getting padding for the arm cuffs, when I was younger my arms barely fit in the cuff and it made it far more wobbly. The thing that really gets it for me though is to use the arm cuff as a fulcrum, you should try pushing your hands forwards on the handle so your forearm presses against the cuff and length of the crutch, its much more stable as you have two points of control, and should make it so your muscles aren't just trying to maintain a static position that's uncomfortable, but that's just my experience. (edit) also noticed you move them separate from your foot, not an amputee so I don't know how possible this is but if you move one crutch in line with your foot it tends to be easier, with two legs I'm supposed to use the crutch on the opposite side to compensate for my bad leg, so i use my right arm to compensate for my left leg.
Try tightening the forearm clips so you can just manage to slip your arm free. I closed my left forearm clip entirely with velcro for more support. Keep up the good work, Jo!
@Morgan Thorne Thanks so much for this thorough response. No one in my fam is using these currently, but I’m sure we will, & I appreciate this explanation.
I’m literally about to get some Kmina Pros next week ❤ I’ve been broke for 3 years and I can’t wait! When I was a cane person, the brand version changed my life
I can’t use crutches currently (barely use a walking frame like crutches) due to dislocations but I used to be super fast on those (elbow crutches is what we called them but everyone else is correct in saying forearm crutches), however, I knew with underarm crutches to NOT use your armpits so I was stable on them except they rubbed and hurt (fragile skin) so forearm were the same for me. I have seen others with really good suggestions on how to adjust your crutches and while I never actively did those things they all make sense to me as how you are using them isn’t what I did….. so I say follow them! If you’re still unstable, maybe make sure you’re using underarm crutches correctly (they shouldn’t touch your arm pits) and when you are switch over slowly…. Good luck!!!
I knew one person who used them. However, unaided they were somewhat unstable when they walked, but did put weight on both legs. For them it was more about stability because one leg wasn’t fully mobile.
Well, for one thing, have the right size cuff. I bought a set that have more than one size cuff available, because they feel more secure if your arms don't just slip out. You can't also get padding for the inside of the cuff, so they fit more securely. Then make sure they're adjusted correctly. Not just the handgrip to floor height, but also the had handgrip to elbow distance. I don't feel safe with underarm crutches, honestly.
My dad is a full leg amputee and he never liked forearm crutches as they were uncomfortable and limited his ability to use his arms freely to do tasks while standing. Instead he has used full length "under armpit" crutches. He has spent 50 years on these crutches now, and has only started using a wheel chair as age kicked in.
Spent a ton of time on that specific set myself. Learned to walk on them 😎 differential extensions on a dip bar for strong support muscles and off to the races
It's hard to tell from a video, but they look like they may not be adjusted properly.
Standing naturally, arms at your side, the grip should be at the height of your wrist (the first crease). Yours look a bit too tall since you're putting them out at an angle when moving. They should be comfortable going straight down. I noticed it in the other video you posted too.
The second fit point is the forearm cuff. It should be 3-4 fingers width below your elbow. You want it high enough to be stable and low enough to have full range of motion.
I used to have those crutches - I think all of us who use crutches did! - they are not the best and will always feel a bit "loose" I guess? Basically, you can feel the adjustable parts moving when you walk. It makes noise and is a pain in the ass.
I don't know what tips you have on them, but those can make a big difference too. Thomas Fetterman, a crutch user since like the 1960s or something, has some amazing tips called Tornado Tips. Literally, every crutch user I know uses them and they're sold with pretty much all of the higher-end crutches. They're about $40, so not a huge investment but a lot more stable, won't slip as easily, etc.
Finally, it takes time to feel comfortable. You're doing something new. I was a wobbly baby giraffe for weeks when learning to use mine, and now I hike on pretty rugged terrain. Be patient with yourself, you will get used to them :)
I also found having a wider grip for my hands helped. I wrapped a flannel (face cloth) around the hand grips and secured with two hair ties a piece and that made me feel a whole lot more stable 🙂
You must have watched the same video I just watched! Lol! That's exactly what I thought too!
This is exactly what I was coming to say! Adjust a little lower, and fiddle with the forearm grip, and you'll be in way better shape.
Replying to bump your comment
You can also get padding for the forearms, some even come with velcro straps to make it feel more secure.
like morgan thorne explained, they are way too high right now :) since morgan wrote such a great explanation I won't bother, just read that one. love your videos.
Right?!? These are sooo high I can’t imagine how hard she is working to propel on these
I came here to say that. I hurt my ankle a year ago and I could barely walk until my boyfriend told me my crutches were way too high 😅
Awesome Bearty!! Would love to hold That Stump awhile!
Those crutches are the only crutches available here in Denmark, so I’ve never tried anything else. I just got used to it when I had no other choice. I’m disabled now and can’t use them anymore. My way around that now is using a walker. I have an awesome one that I’ve put loads of amazing stuff on so it isn’t boring. I’m 37 and don’t want my aids to make me feel sad, so I spruce up what I can. Especially around Christmas 🎄
You can get the ones she mentioned in Germany. But doctors also hestitate to give them out here because the can mess with blood circulation and nerves if not padded properly (and the padding is gone quickly). Usually you only get them when problems with you hands an wrists don't allow the other model.
@@inkenhafner7187 thanks, I didn’t know that 😃 and hi Germany 🇩🇪 See you in a little bit 🎄
Walkers are actually amazing- wish I’d gotten one years before I did. Which one do you use?
U can get them in Ireland and England
I have seen people use just one usually it is the kind of crutch that is under the armpit
I have used this for literal years. I got you boo! You can adjust these ones in height, and yours are wayyyy to tall right now causing you to point them outwards. If I remember correctly the part where you put your hands should be same height as your hips. That way you can use them more parallel to your legs instead of the Bambi effect 😂 Maybe adjust and experiment, they can be more comfortable than this I guarantee you.
Like others are saying you need to adjust the height a bit. I found learning to balance on them really helpful when first using them, plus you’ll get insanely toned arms
Stability is found in stacking joints. You want your wrists in line with your elbows and shoulders and to effectively be pushing straight down while your body swings through. You can't do that if they're too tall or too short.
Also closed cuffs are a lot more comfortable and they leave your hands free. You do get open/close crutches so you may be able to adjust the ones you already have.
One thing I've always had help me when I'm using my forearm crutches is to make sure that my wrists are tilted in such a way that the back of the crutches are firmly pressed against my arms no matter how I move them. At first it might feel as if it would get uncomfortable after a while, but you'll find after trying it that it doesn't actually get uncomfortable at all. I totally psyched myself out of using my crutches for the first few months of having them because they felt so unstable, but after I figured out how to grip them to make them feel more like extensions of my arms, rather than some weird foreign attachment to my clothes or body, it got so much easier to use them.
This is what I would do as well, constantly have the backs touching you, I got pretty fast and stable in them once I figured that out
Yes as a disabled person this makes sense
A lot have to do with the height. Put the crutches next to your leg and your wrist should be next to the handle.
That’s what I was thinking!
Aside from the needed adjustments, another tip would be to get crutches that are designed so the "elbow cuffs" don't immediately fall off when you're not gripping on to the crutches. There's some that have a more closed cuff (not fully closed) so you can use your hands (to maybe open a door or get your keys) without crutches falling off or having to make sure they're leaning on to a wall or smth
The amount of times that my arms just flew out of those is insane
Seems like a great opportunity to collaborate with one Josh Sunquist!
I was just thinking the same thing!
I was about to say the same
He's so cool and he and his wife seem so nice :')
Pad out the arm rings, the bruises around my arms from a night out were insane. It also makes them feel more solid because they don't wobble as much around your arms. Two thin layers of foam one firm one more gentle then fabric wrapped around each side (the wrist support sock things work quite well)
Gloves are a big help, like bicycle gloves is what I use, and I think the main thing is always confidence.
Bicycle gloves saved my life! Awesome suggestion. I forgot about them until you mentioned it.
I think adjusting them to be lower will help a lot. These types of crutches are incredibly wobbly if adjusted wrong, so you really have to try what works for you. From the video I think you need to go down 1 or 2 notches. For stability you can also add grips to the handles (like you would for a bike). The things that go around your arms should also either be tighter or just not around your arm all the way (mine for example cup a bit less than half my arm and I prefer it that way).
I'm sure with some practice you'll get there. I never had the ones under my armpits, so I wouldn't be able to work those right away either.
Jo: "these crutches make me feel like a wobbly baby deer."
Also jo: does gymnastics with crutches.
Love the energy and good luck getting use to the crutches 💙
I absolutely love forearm crutches! They are one of my favorite mobility tools.
Smart crutch. Adjustable for arm and shoulder. Best I've found so far. The handles move to fit how you crutch
Yes! I love my Smart Crutches! The very best I’ve used.
Jo, the first thing I’ve noticed is you have the wrong size forearm cups, those are way to big for your arms, getting a smaller size would make them more stable. As others have said pad the grips (bicycle handlebar tape is good), and pad the arm cups, I used the sponge from foam arm slings (cut a slot in the cover and then stretch over the cups). Keep up the great videos. Hope this helps from one long term crutches user to another.
If your going to start using those more often I recommended socks on the handles to help with grip and to stop blisters
I also have the weird flex of being great on crutches. A talent I totally forgot I had and hopefully won’t have to use again anytime soon
I have used both types, and I prefer the forearm crutches. I don't like the ones under my arms, because they can impede the blood flow to your arms. You can easily bruise the armpits. I have never felt unstable with the forearm crutches. You do have to build your upper body strength, and they will help you do that. Going from one to the other, I Guess they could be that much different, but I started out using them when I lost my leg. I love the mobility of the forearm crutches. Raise your arms, and the crutch stays with you. With underarm crutches, when you raise your arm, the crutch falls away. It just takes practice to get used to them.
They look really tall for you. I’ve been on forearm crutches for a year now, and i feel very stable because I can put weight against the wrist part.
Whenever I've used crutches i mostly felt "stable" because of momentum. I always felt pretty solid with putting some force behind my movement. But then again I'm also clumsy af so rather than stable I guess the better description would be I'd feel "in the groove" until I'd hit something that knocks be out of that groove lmao.
Pad the hand grips too, they cause blisters like heck x
I used them when I got a bone taken out of my foot (for pain management, it didn’t really help) and for me it was just leaning into them and having my body do like an A shape (you can go really fast with them that way). We don’t have the underarm crutches in Germany so I can’t say if there is much of a difference 😅
I was using them for back pain and I was also struggling until I went into my work and a coworker who was at uni for physical therapy noticed they were too tall and adjusted then for me. It makes a huge difference to have them adjusted to the right height! I have to adjust them to my shoes as well if I'm wearing chunky shoes.
Based on my experience, I would say that adding some padding to close the gap between your forearms and the forearm-grips is crucial. That change alone was enough to take me from wobbly to stable.
I used some flexible 1/8th inch thick foam from a craft store, layered up to the right thickness using some spray adhesive, some double sided tape to attach the foam to the grips, and a razor knife to trim the foam to size once it was in place. Cheap, comfortable, and effective.
Edit: I should add that I left just enough of a gap at the front that it was easy to pop my forearms out on purpose, but unlikely to happen by accident. Start with a small gap and cut it larger a little at a time until it feels right.
Lower height helps! I know many have said that too, but i thought i'd add my tips. I use arm crutches for short distances, and a wheelchair to get about. My experience goes as follows.
-If its too low, your back will HURT.
-if it's too high, your shoulders will ache very soon after beginning your walk, and you'll be unsteady.
-no matter what, eventually, you will start the process of building calluses where you rest your hands.
-try not to swing your body too far forward on slick surfaces like wood or tile, you can and will slingshot yourself forward and your crutches wont be there to help you.
Gope that can help a little
I was though to use them and your injured leg as the "three musketeers" so they always move together. And also height, the crutches have to be at a height that "feels natural" (your shoulders should stay at the same height as normally). Hope this helps :)
Nurse responding here. Adjust the hand grip about 2 to 3 holes lower, per Morgan's explanation. It should put the cuff about 2 fingers below your elbow. The crutches shouldn't be posed out to the side. They should be a lot closer in. You'll have full range of motion from the elbows but you'll feel more comfortable doing the pass through the crutches. You will be wobbly for a bit until you adjust. They are better for the nerves in the armpit. Adjust, practice in a close space like a hallway in case you lose balance. And they are easier on stairs.
Morgan Thorne really hit every point that should be considered! my brother is a all-time crutch user (European, so we only have forearm ones) and he does sports in them. the rubber tips and the forearm cuffs really are the most important things, but what he says is very berry underestimated most of the times is the plastic piece you hold onto, the grip. he reinforced it with skin friendly breathable foam and then chaged the grip to a different shaped one. (I'm not sure what it's called in other languages since it's German manufactured but it's L shaped to ensure that your hand doesn't slip out and it can be reinforced with special gloves that you can get tied to the grip). :) love your videos, and thank you for being so open about this part of your life, it does a great deal normalising such matters and drawing awereness to them!
Hello! I was born with a physical disability called spina bifida and have used forearm crutches like those for the past 16 years.
My biggest tip would be to buy better rubber tips for the end of the crutches than the ones they come with. My favorite brand is Tornado crutch tips with the rain slip guard.
It's a chunkier rubber tip so there is more weight at the end, but it provides more cushion and traction. And they usually last me about a year (and I am using my crutches on a daily basis).
I also find that having some type of thick padding on the handles of my crutches absolutely necessary. I usually use a couple layers of mole skin (thick, soft, and has a sticker backing so it's easy to put on and stays in place). It helps with the pain in your palms and with calluses a bit.
I've also tried yoga mat gloves that have built in padding in the palms and a tiny bit of wrist support. (Not my favorite, but an idea to try).
Also, play around with the height of the crutches. I prefer the top of the crutch to hit just below my elbow, but have met some people who like it to sit mid forearm. Go with the one that feels most comfortable and stable to you.
I've just recently found your channel but have really enjoyed every video I've seen. Awesome job!
I have used these for years prior to being confined to a wheelchair after suffering from a TBI. The key is to lean your forearms against the back of the cuff. Bicycle/Weightlifter gloves with padding on the palm will minimise your blisters/callouses but you will not fully avoid them if you're using the crutches full time or long term. Making sure you have adequate wrist, elbow, and shoulder strength and flexibility is a MUST. You'll be sore at first. Ensure the crutches are properly extended to your height. The cuff should be halfway to two-thirds of the way up your arms. Also, make sure you have a good tip on the bottom if you're going to be using these for long distances or on gravelly or uneven surfaces. I recommend the "Tornado Tips" for that.
Heya! Longtime forearm crutch user, there are tips that are much wider that provide a bigger surface area. There are also crutches that provide a more horizontal plane for your forearms. Also making sure that the center of balance is behind the crutch is important for crutch fit. If any of these sound like they can help, lmk I can expand on them more indepth. 🤘🏻
I have used these crutches since I lost my lower left leg. Bend in the top cuffs so they are tighter on your arms. Just squeeze the circular cuffs so the gap is smaller.
Best of luck Jo!
Hi! I use forearm crutches on a daily, here's what I found helps keep me more stable!
1. Correctly adjusted. The handles should be the same height as your wrists, with your arms straight against your body. And three figures below your elbow.
2. I tend to be wayyyy more stable if I have the kind that have a wider, flat back in between the handle and top of the cuff. Like a lot that you see on Amazon.
3. Flexible grips! Lots of crutches come with harder rubber tips that dont have any give. I found that replacing those with a softer more flexible rubber gives a ton more stability.
And lastly
4. Brand and reviews count! I got my crutches off Amazon, they're the BigAlex foldable ones. Their rubber tips suck but they're super easy to replace. Another high quality brand is Kmina. They're fantastic but don't have a cuff that goes all the way around your firearms. However they make padding for them that has a cuff. It's just more expensive to get the crutches and the padding. Both are the same quality, but I found the the Kmina wide tips are superrrr stable. The BigAlex and Kmina brand are the only two I could find with thousands of reviews and 4½ stars.
Hope this helps!!
I was born with my physical disability (Spina Bifida) and used forearm crutches up until I was around fifteen when I transitioned into using a manual wheelchair. Now I’ve always been known for having massive upper body strength because I’ve used my upper body to compensate for my legs my whole life. I’ve tried under arm crutches before and they don’t really compare to forearm crutches. You’re using completely different muscles with forearm crutches and it takes your body time to build up strength. Even though I’ve never stopped using my arms and they’re still massively strong, if I went back to walking full time with forearm crutches it would take awhile for my arms to adjust. You are not just using your biceps when you walk with forearm crutches.
Get in touch with Josh Sundquist! He had a lot of videos about crutches years ago. I’m sure they are still on his channel!
My physical therapist carefully tried to teach me how to use those but I never felt physically stable on them nor the standard cain even with two legs hence my therapist came to the conclusion that I needed a different kind of device for outdoor activity, I'm somewhat fine indoors but outdoors on uneven unfamiliar surfaces not so good, I use a semi custom device outdoors. I wish I could offer some helpful advice as to how to use those safely but I nearly fell multiple times during my attempt. Love you're energy and candor keep up the good work! ❤️
Get them adjusted for your size...they're too tall right now. Also, put all your weight in your hands/palms, like you would with your feet.
You already use those now so much better than I ever could. You are so strong!!
Ive been using them since 1998. I was born with CP waist down. Tried a walker, under arm crutches then found these at 8 years old. I LOVE these. Its no trick to em. I used to teach others how I do it. Just trust your arms. I do not rely on my legs at all. All my weight is on my arms. I have leg braces of course, but I trust my arms far more. Maybe for starting out try closed cuff crutches it will help you feel more secure
Hi, hope your forearm is ok.
There is those who cling hard with their fingers in order to controll the crutces. But you dont need to.
My english is not "complete" , but I will try.
The "bay" between thumb and connecting finger is the only point to be conectet to the bar at all times.
This gives you loose fingergrip, so you rest your forvarm and avoid sweaty hands.
When walking, push down on handlebar, no need to grip it. To lift, simple aply a loose bend to fingers so the bar can rest inside it.
This tecnik have helped me a lot. I never have had a need for any kind of padding. Since my fingers is active instead of static, i rearly need gloves in winter.
I am sorry about any misspellings.
I have never used that type of crutch. I just want to say I love your attitude. You brightly ask questions without letting something new hold you back. I bet you’ll soon be an expert with these crutches!
Once the height is adjusted properly, as many other commentators have noted, you'll want to place the crutch tips closer to your body, so there's a straight line from your shoulder down the crutch, perpendicular to the ground. This means that you can, by keeping your body weight over your crutch tips, do much less work to stay balanced. You'll still need to develop some balance muscles, but it will become much easier.
1. Like others have said, you seem to have them too high. Stand up straight (ideally with your prosthetic on to be standing even and full height) and set the crutch handle to be level with where your palm meets your wrist.
2. Try taking a smaller swing, underarm crutches are higher up and have a much larger swing on each step than forearm ones so if that's what you're used to try taking smaller steps.
Apart from them being too high as already mentioned, I find there's a technique involved. I like to lock my arms to my side from shoulder to elbow. Also where you place your weight is important, you want to press down straight towards the floor, not press on them from a sloping angle if that makes sense. You'll be a pro in no time though, once you get the hang of them you'll be pulling some really cool moves! Happy hopping :-)
Try pushing down on your hands and back with your elbows back into the arm cuffs if that makes any sense… been suffering from severe nerve pain for 5 years wishing I could get an amputation… love what you share with us! Thank you!
I have a lot of experience with these crutches. I have a joint disease and regular crutches were too short for me at the time, and by the time regular crutches finally fit me I was used to these forearm crutches.
make sure the rubber ends make at least 80% touchdown before taking a step. keeping them like a straight line down your side closer to your hips as if they are an extention of your arms. once you get used to the way you move around in them you won't need to keep them so close to your body. make sure going up they are about where you're arms would normally rest with your hips put perfectly between the crutches. hope this helps
A potential alternative to traditional forearm crutches are Smart Crutches, they're similar, but the shape/design is definitely different. I use just one as a psuedo-cane, I know other disabled people who use both. I personally find it very comfortable and less painful on my hand/wrists than a regular cane. Worth looking them over and deciding yourself if they'd be a good fit
In Germany these are the norm and unfortunately I have some experience.
First tip: if you don't want your hands to hurt and want a better grip: use biking gloves. You can also put them over thin normal gloves, when it get's cold.
Tip 2: make sure they are the right hight.
Tip 3: you need a sturdy grip. Use the marked places for your fingers, if your hands - like mine - are too small, grip a bit to the back rather than to the front.
Tip 4: when you need your hands free, have them facing each othe wit the handles building kind of a mini platform and put the non-walking leg on top (so you basically rest your leg on the cruches, while storing them away)
And then it just takes practice and training. The first days are the worst for the arms 😅
Open cuff crutches are guaranteed to have you fall face first into the corner of something sharp at some point...buy either closed cuff crutches or those with a cuff that only have an inch or two of separation at the opening.
You can also buy replacement feet for your crutches that aren't so hard and make each step a bit less abrupt/more natural feeling. They have a thicker base to them for cushioning purposes. Also, there are different sizes of crutch cuff for some brands, different widths available. Research is a must.
I'm exactly the same as you. After 50 years, i still use the old wooden crutches like the ones i came out of hospital with. I've never felt safe on the modern types. Three falls on the end of my stump told me i NEVER wanted to do that again. That.... is extreme pain, far worse than a night of Phantom pain.
I have ones with wider ergonomic handgrips, they are awesome
I have no suggestions but I wish you the best at learning these new crutches
I am a 75 yr old polio survivor. I've used forearm crutches forever & much prefer them to underarm crutches. They do take time to feel "stable", but I have an observation to make about the fit of the cuffs on your forearm crutches. My cuffs are snug enough that the crutches do not fall off my arm when raising my arm, like reaching for a door handle. My cuffs are loose enough my arm can pull through the cuff if needed. I might end up with a bruise but won't break my arm. Hope this makes sense. P.S. I also agree with those commenting re:the height of your crutches is too high.
I've only ever used them to take load off strained feet I could stand on but wanted to let rest/introduce load to carefully. Our experiences may wary.
However, I've found a hip forward lean to help. And a shuffle where the crutches break the momentum of the lean, and where the foot is not extended beyond the crutches.
Foot on ground: stable crutch triangle, crutches forward, follow with hip, follow with foot, stable crutch triangle.
If you really want to risk stability for speed, you need to add elevation when the foot comes forward so that the foot makes a jump and catches itself.
If it is arm strength that is your issue, wrists are effectively locked off and only take z axis loads. This disengages muscles and removes any mechanical arm (leverage) from the wrists. It should be all elbow over wrist over palm, like the legs have hip over femur over knee over shin over ankle over foot - and thus the system can take the load for hours.
It feels like a bit awkward proclaiming how to do a thing when in all the experiences I've had, I've have had a spare leg to stand on, even if that could possibly involve pain.
I used those after I sprained my foot. Literally, I sprained the arch of my foot, and those were a lifesaver. You really have to get the length just right. Imagine you're setting the height of a walker.
In the UK, as far as I know, these are the only crutches given to patients (under the NHS anyway). My biggest tip you can try in my opinion is try not to swing as much. Take smaller strides as big strides in these types of crutches can make you swing and loose a lot of stability. I honestly think it’s something you just get used to, so if you’d like to use them my best recommendation is try using them for as long as possible everyday instead of the ones you are comfortable with. Once comfortable you can switch between them or use these types permanently. 🤷♀️
if you can try out SmartCrutches without buying them first, I highly recommend them. they're *super* adjustable, so you can change the angle you're using them at quickly and easily, for example. I have mine set up to use as a cane, as I only use one at a time.
A different rubber tip might also help. i've tried a few different ones, and now I have ones that help disperse the impacts against the ground, which helps my arms and back a *lot*
best of luck!
I use these crutches daily due to my hEDS and one thing that has helped is to get hair ties and put them around the open part of the arm. It just gives that extra level of comfort and safety.
I wear “Combo Stix” by a company called M+D. They are a bit on the heavier side but sooooooo much more stable with sorta “all terrain” rubber bottoms as well as cushioning for the forearms. I feel safer walking with them than with any other upright device 👍🏻
i use smart crutches which has a similar design and i feel they are definitely more stable. i can bare weight on both legs so my needs are a little different, but i definitely feel more secure when i can brace against my forearms more.
I use these crutches pretty regularly and survived my first semester of college on them so here's what i can say:
- clench ur abs. fr like its a little bit your arms but if you can use your abs to be more stable: do it. it took me like a solid week or so before i felt more confident but like. the grip isnt in ur wrists or anything (the regular hand holds hurts a lot long term and i u kind of just have to get used to it imo) its tensing ur abs. if this makes sense
- wrap a regular hairband around the openings of the arm cuffs. then u can lean on one and grab something with your other hand while the crutch holds onto ur arm! (this primarily works for me because my main issue is lots of weight bearing so i can stand on two feet and use both hands but i think it can still apply!)
- as others have said, i definitely recommend lowering the crutches more than u have now! mine are comfortable a little lower than the recommended height of around ur hip-height, and i'm 5'5".
best of luck! these have been a lifesaver for me and they just take some more practice than the other kind :)
I have a btk on my left leg due to a severe infection and my team said no to crutches as they are too unstable. You are giving me hope 💕
I used Canadian crutches (that's what they're called) as a kid. As a lot of others keep saying, you need to adjust the height and the cuff to better suit your height and arm width. Morgan Thorne explained it really well in text format, Josh Sundquist probably has a similarly decent visual explanation. Hope you're able to use them comfortably soon!
I'd love to know too. If I need crutches again I'd love an alternative to the typical ones here. I'd always have bruises from them.
I hope you end up being a pro with these too 🎉
I have been using them for years now. I won’t use anything else but you have to get the right kind and make sure there are a few modifications that really help.
I was on these types for sixth months and I’ve just had to come back on them again. Best advice I can give is to adjust to the proper height. Also you can get much nicer handles to go on them to not only make you feel more secure but they mould to your hand better to ease arm ache.
I have also found that sometimes putting one of the crutches down slightly before the other can help me be more stable. That way I have more control over where my crutches are landing to avoid slip ups or catching onto things
Smart Crutches are so the way the go if you can get them! They're so good and stable!
I was going to suggest them if no one else had!
in addition to making them lower (as others mentioned before) try to always keep your shoulders in one line with your hands and the „foot of the crutch“. Both forward and sideways angle. For that you should have to have your elbows just ever so lightly bent but keeping the same angle through the step.
And you can try tilting your wrist slightly so you have the pressure point more towards thumb and index. This helps to push the back of the crutch against your arm. (Don‘t try pushing your arm back into the crutches, this leads to a „chase your tail“ kinda situation and makes you less stable.)
You can also try different hand positions like all the way back against the pole or all the way forward. I like both of them better than a centered grip.
I think maybe adjusting the height so that your crutches reach the ground with your hands just resting on the holder thingys would really help, and also I personally have a prosthetic and walk with one, but it helps me to move the lofstrand, then my legs, then the lofstrand, and so on, as you would with skating. It takes a lot of getting used to if you do decide to start using them, but also remember to take frequent breaks and maybe get gloves or something to put in between your hands and the crutch, you get bad blisters and calluses very quickly. Lofstrands are a lot easier to use than a wheelchair and are very easy to get around with and are personally my absolute favorite tool to use. Be VERY careful on wet or slick floors, I've fallen dozens of times and it gives your really bad bruises and could probably break your arm if falling with enough force. Good luck :D
It's so beautifuly explained, I can just agree.
But I have a small suggestion: try to get ones, that hold on to your arm, with the upper part more shaped like a ring. These are uncommon here (don't know how it is where you live) but I got these kind in Spain when I broke my leg there (20 years ago, time is running so fast 😭😭😭) and it makes opening doors, putting on a backpack and just life in general so much easier!
If you have spare pennies for them, I recommend either Smart Crutches or Ergobaums. I have a pair of ergos and they kept me on my feet another couple of years. If you can't get them yet, get Flexifeet. They give you suspension and stay in flat contact with the floor until you lift them (rather than tilting through the edges) which gives you a lot more stability and increases the life of your ferrules.
Tighten the arm cuffs. The cool thing you should be able to do is to let go raise your arm and have the Canadian crutches on your arm barley. Try different heights. Looks like you might be a tiny bit tall. Shorter might be better. The hills, stairs and ramps are where you will love the elbow bend for climbing and deciding. Press forward so your arm is tight against the backside of the arm cuff. Good contact with the arm cuff will reduce the strain on your hands and wrist. Use the arm cuffs to the max is my best advice. They are the stability component. Some of my friends actually use a Velcro strap for their arm cuffs.
When I was a kid, I used them in a walking motion. (Kinda like you're swinging your arms in the natural walking motion. My advice to you, if you still feel unstable with them, try to replace the single rubber tips with wider 4 corner tips so they take up more surface area.
I love this type of crutch and absolutely cannot get on with the underarm style.
I would recommend experimenting with the adjustments to find what works for you.
Back in my teens when I was using them full time for several years I found that I needed to tweak length depending where I was walking.
Generally I kept them a notch or two longer than my physio said they should be. For me this gave a longer stride and much greater speed. But then going up hill I would shorten them notch below recommendation to help keep my arms at a comfortable angle on the forward stroke.
As with so many things in life practice and tweaking to find your sweet spot is the answer.
Please look at smart crutches! They are amazing give so much stability. They are fit to you based on the measurement chart. Definitely worth looking in to.
I have used these multiple times. Make sure they are the right hight. When you are standing the handle should be the at the hight of your hand while the crutches are parallel to your leg.
Yours seem slightly to high, but that might also be a personal preference. Hope you can make them work for you :)
I believe that the more you use them the more stable you will feel just like just about any other skill there is miss gorgeous Footlessjo!!!❤❤❤❤❤❤
I added a band of velcro to mine. That way when I was grabbing something, opening a door (etc.) it wouldn’t fall off my arms! Game changer
Fill the bottom of the crutches, with weight you may need to go to a metal workshop or they can add attach some weight to the outside of canes. Check first PT therapist to be sure they are adjusted correctly. I’m a pro too with crutches, but arthritis in shoulders and elbows I can’t use them but for very short distances, so it was a wheelchair.
We only use these types of crutches in the UK. You can wrap something soft round the hand grip because your hands can hurt putting your weight on them ❤
I occasionally turn mine around so that the bar is actually in front of my arm. It sounds odd but it gives the feeling a stable barrier or railing to help keep you from tipping. Just like the difference of walking on a 12 inch path 6 inches off the ground and walking a 12 inch path 40 feet in the air. It's the same path but you have the sense of security of being ok in a fall...same for your crutches, if you're feeling unstable, turn them around for a bit to give you that sense of security...make sure they're adjusted to not throw off your gait when you turn them around.
Make sure the cuffs are properly fitted to you. Properly fitted cuffs should NOT allow your arm to slip through the front AT ALL. You should have to slip in from the top but still have room for your arm to flex and move.
Also, WRIST STRENGTH IS SO IMPORTANT TO ANY CRUTCH USE. I hope this helps. Best of luck.
you can take a ponytail holder and place it across the arm part where they flare out a little to keep your arms in. or use zip ties. you can also wear weight lifting gloves with grippy stuff on them.
It always kinda amazes me that these arm pit crutches are way more common outside of Europe. Being a physical therapist in Germany, I have literally never worked with arm pit crutches, there's very few cases where hospitals or doctors do not hand out forearm crutches to patients here. I think this is due to the possible pressure on nerves and blood vessels that arm pit crutches can cause, leading to numbness or other kinds of paraesthesia. Our forearm crutches do look a little different tho, but I feel like yours are just not properly adjusted and might be a little too long.
Arm put crutches shouldn’t actually touch your arm pit. They’re designed to rest on the side of the chest wall, about 2” (5cm) below your pits. The support from the chest wall provides far superior balance and thus they’re easier to use for many patients, especially children and the elderly.
The reason they’re rare in Europe is space. They stick out further from your body, they’re awkward to fit in small cars, and narrow spaces are just a bit harder to get through with underarm versus forearm.
(I’m a trained product designer who’s father designed surgical tools for 30 years. That combo creates a lot of very interesting conversations with medical professionals, especially my ortho. It was fascinating, as a crutch-user, to learn so much about these things. I used underarm for 4-5 years total and I’ve been on forearm crutches for a decade now.)
@@thecraftycyborg9024 thanks for your explanation! 😊
On top of adjusting the fit, something you can also try: turn the wrists a bit more outwards, ie so that the back of your hand and your arm are almost straight. That way you lean and balance less on your bones and rely more on the grip strength. This is more strenuous but gives a bit more control from the wrists. It might not be a good solution for long term use though if you get tired.
Keep your elbows in and slightly bent. And taking smaller “steps” and having your hand right above the end of the crutch helps with stability too.
Hi @FootlessJo
When I was using those crutchers I found that making them a little shorter & having them a little closer to my body helped stability. All the best!
Crutch user of nearly 7 years here using only forearm crutches due to circulation issues. My first tip is get them adjusted to properly match your arm length and height (if their not already it looks off to me but your moving around a lot) if you have to use the medical model, although my favorite has been the smart crutch model, their really expensive but have been worth it for me. It also might be worth getting padding for the arm cuffs, when I was younger my arms barely fit in the cuff and it made it far more wobbly. The thing that really gets it for me though is to use the arm cuff as a fulcrum, you should try pushing your hands forwards on the handle so your forearm presses against the cuff and length of the crutch, its much more stable as you have two points of control, and should make it so your muscles aren't just trying to maintain a static position that's uncomfortable, but that's just my experience.
(edit) also noticed you move them separate from your foot, not an amputee so I don't know how possible this is but if you move one crutch in line with your foot it tends to be easier, with two legs I'm supposed to use the crutch on the opposite side to compensate for my bad leg, so i use my right arm to compensate for my left leg.
Try tightening the forearm clips so you can just manage to slip your arm free. I closed my left forearm clip entirely with velcro for more support. Keep up the good work, Jo!
@Morgan Thorne Thanks so much for this thorough response. No one in my fam is using these currently, but I’m sure we will, & I appreciate this explanation.
I’m literally about to get some Kmina Pros next week ❤ I’ve been broke for 3 years and I can’t wait! When I was a cane person, the brand version changed my life
I can’t use crutches currently (barely use a walking frame like crutches) due to dislocations but I used to be super fast on those (elbow crutches is what we called them but everyone else is correct in saying forearm crutches), however, I knew with underarm crutches to NOT use your armpits so I was stable on them except they rubbed and hurt (fragile skin) so forearm were the same for me. I have seen others with really good suggestions on how to adjust your crutches and while I never actively did those things they all make sense to me as how you are using them isn’t what I did….. so I say follow them! If you’re still unstable, maybe make sure you’re using underarm crutches correctly (they shouldn’t touch your arm pits) and when you are switch over slowly…. Good luck!!!
I knew one person who used them. However, unaided they were somewhat unstable when they walked, but did put weight on both legs. For them it was more about stability because one leg wasn’t fully mobile.
Well, for one thing, have the right size cuff. I bought a set that have more than one size cuff available, because they feel more secure if your arms don't just slip out. You can't also get padding for the inside of the cuff, so they fit more securely.
Then make sure they're adjusted correctly. Not just the handgrip to floor height, but also the had handgrip to elbow distance.
I don't feel safe with underarm crutches, honestly.
Here in the Netherlands, pads for the arm cuffs are available. This increases comfort and reduces free space in the cuff.
Look into smart crutches! They have padding to increase comfort and the amount of contact. Plus the angle can change, they're absolutely amazing
My dad is a full leg amputee and he never liked forearm crutches as they were uncomfortable and limited his ability to use his arms freely to do tasks while standing. Instead he has used full length "under armpit" crutches. He has spent 50 years on these crutches now, and has only started using a wheel chair as age kicked in.
Spent a ton of time on that specific set myself. Learned to walk on them 😎 differential extensions on a dip bar for strong support muscles and off to the races
Turn them around
I used to have to use crutches for two years at school.
The simple act of turning them 180 degree’s made life a lot easier