Date Published: September 9th, 2022
Forearm crutches are a walking aid that relies on the strength of the upper body. They are characterised by a plastic cuff that wraps around the forearm and is sometimes known as ‘elbow crutches’.
This type of crutch is most commonly used by those who rely on walking aids for long-term support. Therefore, you must know how to adjust forearm crutches. If adjusted incorrectly, you could face issues with your posture, lower back or neck.
If a healthcare professional has recommended you use forearm crutches, make sure to browse our selection of crutches with ergonomic grips and adjustable heights. At Millercare, your comfort is our top priority.
How do you adjust crutches to fit?
The ideal pair of crutches are lightweight, sit at the right height and have comfortable cuffs for your forearm to rest. Learning how to adjust forearm crutches may mean becoming familiar with their mechanisms. But don’t be daunted: it’s easy!
To begin adjusting your crutches, make sure your cuffs are in the correct position. You can check this by standing at your normal height and placing your arms through the cuffs. They should cover just below your elbow and be loose enough that you can still bend your arm.
If this isn’t the case, don’t worry. In most models of forearm crutches, there is a button located near the back of the cuff that allows you to adjust their height. Push it up or down and remember to check if these adjustments have improved your quality of comfort.
What is the proper height for forearm crutches?
If your elbows are bent or your shoulders pushing upwards, you will need to learn how to adjust the height of your forearm crutches. Crutches that are too high can be damaging to the neck, and shoulders, restricting your freedom of movement.
Similarly, if you find yourself hunched over or leaning forward, your forearm crutches are too low. This can put undue strain on your arms and increase the risk of back pain.
Therefore, the proper height for forearm crutches is entirely dependent on your height. To adjust them, hang your arms naturally while in a standing position. Make sure that the handle of your crutch sits directly in line with your wrist.
How to adjust crutches hand grip
One of the most common complaints about forearm crutches is pain caused by hand grips. While they redistribute a lot of your body weight into the forearms, your hands bear more of the burden than you think!
If your hand grip is causing you discomfort, there are adjustments you can make. For example, increased padding is a great way to provide extra cushioning for your hands. Crutch comfort pads will prevent blistering and reduce the impact of your body weight.
