Elbow Crutches FAQs
What are elbow crutches?
Elbow crutches are an essential stability aid that can help those recovering from or living with short-term and long-term mobility issues. Using elbow crutches can increase your independence and quality of life, whether you struggle walking because of an existing injury, disability or other medical condition.
Elbow crutches are two floor-length poles, typically made from sturdy materials like aluminium, each with a cuff that fits around the forearm and a handle the user holds onto for support.
They distribute the weight of the user's body between the forearms and the hands, providing extra stability and balance while walking.
How to use crutches?
Walking with crutches can be challenging initially. However, they will become much easier to use with time and adjustment. You must alter your crutches to accommodate your body better when you first receive them.
Ensure the top of your crutches sit approximately 1-2 inches below your armpits, and the handgrips align with your hips. Then, take your feet shoulder-width apart and place your crutches on either side of your body, holding the handgrips while the top area sits against your arms.
For maximum comfort, the cuffs must be snug against the forearms. Keeping your weight on your unaffected leg, move the crutch forward one step, then move your opposite foot forward.
We recommend avoiding leaning on the crutches as much as possible, taking small steps and keeping your weight on your unaffected leg while your affected leg swings through.
What types of crutches do you sell?
Here at Millercare, we sell both forearm and elbow crutches.
Elbow crutches, commonly known as ‘underarm crutches’, support the upper body by resting under the user’s underarms. The user places the cuff below the armpit and grips a hip-level handle for improved posture and better weight distribution.
Forearm crutches allow users greater freedom of movement. They are more suitable for tackling different terrains and require more upper-body strength to master.
Is it easy to use crutches on stairs?
Maintaining balance and safety while climbing stairs requires practice and coordination, so Millercare are here with our top tips.
If there is a railing available, use it! Hold onto your crutches with one hand and the railing with the other.
Whether you are travelling up or down, first, place your crutches on the step above or below you. Facing the stairs directly, keep weight on your good leg and place your weaker leg on the following step. Use your crutches to support your weight and swing your stronger leg forward.
If you want to travel upstairs, bring your good leg up to the same step as the crutches, then bring your injured leg up to the same step: repeat this pattern until you reach the top.
Travelling downstairs requires you to place the crutches on the step below you, then bring your injured leg down to the same step as the crutches, followed by your good leg.
Can I adjust the height of my crutches?
Yes, Millercare offers a selection of height-adjustable crutches for maximum mobility.
Using height-adjustable crutches can help reduce the risk of pain or discomfort, as you can perfectly tailor them to your height for a more ergonomic fit. They can promote greater posture and improve stability while decreasing the risk of falls or balance-related accidents.
Why buy elbow crutches from Millercare?
Choose Mlllercare for your elbow crutches because we are mobility specialists! We house only the leading brands, with products from Performance Health, Able 2, Trust Care and Aidapt waiting for you to browse.
Offering countless styles, sizes, colours and materials, you can find the best mobility aid to suit your personal needs and preferences.
Our team of experts are on-call to advise you on which product is right for you, and Millercare’s convenient and efficient online store means you can select and ship this product to your door from the comfort of your sofa.
