20% off your first Autoship!*

Underarm Crutches, Forearm Crutches, Knee Crutches, and More

For rehabilitation after leg, ankle, foot, and hip injuries or surgeries, or for long-term use due to a mobility condition, crutches may be used to provide support and promote independence. The crutches found at Vitality Medical are all top quality from the best mobility aid brands like Drive Medical, ErgoActives, McKesson, and many others. Vitality Medical’s wide product range allows patients to choose the best crutch fit for individual body types and specific conditions. Shop walking crutches for children and adults, forearm crutches, and knee crutches within this comprehensive inventory. Additionally, customers will find additional crutch accessories needed at Vitality Medical for comfort and safety like crutch pads and non-skid crutch tips.

There are some important things to consider when selecting the right arm crutches. Select the crutch that will provide the best fit for the condition and body type, as well as the style that offers the most comfort. When choosing the appropriate crutches, it’s also important to select a product that will encourage proper posture to prevent muscle pain.

Any of these crutch styles can be used by individuals who have general imbalance issues or have weak lower limbs:

  • Walking crutches, such as axilla crutches, are also known as basic underarm crutches. In-Motion Pro Crutches by Millennial Medical are some of the most popular options for short-term use.
  • Forearm crutches can be more comfortable options to accelerate a patient’s recovery after knee or foot surgery. Ergonomic crutches are designed to encourage proper posture and improve strength. This is important for short-term users but it's especially vital for long-term users with permanent or lifelong disabilities, such as cerebral palsy.
  • Knee Crutches may be preferred by amputees or for those undergoing foot surgeries to maintain mobility and independence. There are variations to knee crutch styles. Refer to the information below to help a patient select the perfect knee crutch based on his or her needs.

Understanding the Different Types and Selecting the Best Crutches

Basic Crutches

When needing a mobility aid after a sports injury or when recovering after an ankle or knee operation, walking crutches are the most common crutches for short-term use. Basic aluminum crutches, also referred to as “underarm crutches,” are the most popular crutches for short-term use and are very economical options. This type of crutch redistributes weight from the legs to the upper body by resting the crutch in the armpit with rubber underarm pads. It's important to adjust this crutch to the user's height by adding a two-finger width space under the armpit and adjusting the handgrip so it's level with the wrist bone.

The innovative Millennial In-Motion Pro relies less on underarm pressure to reduce underarm soreness. It offers an ergonomically designed underarm cradle, an angled grip, and spring-assist tip technology to absorb impact. This design will support proper posture and provide stability; it accommodates users between 4’7” and 7’2”.

Forearm Crutches

Forearm crutches, such as the Ergobaum Carbon Fiber Black Mamba style, may be selected for short-term use when recovering from foot or knee injuries, especially if traditional axilla crutches cause too much armpit pressure. These crutches can be used by anyone with balance issues, pain or arthritis in the legs, or general leg weakness. This style is most used for long-term use individuals who require daily walking assistance due to disabilities. It has an open cuff that wraps around the user's forearm to redistribute weight at the arms and a hand grip for stability. This style does require upper body strength and takes time to get used to.

Hands-Free Knee Crutches

A knee crutch helps facilitate movement after injury, surgery, or amputation. If a patient prefers a hands-free, stabilizing crutch, this style may be a great option. It eliminates the underarm pain and soreness that is often associated with traditional underarm crutches. Knee crutches are one-size-fits-most and adjust in thigh circumference and height.

These products often feature quick-release buckles as safety features; however, if stability is a concern, patients may want to opt for the wheeled Dual Pad Steerable Knee Walker from Drive Medical. The knee with the injured foot bends to comfortably rest on the pad. Because the user holds onto the handlebar (or tiller), this model provides increased stability. This feature also provides better balance and improved navigation: the user uses the other leg to walk with confidence. When stability is a concern, a knee walker option is the way to go.

Vitality Medical: A Go-To for Crutches and Great Customer Support

Shop Vitality Medical for crutches that will meet the needs of many different types of injuries, rehabilitation, and long-term crutch support. Product specialists are on hand to answer any questions customers may have via live chat and phone during business hours, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., seven days a week. Email Vitality Medical any time, 24/7. Enjoy 100% customer support, everyday low prices, and hassle-free returns.

Inspired by your history...