There are many types of mobility aids to suit different needs. But if it is painful to put weight onto a leg injury or you are struggling to maintain your balance, you might be looking to buy crutches as a temporary or long-term support to keep you comfortable, upright and mobile.

Which Types of Crutches Should I Use?

When using crutches, you transfer weight from your legs to your upper body. So, there are two types of crutches to choose from — underarm (elbow) or forearm.

If you have injured your leg, foot or ankle and your doctor recommends you temporarily use crutches, underarm crutches are commonly suggested as they are generally easier to use. Additionally, if you feel tired, you can rest your body weight on the underarm pads.

On the other hand, forearm crutches are often recommended for those with a long-term mobility disability such as cerebral palsy. This is because the pivot point is much lower, so less energy is required when you walk up or downstairs. Additionally, forearm crutches are shorter and less bulky than underarm crutches, which is useful to consider if you’re using them long-term in everyday situations.

Where to Buy Crutches?

NHS: If you have an injury, you may be lucky enough to receive crutches at the doctors or the hospital. But with a limited NHS budget and resources, this isn’t always possible.

Bayliss Mobility: At Bayliss Mobility, we offer a wide range of crutches. Choose from open cuff or closed cuff elbow crutches with a variety of features, including adjustable lengths, glow-in-the-dark, soft-grip and fashionable colours.Shop now.

Red Cross: The British Red Cross Society offer mobility aids for hire on a short-term basis. Get in touch with your local Red Cross store to see if they have crutches available.

How to Safely Use Crutches

Now you have your crutches, it’s important to know how to use them safely.

When standing up and sitting down, take your arms out of the crutches and hold them in one hand to avoid any shoulder injuries.

If you are not allowed to put weight onto your injured leg, place your crutches forward together and take the weight through your arms as you hop your uninjured leg up to the same level as the crutches. When walking, the foot on your injured leg must stay off the floor at all times.

Alternatively, if you are allowed to put weight onto your injured leg, place the crutches forwards together and then step your injured leg up to the crutches. Now, lean through your arms as you step you uninjured leg forward to the same level.

When climbing stairs, hold the bannister in one hand and your crutch in the other.

Bathing with a Leg Injury

If you have a leg injury, you’ll likely have a dressing cast, so how do you keep it dry as you shower? Our reusable waterproof cast and bandage protector forms a watertight barrier over your injury to keep everything clean and dry. 

At Bayliss Mobility, we genuinely care about the needs of our customers. Our online mobility shop is designed to help you find the equipment you need to improve your daily life. Shop our wide range of mobility products today.

You can visit us in store or call us to discuss find out more about our crutches.