Crutches - Review

This is a review of all the crutches I've ever owned and used -  their plus and minus points and the impact of the crutch on specific conditions.


Crutches can have a huge impact on the future health of your shoulder, arm and wrists so choose carefully. I can no longer use crutches but I thought I would review the ones I've already owned and used. I've chosen pink as the theme for this page unsurprisingly!


X-Crutch 5/5 (Reviewers Choice!)  

X-crutch is made by Wheelchair 88. The crutch has always had a good design but recently got better due to more adjustability and two new fashionable colours - Rose Gold and Black. I chose the black. It took me years to go  for this crutch despite thinking it would suit my needs years ago. I have weak joints and a problem with one of my shoulders, I also suffer with swelling elbows, a pain syndrome on one side, spasms and difficulty holding weight. I don't use crutches full-time so I wanted to be able to fold them. These don't fold but they are telescopic. They are lightweight and can be used in a variety of ways.

Useful for: A person who has shoulder or wrist problems. Someone wanting to fold a crutch. Someone with EDS, arthritis or similar.

Contraindications: Some people will find the grip a little hard. Some people say the under arm part is too hard but you're not supposed to lean against that part so it's irrelevant.

Notes: The sizing is a little odd if like me you are short but have monkey arms! somehow it wont' quite work if you're under 5ft 2 with monkey arms, it works for me because I stoop!

Ergobaum Crutches   

Ergobaum 5/5

The Ergobaum crutch is expensive but a worthwhile investment for those who need to ease the 'shock' effect on their shoulder or thoracic area. They are relatively heavy but not quite as heavy as the Smart crutch and have a spring-loaded pole.

Good points:

• Ergonomic hand grips
• Ergonomic design
• Spring loaded for long-term use
• Wonderfully comfy

Bad Points:

• Quite heavy if you have arm weakness
• Grip can cause rubber burn

Useful for: Hip or ankle injury, long or medium term use, daily use, permanent use. Those with strength in their arms.

Contraindications: Extremely weak arm muscles or poor use of hands.

Smart Crutch 

Smart Crutch 5/5

The Smart Crutch is an ingenious and modern design which appeals to many users who need ergonomic positioning in order to avoid further injury. Who is it for? Full-time crutch users, those able to carry a heavy load (they are heavy. The fashionable.




Good points:

• 
  
• Spring loaded
• Ergonomic design
• Lots of colours
• Looks great
• Better positioning for long-term use

Bad points:

• Very heavy

Useful for: Long-term and permanent use. Those with a lot of strength in their arms.

Contraindications: Not for those with a loss of muscle tone in the arms, shoulders or hands.

Funk
Crutch

Funk Crutch 3/5

Funk Crutch is extremely lightweight and folds double so as to fit in a wheelchair bag in into the crease of your wheelchair seat. This crutch can be ordered with an added on cuff support but this can be itchy because the Velcro can be visible.

The crutch is very lightweight which is handy if you struggle to carry a heavy crutch but due to the material type and amount of fold-ability the crutch can and will buckle or bend or worst still break if you are heavy or need to lean heavily on it.*

Good Points:

• Lots of fun colours 
• Can be fitted with an arm strap
• Can fold very small for part-time users or signalling

Bad Points

• Will buckle under lots of weight
• Can slip on a shiny surface

Useful for: Short-term use. Transferring without weight-bearing.

Contraindications: Obesity, Serious lower limb issues needing exceptional support.



Temed Crutches 4/5 

This is a basic and stylish looking crutch which is sturdy and durable. Despite not having any ergonomic features the crutch is surprisingly usable and has a high level of comfort.

Good Points:

• Simple and reliable design
• Fits into most crutch holders 
• Looks smart
• Can take a large amount of weight 
• Can half-fold

Bad Points:

• None if this type of crutch is suitable to you

Useful for: Anyone needing a basic, stylish looking crutch which can be part-folded.

Contraindications: Not suitable for people needing an angled crutch due to arthritis or EDS etc.






*If you are leaning heavily on crutches it could be time to consider using a walking frame or similar.





Do you have a crutch you recommend? Please leave a review in the comments below!