Crutches

Which crutches are right for me?

Choose the type, set the right height and learn to walk safely. Click a code to see the product.

Step 1 – Choose the type

Forearm (elbow) crutches

For everyday or long-term use. They leave you more freedom of movement and are easier on the shoulders.

Underarm (shoulder) crutches

For short-term use after a leg or foot injury, when you need more stability and cannot put weight on one leg.

Hands-free knee crutch

For injuries below the knee. You rest the lower leg on a platform and keep both hands free – even on stairs.

How to adjust your crutches

Wear your everyday shoes and stand up straight, arms relaxed by your sides.
Set the handle level with the crease of your wrist. When you hold it, your elbow should bend slightly (about 15–20°).
The cuff should sit on the forearm about 5 cm (two to three fingers) below the elbow, so you can still bend your arm.
Make sure the push-button clicks fully into the hole and both crutches are at the same height.

With the crutch tips about 15 cm in front of and to the side of your feet, leave a gap of two to three fingers (about 5 cm) between the armpit and the top pad.
Set the handgrip level with the crease of your wrist, elbow slightly bent.
Never lean on the pads with your armpits – press them against your ribs and take your weight through your hands. Pressure in the armpit can injure nerves.

How to walk with crutches

No weight on the injured leg: move both crutches forward about one step, keep the injured leg off the floor, then swing or step your good leg through between the crutches.
Some weight allowed: move both crutches and the injured leg forward together, put weight through your hands, then step through with your good leg.
Using one crutch: hold it on the side opposite the injured leg and move the crutch and the injured leg together.
Stairs – “up with the good, down with the bad”: going up, step up with your good leg first, then bring up the crutches and the injured leg. Going down, put the crutches and injured leg down first, then the good leg. Use the handrail whenever there is one.
Sitting and standing: hold both crutches in one hand by the handles and push up or lower yourself with the other hand on the armrest.
Stay safe: take small steps, look ahead rather than at your feet, wear flat closed shoes, remove loose rugs and take care on wet or polished floors.

Always follow the weight-bearing instructions of your doctor or physiotherapist.

Check the essentials

Max user weight: choose crutches rated above the user’s weight – ours are rated for 100, 125, 130, 136 or 220 kg.
Single or pair: some crutches are sold one by one (MK0806530, MK0812217, TWA925). Order two if you need a pair.
Rubber tips: check them regularly and replace them when the tread is worn – a worn tip can slip. Spare tips are available.

Watch: how to use crutches

How to walk with crutches