How to Make Crutches Comfy

Crutches are not always the most comfortable items to use, but there are a number of things that can be done to make them better.

Breaking your leg or having surgery is a sizable difficulty itself. However, compounding that problem by learning to use crutches as well is an even greater task. Even though crutches can help you walk, they can make you extremely uncomfortable. It is an oft-repeated complaint by users of crutches that they become painful under the arms and chafe the skin, usually because of the material from which they are made. A number of measures can be taken to make your crutches more comfortable, making the ordeal much more tolerable.

Things You'll Need

• Gauze roll
• Medical tape
• Gel cushions
• Crutch tips

Instructions

1. Roll out a long length of the gauze roll, enough to wrap around the handles or armpit areas numerous times. Hold the gauze in place on the crutch and prevent the gauze from fraying by using several long pieces of medical tape to attach it to the crutches. Additionally, you can use an elastic bandage instead of gauze for a bit more padding.

2. Test your crutches with the wrapped gauze areas and determine whether this wrapping will be sufficient. Unwrap it all if the gauze still isn't providing soft enough comfort and then move on to gel pads (Step 3).

3. Use the medical tape to affix the gel cushions on all the areas of the crutches that cause discomfort. You can find gel cushions at medical supply stores or some pharmacies.

4. Screw the crutch tips into the threaded holes on the bottoms of the crutches to provide extra support when you walk as well as to help distribute your weight more evenly, further ensuring maximum comfort. You can also find these tips at medical supply stores.

References

• Foundations of Nursing: Crutch Adjustment Chapter
• The Wright-Stuff.com: Crutch Comfort