Crutches

[RainbowsButterflies]

Looks good, but the main problem is my thumb...

[nemonie]

The kowsky soft grip anatomic handle crutches, are excellent for not dislocating thumbs - available from a few places, I got mine from Inde Aids. Then you just have to worry about your wrists, although I find that you tend to rest some of your weight on your forearm compared to the weight distribution using a stick/cane.

'Smart crutches' are a fancy type of arthritis/gutter crutch, where you rest your forearm in a trough/gutter that can be tilted from horizontal down to almost vertical. This takes most of the weight off your wrists and hands and they have been recommended by a few bendies who have them. You can get them direct from the manufacturer (who are based in South Africa) or from Inde Aids (who are suppliers in the UK).

[Superstottie]

I have the Kowsy soft grip anatomical crutches and the Ossur Exolite wrist brace, but I have managed to break my brace using them together. The first time I used them, I didn't go far as I can't manage more than about 50m anyway, but the tough plastic bit that goes between your thumb and fingers has broken inside the rubber outer. I think this may be down to the way I tend to hold my wrists when using crutches, as my wrists are bent to about 90 degrees, and I think this caused too much stress on the brace. I had hoped that the brace would solve the bending problem, and therefore cause less pain, but now I can't use them together. They are excellent for night splints though as they don't have to be tight to give support.

[nemonie]

Yeah I tend to splay my crutches out more and lean much more on the forearm section, so that my wrist isn't weight-bearing at a 90 degree angle.
It sounds like the smart crutches would be a better choice for you, you could probably sell your kowsky crutches on e-bay or to another bendy.

[nataliejane81]

I use just one crutch (alternating sides depending which leg is worst!) because I find using two makes looking after my children out & about impossible - holding hands etc (they are only 3 & 5) I don't use it as much as I should because it just feels silly when I CAN walk, it just ends up leaving me hobbling by the end of the day...

However, Because my joints are worsening I've been trying to use them more lately & am starting to get much more painful shoulder joints as a result! Is there anything anyone has found helps this or do I just need to be careful?!

[Daisy]

I've been using the smart crutches and find them easier and far more comfortable as they spread my weight through my forearms and not just my wrists and hands.
Only proviso is that in hot weather the elbow bit gets uncomfortable but a cotton shirt sorts it. You can also hang a shopping bag on the handles but of course you have to lift the weight you put in it. First time I was a little over enthusiastic but I'm sure physios would be happy!

[Superstottie]

Need a bit of advice - my lovely Kowsky crutches have broken! The cuff keeps popping off all the time! So I am after some new full cuff, non-clicky, nice coloured, soft grip crutches - that don't cost silly money! I do not like the smart crutches as they just look like gutter crutches to me and remind me of my Nan! Any ideas?? The most important things are non clicky and soft grip as I get trigger finger, though I suppose I could get some soft grip cover things!

[nemonie]

Where did you get your kowsky crutches from? If it's from Inde Aids, the lady who runs the site will replace the cuffs for free. Even if you didn't try contacting her as you may be able to buy new cuffs for the crutches rather than having to get a whole new set of crutches.

[Superstottie]

I have contacted her - she is fab, and has offered me a refund as she no longer stocks them and is actually going to be stocking a different brand - maybe she has had a lot of similar problems with them!

[niccysearle]

Having read all your posts about crutches I now feel much more confident about the ones i have ordered......my stick has caused me o much elbow pain, so hopefully the new crutches will be much better! thanks everyone. X

[Jess]

Have a look at the ot store or better life health care.

[niccysearle]

Better Life Health Care is where I have ordered my new crutches from....very reasonable prices!

[nataliejane81]

Having finally seen the musculoskeletal specialist (only 3 months since referral!!) I bought myself a couple of trekking poles last week on his suggestion, since my crutch pushes my shoulder out of joint over time... It is SO much better because (I'm guessing!) the muscles of my arm are fully engaged so my shoulder isn't under the same pressure without my muscles holding it together. Currently my wrists are ok, just slightly weak, so they have coped alright. It's been lovely to be able to go out as i was feeling very housebound & just in time for our holiday to Cornwall last week.

If anybody else has been thinking of trying them I bought my two for £10 in Asda so not too expensive.

[Superstottie]

I have been suggested to use trekking poles too, but am worried that they won't offer enough support when my hip/knee or ankle decide they no longer want to hold me up and I will suffer more and more injuries from falls. I don't see that I could hold myself up with my arms in that position, and especially without hurting my shoulder. Any advice on this??

[niccysearle]

So, my new advanced elbow crutches arrived today.....they look like they have the potential to work really well, and hopefully cause me less elbow pain than my stick! Will have to see!