5 Best Crutch Pockets

All, Crutches Reviews, Review / By Elvira

5 Best Crutch Pockets

A user-friendly mobility aid should have one of the best crutch pockets. Mobility aid makes moving around less stressful. But you still need to carry other items like your key, phone, water bottle, or wallet. That’s when the crutch pockets or pouches become handy.

However, picking a suitable or durable crutch pocket may not be as simple as it seems. That’s why this article treats the top 5 best crutch pockets for your crutch needs.

Table of Contents

Add a header to begin generating the table of contents

Our Top 5 Picks

Vive Crutch Pouch

Pacmaxi Crutch Bag

Universal Crutch Pouch

Crutches Crutch Bag

Large Universal Crutch Bag

Top 5 Crutch Bag

Best for Carabineer Ring or Keyholder-Vive Crutch Pouch

Highlights

Vive crutch pouch comes from a company with a reputation in medical mobility needs. The Vive crutch pouch offers you a spacious means to carrying small personal items around.

You get a dual-size pocket for holding your smartphone, wallet, and others.

One other great value in the pouch is that it comes with a padded grip hand. That means you don’t need to sweat on your palms, and it’s pain-free to grip. Besides, the brilliant shade of black adds to the overall aesthetic value of the crutches.

There are six strong loops to keep the pockets strapped to the crutches. That means every item kept stays in place without slipping off the Vive pouch.

Good For:

It uses vinyl material to increase durability further.
Using a carabiner ring helps to secure your keys and ringed items.
The dual pocket makes it easier to carry different types of personal item.
You can easily machine wash the bag using cold water and air dry afterward.
It uses six loops to fasten the pouch firmly to the crutches

Bad For:

Best Multiple Pockets –Pacmaxi Crutch Bag

Highlights

Pacmaxi’s lightweight storage pouch is indeed an innovative crutches bag. It comes with several pockets to make storing personal items easy. So, you can have all you need in one convenient and easy-to-reach place. That includes the main compartment, zipper, and small pockets for storage.

The six straps make installation easy. Two of the Velcro straps hold the upper part of the bag in place. Four of the Velcro straps hold the pouch from the side to keep them firm.

There’s no worry about water spills or rain as the pouch comprises water-resistant polyester fabric. That means your item remains safe from the elements.

If you have to move around at night, the front reflective strap will increase visibility. That helps keep you safe from collisions with others at night.

Good For:

The front reflective strap keeps you safe from collisions with others.
Water-resistant polyester material protects your belongings from spills.
It has multiple pockets for more incredible storage options.
The six straps help hold the pouch to the crutch firmly.

Bad For:

Best Colorful Pouch Designs – Universal Crutch Carryon Pouch

Highlights

The crutch bag by Pacmaxi is an exciting pouch for your crutches. The first thing that strikes you in the universal carry-on pocket is its splendid array of colors. It helps to light up your crutches once strapped. In addition, the pouch comprises high-quality polyester fabric.

It comes with a dual pocket for carrying your personal belongings. The six hook and loop strap can help hold the pouch securely. Also, you can use the external carabiner clip to ring your keys together for safekeeping.

Good For:

It comes with multiple pockets for holding your items.
The detachable metal carabineer clip makes keeping keys secure.
It's effortless to install on any crutch.
The six loop straps help secure the pouch to the crutch with ease.
It has a brilliant and attractive color design.

Bad For:

Best Simplistic Designs – Crutcheze Premium Crutch Bag

Highlights

Crutcheze Premium crutch bag is a USA-made product. Therefore, it must align with the international standard organization to gain acceptance. The crutch tote pouch fits any adult or youth in need of crutches.

The pouch comes as anti-stain, water, and bacteria-resistant. That helps keep your hygiene levels higher while using crutches.

You can fasten the hook and loops with ease using the six straps. That makes it easier to attach to the crutches’ handgrip. The two top straps fit perfectly into the rubber handgrips. But you have the liberty to adjust the top straps as you wish.

Good For:

It’s easy to machine wash using cold water.
The adjustable strap helps secure the pouch to the crutches .
The anti-bacteria and anti-stain features increase your hygiene.
Being water resistant protects personal items from spoils.
You get enough space to store up items.
Using a camo design will make the pouch blend effortlessly with your attire.

Bad For:

Best on a Low Budget –Large Crutch Bag

Highlights

The Large universal crutch bag presents a simple but efficient pouch for crutches. In addition, you get two unique pockets for storing up personal items. However, the front mesh pocket is excellent for holding water bottles, eyeglass cases, and more. But you shouldn’t keep small or delicate items there to avoid loss.

The main pocket can take your tablet, credit card, and bigger items. You can also hold delicate or small items in the main pocket. That makes it easier to keep them safe and secure.

With the two-top Velcro strap, the Large Universal will hold firmly on the crutches. And it doesn’t interfere with the handgrip of the crutches. Moreover, since it uses rugged polyester fabric, you can easily clean the bag and keep using it.

Good For:

It’s quite an affordable pocket for your crutches.
You get an easy way to maintain polyester pocket.
The Velcro strap holds well to the crutches.
It has enough room for your items on the go.
You don't need any tool for installing the pouch.

Bad For:

Final Words

The Crutch Bag Lightweight Storage Pouch Offers one of the best crutch pocket experiences on the list. Having multiple pockets makes it easier to store more items. The additional reflective strap helps increase your safety on the go. Including the side fastener and drawstring closure helps make the pouch more secure.

One drawback is the top strap interfering with the handgrip. Second, the small zipper may not hold some items without falling. But these are problems common to all the other pockets too.

The Vive crutch bag having a foam handgrip and carabineer ring are two outstanding features. That puts it on the same level as the Crutch bag lightweight pouch. However, if you can fix everything together without assistance, then Vive is another excellent choice. The only drawback is with the top strap and poor instruction guide.

Universal Crutch Carryon pouch comes from the Pacmaxi Company with great products. However, one thing makes this product unique, that is that the pocket has a brilliant array of colors. But it is relatively smaller than the Crutch Bag Lightweight. So if it fits into your need then, you will find it rewarding.

Crutcheze Premium Crutch Bag gives you the standard American product. However, you also get to enjoy bacteria-free and stain-free cover using this product. These are some plus you won’t find in the Crutch Bag Lightweight.

Large Universal 2 Pocket Crutch Bag is simpler but offers excellent storage space. But the Crutch Bag Lightweight has three pockets compared to the Large. However, you will also spend less if you purchase the Large Universal pouch.

Picking your best crutch pocket will depend mostly on your lifestyle and tastes. So, apart from the Large Universal bag, the other four share relative prices. But durability and functionality should be the two most critical considerations. However, any of the above crutch pouches will make an excellent choice.

Problems With Crutches And What To Do About Them

1 Comment / All, Crutches Tips, Resources / By Elvira

Problems With Crutches And What To Do About Them

We are going to discuss the problems and solutions surrounding the use of crutches. That way, you don’t have to spend hours combing the web searching for problems with crutches and what to do about them you may never find.

Table of Contents

Add a header to begin generating the table of contents

The 6 Problems Associated With Using Crutches

When crutches are used the wrong way, they can cause you many unnecessary problems. Also, many of the injuries you can get from incorrect crutch use can be painful and unpleasant.

Fortunately, many of these problems we will discuss below are preventable.

Sore Armpits from Crutches

One of the most common complaints seen with those using crutches is sore armpits. When you use crutches, you place most of your body weight on them when you maneuver. This causes much strain to the armpit region of your body.

Most people make the mistake of wedging crutches too securely under the armpits. A wedged crutch makes you perform a clenching motion, and each step causes pain.

Do you want to ease the pain you feel and prevent sore armpit injuries? If so, you should position your crutches below your armpits. Additionally, as an extra precaution, ensure your crutches are the right height.

Check when you stand upright. Your crutches should not be more than one to two inches below your underarms. Moreover, you can opt to use a soft glycerin-based gel as padding.

Shoulder Pain from Crutches

When you’re using crutches, you might not realize how much strain you place on your shoulders. Along with armpit pain, shoulder pain is almost as common. Should you be doing most of the work with your shoulders, you are likely tensing the muscles in them.

This pain will gather in your shoulders and create pressure points. To fix this, you need to distribute your weight between your arms, legs, and shoulders. Take note of how much pain you are in, as it can be easy to miss shoulder pain until your muscles become tense. You don’t want to seek out physical therapy or a chiropractor. Seeking one out could prolong the healing time of your other injuries.

Rib Pain from Crutches

Rib pain is one of the most common complaints that people using crutches have. When you use this mobility aid, you place continuous pressure from the saddle of the crutch to your ribs. With the constant stress, your ribs become bruised, and you even hurt your armpits.

Additionally, rib pain also occurs when you use the wrong size crutches or angle them wrong. Incorrect crutch sizing causes you to hunch over and strain your core muscles. This action makes your ribs ache.

You needn’t worry too much as you can solve these issues. Try resize your crutches to one to two inches below your armpits or angle your crutch tips closer to your feet.

Hand Pain from Crutches

Clasping crutches while you maneuver about your day often causes hand pain. When using crutches on a long-term basis, you will notice that you place pressure on the upper part of your hands. This causes sprains and muscle spasms. It can also cause numbness, carpal tunnel syndrome, and blistering.

Alleviating hand pain caused by crutch use can take some time. You will need to determine how you can place your hands to lessen the strain your hands feel. Additionally, you should try not to lean forward too much on your forearms and hands. Leaning too much causes more strain and a higher chance of you developing an injury.

Skin Irritation from Crutches

Using crutches for rehabilitation purposes or a long-term illness often experience skin irritation. With most people, their skin irritation is caused by the saddle of a crutch. Yet, others have an allergic reaction to the materials used in the padding of a crutch.

Commonly skin irritation will occur on a person’s underarms or appear on a person’s hands or forearms. Crutches that feature wood or leather are the biggest culprits. They often cause people to experience skin irritation. Therefore, you should try to avoid these materials. Additionally, if possible, add cushioning to the saddle to prevent chafing and rubbing.

Damaged Nerves from Crutches

One of the scariest side effects of crutches is nerve damage. When you use crutches, the saddle can be ill-designed or feature uncomfortable materials. An ill-designed crutch places pressure on your underarms and can cause nerve damage.

Conventional crutches with an extended length place more strain. These crutches sometimes cause nerve damage. So it’s best to avoid these. Fortunately, this side effect is rare and doesn’t happen to everyone.

You can prevent this issue by trying out alternative mobility aids. Additionally, using the correct crutches for your height and weight will also help. Moreover, you should consider crutches with an ergonomic design. Ergonomic crutches are the least likely to cause nerve damage and injury.

Tips to quick ease the crutch pain problems

The best solution to stop the problems mentioned above is to use your crutches correctly. Most of the issues we have discussed are caused by misusing your crutches.

That’s why you will find below a few tips you can use when walking with crutches. They will help you ease or negate the problems crutch users experience.

You need always to take small steps and move your crutches approximately 18 inches in front of you. When doing this, remember to balance the bulk of your weight on your less injured side.
When walking, you need to place your crutch tips firmly on the ground. With each step you take, you must lean into your crutches and allow your body to swing forward slowly.
Don’t ever place your weight on your injured leg. Instead, rest your weight on your crutch handles.
When you are walking, you need to place your uninjured leg on the floor ahead of your crutches. Once you have successfully done this, you need to balance and move your other leg to join the uninjured one.
Try not to let your crutch saddle touch your armpits. Instead, keep the majority of your weight supported with your hands.
Don’t attempt to rush or walk too quickly. Rushing will place more strain on your injuries and cause you to slip and fall.

Make Crutches Comfortable - Important Way to ease crutch pain problem

Uncomfortable crutches can cause you more pain or create new injuries. Do you want to ease your suffering or prevent discomfort and injuries from getting worse? If so, you should consider the three ways we have listed. They will help make your crutches more comfortable.

Add Padding To The Grip
Add Cushioning On Top
Add Cushioning Beneath
Properly Adjust Your Crutches
Choose A Crutch Alternative

Vive Crutch Pads

Check Price

Final Words

As you can likely tell, there are quite a few problems those using crutches face. I had experienced a few of these side effects when I was unaware of how to fix or prevent them.

Yet, now you know that these issues can be resolved. In addition, you can reduce much of the pain and discomfort you are experiencing.

Where to Get Free Crutches Easily?

All, Crutches Tips, Resources / By Elvira

How To Get Free Crutches Easily?

Do you know where to get free crutches with ease? Yeah, I guess it may sound surprising to discover you could get crutches for free? Don’t worry, you will find out how and where in this article.

Crutches are not your regular fashion items but medical mobility aids. Sometimes, you may only need crutches for two weeks to about 12 months. So, why spend a fortune acquiring what you can only use for a short time? If you could get it free, why not?

Table of Contents

Add a header to begin generating the table of contents

Is it Possible to Get Crutches for Free?

There are so many things one can get for free or almost free. So, getting crutches for free is not an impossible feat. The main thing is to know where to search or who to meet.

Related Reading: Where to donate your crutches?

Where to Search for Free Crutches?

Search Online for Rented Crutches

The internet should be your go-to place when beginning your search for free crutches. There are endless possibilities online when searching for free crutches. You can’t tell what you may come up with. You may stumble on some free offers or places for free crutches.

The major drawback with online orders may be the inability to try them out before collection. But if the pickup location is not far, you could go check it out first. See if the crutches fit perfectly underarm.

Crutches that are not your size may cause body discomfort. You may ask the owner about the specification to know if it is a possible fit.

Ask a Friend or Neighbor for used crutch

There are people within your community or circle of influence you can ask. They include those in your social circle or even related social media groups. Some people may have undergone and recovered from surgery (knee, ankle, or broken bones). They may never need the crutches again.

Instead of crutches lying to waste in their basement, donors would be glad to help someone in need.

Renting of Crutches

Although this is not a free option, you can rent crutches at highly subsidized rates. It should be a lot cheaper than buying new crutches. Once you go through websites offering medical equipment supplies, you can sign up and order immediately.

Besides being affordable, you can select crutches based on your budget.

Donation of Crutches

You can get free crutches through not-for-profit organizations too. Charitable organizations donate crutches to individuals and medical facilities for distribution. You can start your search here:

United States of America Crutches Donation Centers

Another common injury that requires you to use crutches is pulled muscles. Pulled muscles are comparable to muscle strain injuries. They can vary in severity from minor to severe.

Fortunately, these types of injuries heal fairly quick if diagnosed early. You can recover from minor pulled muscles in three to six weeks.

F.R.E.E Foundation

Free Foundation refers to the Foundation for Rehabilitation Equipment & Endowment (F.R.E.E.). It is a Virginia-based charitable organization that provides mobility aids to individuals. Their primary focus is low-income uninsured and under-insured adults.

You can find F.R.E.E. in Lynchburg, Virginia Beach, Richmond, Roanoke, Williamsburg, and Winchester.

You can apply for any of the following mobility aid equipment for free:

Walker and wheeled walkers.
Manual and power wheelchairs.
Canes and crutches
Hoyer lifts.

MED-EQ

MED-Eq U.S.A. works with charitable organizations in giving out crutches to individuals. Individuals and corporations sign up to donate funds and unused medical equipment to MED-Eq. The organization, in return, distributes these items to registered N.G.O.S. and medical facilities.

You can visit their individual and families page for more information. You should be able to find charitable organizations near you to request free crutches.

International Medical Support Organizations

Medshare

Medshare is a US-based medical support organization. They receive a donation from individuals and organizations and provide medical support for women and children. Countries like Haiti, Nepal, Uganda, Chad, and Ethiopia usually receive medical aid from Medshare.

Project C.U.R.E.

Project C.U.R.E. has six large centers in the U.S. for receiving medical supplies. Their primary focus is sending supplies to medical facilities in developing countries.

Hospice of Hope, United Kingdom

The primary targets for medical supplies distribution include Albania, Moldova, and Romania. Part of the supplies includes wheelchairs, crutches, and more.

Hospice of Hope, UK, receives medical aids from individuals and corporate bodies.

Jacobs Well Appeal, UK

Jacobs Well Appeal is a U.K. charitable organization that provides medical aids to developing countries. They send donations to medical facilities in countries like Burkina Faso, Ghana, Moldova, the Philippines, Romania, and refugees in Syria.

ShopMobility, UK

At ShopMobility, UK, you can get access to mobility aids for free or almost free. You can search for the nearest center to access crutches, powerchairs, wheelchairs, and scooters.

You can also use your benefits to hire or buy crutches by following available company schemes.

American Association of Retired Persons (AARP)

You can get mobility aids like crutches to borrow from the AARP. Once you are aged 18 and higher, you can gain access for free. The project receives support from the South Metro Medical Equipment Loan Closet (S.M.M.E.L.C.).

S.M.M.E.L.C. is a non-profit organization that supports the AARP. Anyone can borrow a bed cane, walker, crutches, wheelchair, knee cruiser, and more. Though free, you may have to make a little donation to support the repairs and cleaning of mobility aids.

The center only provides equipment for up to three months before returning.

Not Just Tourists

Not Just Tourists is a Canada-based non-profit organization. They provide medical supplies to different countries worldwide. But you can find them in the Toronto area of Canada.

Yad Sarah

Yad Sarah is an Israeli-based medical equipment support organization. But you have to make a small deposit before borrowing. The deposit serves as insurance and for the maintenance of the equipment.

Yad Sarah has over 100 centers in Israel to make it more accessible to residents.

Can You Get Crutches Through Medicare?

Medicare offers you an opportunity to either get crutches free or at a substantially reduced rate. It is a charitable organization managed by HealthCompare Inc. You also have the federal government-managed Medicare program.

You can get part of the doctor’s prescription and any Durable Medical Equipment covered. However, it would be best to have the Medicare Part A, and B (Medical Insurance) covers to enjoy these benefits.

Types of crutches available

Forearm crutches

Forearm or elbow crutches apply to cases involving life-long disabilities. They should be durable and can support the upper body.

With Medicare Plan B, you can take care of your medical bills, including crutches.

Auxiliary crutches

It covers auxiliary crutches that require adjustments to suit the user’s height.

Platform crutches

These crutches provide support for the back of your elbow. Patients will require platform or triceps crutches with lower cuffs.

But to qualify for such services, the crutches must fall under these categories:

Lenders must use the crutches at home.
The crutches must have a lifespan of not less than three years.
Your doctor must certify or prescribe one for you.

However, these conditions will enable you to pay only 20% of the cost:

Your doctor is a member of Medicare professionals.
You have a medical equipment supplier who signs up for the Medicare program.

Remember that purchasing crutches from a non-medicare physician or supplier means no claims.

Can You Hire Crutches From The Red Cross?

The Red Crescent, popularly known as the Red Cross, has been around for decades. It provides medical and humanitarian services globally, even in war-torn or crisis-ridden nations.

Through their Health Equipment Loan Program (HELP), individuals and medical facilities can rent crutches or gain access for free. Red Cross works with volunteers, local and international donors to provide access to medical support for society.

You could either pick up the crutches from the nearest center or have them delivered to you sometimes.

Can You Borrow Crutches From Hospital?

Hospitals, physiotherapists, and G.Ps usually depend on charitable organizations for mobility aids. That means you cannot directly get crutches from the hospital for free.

Through agencies, charitable organizations in the U.S., U.K., and more, you can get mobility aids. For example, you can get crutches at the United Kingdom National Health Service (N.H.S.) and Medicare, U.S.A.

You may have access to such crutches as the hospital’s in-patient. Some other facilities may charge a little sum for using crutches. When you leave the facilities, the hospital can help you rent a crutch from the N.H.S. But you should return the crutches to the N.H.S. if no longer in use.

Final Words

So, here you have it. Have you looked around your neighborhood or social circle for free crutches? Then, you may not need to spend a dime on crutches. Besides that, you could also get crutches for free if you try the above options.

5 Best Ergonomic Crutches

All, Crutches Reviews, Review / By Elvira

5 Best Ergonomic Crutches

Crutches are not usually fun items. But having the best ergonomic crutches will increase your comfort when compared to the regular. Crutches provide relief from lying down or being unable to move around after an injury. Do you have an injury from a sprained or broken ankle, broken leg, or knee injury?

All thanks to medical science, today’s crutches look more fanciful. And one reason is due to the use of aluminum instead of wood. However, these aluminum crutches come in different designs and structures. That means not all will deliver the maximal result you seek in a crutch. Therefore, let’s look at some of the top 5 ergonomic crutches you need today.

Table of Contents

Add a header to begin generating the table of contents

Our Top 5 Picks

Smartcrutch Crutches

Ergoactives Crutches

BigAlex Forearm Crutches

in-Motion Pro Crutches

Vive Forearm Crutches

Top 5 Best Ergonomic Crutches for Body Support

Best Comfort & Mobility – Smartcrutch Adjustable Forearm Crutches

Highlights

Crutches are not fashionable items. But it could become necessary to wear one. Smartcrutch, offers both excellent mobility and aesthetics. It helps reduce the forearm pressure at six levels per square centimeter.

The memory foam increases the comfort around the arm and palm. And you can enjoy 22.5 to 90 degrees angles during movement. To feel more comfortable use the customizable 4-positions forearm length adjustments. You have the freedom to choose your favorite color from up to four color options. For sturdiness and balance, the support cushion reduces discomfort around the arms. Also, the hourglass-like footing increases the sturdiness during movement.

Good For:

Bad For:

Best for Versatility & Supportive Features – Ergobaum® Prime 7TH Generation Crutches

Highlights

Ergobaum 7th generation foreman crutches offer users unparalleled crutches design with exciting comfort. Being foldable crutches increases the mobility and ease of carriage. The Ergobaum is one of the most versatile crutches due to its additional features. Increase night vision using reflectors, LED, and night light.

Use the adjustable cushion grip for more comfortable underarms. The strap and forearm cup can enhance the grip pressure during movement. With the flexible 5 to 6.6 feet height range, the Ergobaum crutches fit most height range. The sturdy Non-Slip Ergocap tips reduce the risk of slipping on smooth surfaces.

Incorporating a knee-rest pad and shock absorber gives you a bit more rest time on the go. Using high-quality fabric and aluminum material guarantees more extended durability. That means more value for your money.

Good For:

Bad For:

Best Thick & Sturdy Crutches – XRX Thicken Walking Forearm Crutches

Highlights

XRX forearm crutches’ sturdy base and firm grip is part of what makes moving around easy. It has impressive 15 different height levels, therefore it can serve the needs of people 59 to 74.8 inches tall. All you need is to activate the push button to attain a comfortable height.

The firm contour grip of the handle and sturdy rubber base provides exceptional support for the movement. And that’s why movement with XRX is less painful. The choice of aluminum alloy rods gives it more extended durability so that it can take up your body weight without giving way. Since it doesn’t have other extensions, it can fit into tiny spaces, unlike other brands.

Good For:

Bad For:

Best Portable Forearm Crutches – In-Motion Pro Crutches

Highlights

The Millenial in-Motion Pro Crutches provides an excellent choice for physical therapy. It has four unique heights of 4.6 inches to 5.6 inches. Hence, it’s a perfect choice for an average to tall person. And you don’t have to worry about the weight on the crutches. It can carry as much as 500 Lbs. That means you are covered all the way.

The in-Motion articulate springboard tip base helps to absorb pressure from the body. With such solid grip handles, you can lean on the crutches when walking. And since the articulate base is a composition of solid rubber boards, there are no slips. That’s true even for smooth or rough surfaces as the in-Motion Pro crutches. When it’s time to keep the crutches out of sight, you only need to fold the rod and tuck it away.

Good For:

Portable/ easy storage
Highly-improved aluminum for durability
Multiple heights adjustments
Impressive grip reduces pains
Incredible structure for easy movements
Non-slip articulate crutch tip base

Bad For:

Best Chrome Bariatric Arm Cuffs – Drive Medical Forearm Crutch

Highlights

Drive Medical is one of the incredible crutches for bracing up your shoulders and arms. Usually, it helps for movement after an injury or accident impacting the arms and upper shoulder. The contoured arm cuffs help in holding up your arms properly. And you can reduce pain while aiding movement. You can also have a firm grip while moving around. All thanks to the durable and high-quality vinyl handgrips, you can rest while walking.

With the base of the extra-large tip, you can move around with much comfort and without skidding. Even if your body weight falls within 500 Lbs. the Drive medical can hold you up with ease. Since the Drive Medical has a leg and forearm adjustable area, it is suitable for different heights.

Good For:

Bad For:

Recommended Smartcrutch | Final Words

The best forearm crutch in this selection is the Smartcrutch Adjustable Forearm Crutches. Ergobaum® Prime 7TH Generation Crutches comes in second place. It shares a close margin to the Smartcrutch due to its versatile functions. The LED lights and foldable parts make it easy for carriage.

Ergonomic crutches’ primary tasks are to carry bodyweight, provide more comfort and less pain. That’s where the Smartcrutch focused the bulk of its technology on.

Smartcrutch gives optimal comfort from physical strain. Two exciting features include the 3-point customization and wrist to palm grip. All the crutches under discussion provide adjustable heights and firm gripping handles.

But only the Smartcrutch offers an excellent option for rotation, ease in terms of positioning, and more. All the crutches offer exceptional ergonomic designs and high-quality materials. The BigAlex Forearm Crutches has a little quality limitation with the underarm pad. Still, it is generally a great crutch but without additional features.

And the in motion’s choice of a cuff kind of created a restriction which you won’t find in the Smartcrutch or even the Ergobaum. I will say, in-motion offers the regular with no new feature to compete with the Smartcrutch.

So, if what you seek is an exceptional forearm crutch with comfort and multiple functions, then it is the Smartcrutch.

Slipped (Herniated) Disc Complete Guide

All, Injury Resource Center, Resources / By Elvira

Slipped (Herniated) Disc: Symptoms, Causes and Treatment

Are you suffering from bad back pain and wondering what the cause could be? You may be suffering from a slipped disc injury and not realize it.

This article will look at what a slipped disc is and the common causes and symptoms. It will also examine the treatment options available. We will also discuss the ways you can do to prevent a slipped disc injury.

Table of Contents

Add a header to begin generating the table of contents

What Is A Slipped Disc?

To understand a slipped disc, you need to know a bit more about your spine. Your spinal column has 24 bones that are stacked one atop of the other top to bottom. Every one of these bones is cushioned by a disc.

These discs protect your spinal bones by absorbing shocks that you experience when performing a variety of activities. Each disc protecting your spinal bones has two sections. One section is a gelatinous inner portion, while the other section is the rigid outer ring.

When you injure your back and affect one of the discs supporting your spine, it can cause the inner gelatinous part of a disc to come through the rigid outer ring. When this injury occurs, it is known as a slipped, prolapsed, or herniated disc.

Causes Of A Slipped Disc

Slipped disc injuries usually happen with gradual aging and general muscle and bone wear associated with every day activities. When we age, the discs supporting our spinal bones become more flexible. When discs are more flexible, they are more likely to rupture, twist, strain, tear, and slip.

Besides age, some of the other causes of a slipped disc include:

Using the muscles in your back instead of leg muscles when lifting heavy objects.
Certain motions such as when you twist or turn your body while lifting items.
Certain traumatic events such as a hit to the spine from a car accident or a fall at work.

Risk Factors Associated With Slipped Disc injuries

Certain risk factors are associated with you suffering a slipped disc injury. You will find some of the common risk factors below.

A person’s genetics: Some people are more inclined to developing a slipped disc based on their genetic makeup.
A person’s weight: Those who are obese or overweight cause extra stress on the discs in their lower backs.
A person’s smoking habit: Doctors believe that smoking causes less oxygen to travel to and supply a person’s discs. This causes a person’s discs to degenerate faster.

How A Slipped Disc is Diagnosed ?

Often the best way to determine if you have a slipped disc is to see a doctor. A doctor will do a thorough physical exam to find the exact source of your back pain. They will likely begin the exam by prodding your back to find any painful spots.

Additionally, they could ask you to lie on your back and move your legs in a particular fashion. A doctor could also check your knee and ankle reflexes, the strength of your legs, if you can feel light touches.

Yet, a physical exam is not the only test that they will need to conduct to establish if you have a slipped disc injury. Often a doctor will want to run one or more of the following tests. An X-ray, CT scan, discogram, MRI, myelogram, or electromyogram. After performing a physical exam and scans, they can determine if you have a slipped disc.

Symptoms Of A Slipped Disc

Contrary to what is popularly thought, you can have a slipped disc in any part of your spine, not just your lower back. Below you will find some of the symptoms you could have if you have a slipped disc injury.

Muscle weakness that you cannot explain.

Pain that radiates from your arms or legs.

Burning, tingling, and aching sensations in your back.

Pain that worsens in the evening or when performing certain activities.

Pain when walking short or far distances.

Radiating pain into your legs.

Pain that gets much worse after standing or sitting.

Neck pain.

Treatment Options Available For A Slipped Disc Injury

A slipped disc is a serious injury that can worsen if left untreated. Yet, many treatment options are available.

Rest

Before, it was a common belief that slipped disc injuries needed rest. Although you should rest with this injury, you need to ensure you continue with your daily tasks. According to recent medical studies, if you keep active, you are likely to recover quicker. You will also be less prone to developing chronic back pain.

Ice

One of the very best ways you can treat a slipped disc injury is to apply ice to the hurt area. Ice is highly effective at both reducing swelling and numbing pain. Yet, ice is not a long-term treatment option. You should not excessively apply ice to your back as this can make the injury worse.

Ice Pack for Slipped Disc

Check Price

Medication

Over-the-counter and prescription medicine is a helpful treatment option. When taken regularly, medication can be a useful tool in combating pain felt with this type of injury.

Often the best medications include anti-inflammatories like Ibuprofen, naproxen, and diclofenac. Other useful medicines are weak opioids like codeine.

Ibuprofen

Check Price

Sometimes you might need to take medicine for neuropathic pain such as amitriptyline. This type of medicine is usually only given if the pain is lasting for a few days.

Stretching and Exercise

Those with a slipped disc should engage in stretches and exercise. It is crucial to the recovery process. Stretching and exercise lessen the pain you feel. It also strengthens the various muscles that support your spine. Usually, a physiotherapist can tell you the best exercises and stretches to help you.

Surgical Treatment For A Slipped Disc

Surgery is not the first treatment available to those suffering from a slipped disc. Usually, this kind of injury will resolve itself within six weeks. Nine out of ten people will recover from a slipped disc injury without needing surgery.

A doctor will only consider providing surgery as a treatment option if your injury has not improved or has gotten worse for longer than six weeks. Or a doctor will advise you to have surgery if a slipped disc injury affects your muscle function.

During your surgery, a surgeon will remove the damaged or protruding section of the disc. Yet, they won’t altogether remove the whole disc. Sometimes a surgeon will altogether remove a disc and replace it with an artificial one. They might also remove the disc and fuse your vertebrae without putting in an artificial one.

Recovering From Slipped Disc Surgery

When you are recovering from a slipped disc injury, you will need to rest but remain mobile. Often the only way you can do this is with the use of mobility aids. The usual recovery period for someone who has a slipped disc surgery is generally four weeks.

Unfortunately, it is not known yet if those who have a slipped disc surgery are better off. In many cases have seen that the surgery provides short-term relief but provides no long-term solution.

8 Tips For Preventing Slipped Disc injuries

Fortunately, in most instances, you can prevent a slipped disc injury from occurring. There are ways that you can reduce your risk of suffering from this type of injury. Below are some tips to consider if you don’t want to suffer from a slipped disc injury.

Ensure you practice good posture.

Try to maintain a healthy weight and appropriate BMI.

Keep your muscles flexible.

Engage in frequent stretching and exercises.

Ensure you always lift items properly with your leg muscles and not your back muscles.

Always change positions frequently.

If you are someone that smokes, quit smoking.

Refrain from wearing high-heeled shoes.

Will Crutches Help A Slipped Disc Injury?

One of the best mobility aids that helps manage pain and aids in the recovery of slipped disc injuries is crutches. Regardless of if you have a slipped disc injury for a short while or for a long time, crutches can help you. Additionally, crutches are an excellent mobility aid for those who have had surgery for their injury. This is because crutches help alleviate the pressure on one’s back.

Yet, it should be noted that not all types of crutches work well with slipped disc injuries. So it is better to speak with your healthcare practitioner to confirm the best crutches for you.

Final Words

A slipped disc injury can be excruciating and usually has a negative impact on a person’s life. If you are aware of the symptoms, causes, and treatment options, you will better understand slipped disc injuries. This means that should you ever find yourself suffering from a few of the symptoms, you will know to go to a doctor, and you will know what to expect.

Usually, this type of injury heals with the proper treatment solutions in six weeks, but sometimes you could need surgery. Yet, you don’t need to worry excessively as most people don’t need this drastic treatment option. Additionally, if you’re in pain or need to be mobile while healing, you should consider using crutches as they are an excellent mobility aid.

Furthermore, there are ways you can prevent a slipped disc injury. Should you follow the tips we gave, you will be less likely to sustain this kind of injury.

5 Best Folding Crutches

All, Crutches Reviews, Review / By Elvira

5 Best Folding Crutches for Traveling: Short or Long Vacation

Last Update: December 8, 2022

The best folding crutches make traveling in comfort a reality. You simply fold the crutches and store them up in your luggage. And they take less space in the home, car or luggage.

The major challenge is finding the best foldable crutches for traveling. Some crutches have parts that wear out fast. Others even break, cause you to fall, cause pains, or tips tear fast. So, let’s look at the best foldable crutches for traveling.

Table of Contents

Add a header to begin generating the table of contents

Our Top 5 Picks

Editor’s Choice Crutch

Best Universal Crutch

Best Minimalist Design

Best Structure Crutch

Best Shock-absorbing Crutch

5 Best Foldable Crutches for Travelers

Editor’s Choice – Ergoactives Crutches

Highlights

Ergobaum Prime presents an impressive and innovative forearm crutch. The manufacturers thought of almost everything that will make you comfortable all the way. With each part adjustable, you get the maximum comfort for a mobility aid.

Ergobaum Prime uses medical-grade aluminum to ensure it can withstand pressure. The toughness of the aluminum helps it carry your weight even at 350 Lbs. No worrying about falling due to the high-performance non-slip tip. Don’t forget the shock absorber feature.

Having a contoured handgrip helps make the Ergobaum firm and sturdy. And if you feel tired, you can place your knee on the knee rest. At night, the flashlight provides illumination. In addition, you can enjoy increased security by using the LED light and alert button.

With such adjustable parts, you can increase the comfort you wish. For example, the adjustable-height settings give you 32 to 40 inches more or less. Also don’t forget that the crutch is suitable for persons 5.0 to 6.6 feet tall. In addition, you can adjust the handgrip up to 15 degrees apart. Now, that’s what makes the Ergobaum incredible!

Good For:

The shock absorber tip helps to reduce tension while walking.
You can enjoy Increased safety by using the LED light, flashlight, and alert horn.
You can reduce shoulder and hip pressure by using the knee-rest, handgrip, and cuffs.
The adjustable heights are perfect for most height specification.
Easy to assemble and disassemble for storage. Use the easy-to-read instructional manual.

Bad For:

Best Universal Crutch – Drive Aluminum Crutches

Highlights

Drive Medical offers impressive adjustable parts to make the crutches more convenient. Drive Medical is easy to assemble and disassemble for storage. And it doesn’t take up space in your bag.

The crutch is a perfect fit for kids and adults. So, are you 4 feet 6 to 6 feet 6 inches? Then this should be your go-to crutches. You can adjust the height from 38.5 to 62.5 inches to make a perfect fit. And since it carries up to 300 Lbs. weight, you have little to worry about sturdiness.

Using the padded handgrip and underarm rest reduces the pain or pressure upper body. Also, the non-skid contoured tips increase sturdiness and traction on surfaces.

Good For:

The contoured tip increases sturdiness and reduces slips on surfaces.
It's a perfect choice for most ages, adults, and kids.
You can easily disassemble and pack up the crutches.
The handgrip and underarm pad helps to reduce upper-body pains.
You get pushpin and handgrip clips for increased security.

Bad For:

Best Minimalist Design –Carex Folding Crutches

Highlights

Carex foldable crutch is a lightweight aluminum crutch for your travels. You get a perfect fit for your kids and adults. So, are you 4 feet 11 inches to 6 feet 4 inches? Then you should find this crutch comfy for home, work, or travel use.

With a weight of 4.5 Lbs, the crutch is a natural lightweight. But it can carry your body weight of about 250 Lbs without flinching. Carex crutch is lighter than most wood crutches but strong enough to withstand your body weight.

The thick underarm pad and handgrip help to reduce upper body pains when walking. Using a finger-shaped handgrip bar increases the firmness of the grip. Adding that handgrip function to the rubber tip will reduce pressure on the shoulder. Also, the rubber tip protects you from slipping on smoother surfaces.

Good For:

The thick underarm pads and handgrip reduces upper-body pains.
It’s a genuine lightweight aluminum that supports body weights up to 250 Lbs.
You can easily unscrew and fold each part for storage.
A wide range of height adjustments makes it ideal for multiple uses – for tall or short people.
You get a sturdy non-slip rubber tip.

Bad For:

Best Resistant Structure crutch –KMINA PRO Crutch

Highlights

Do you need a travel crutch for your left or right arm? Then, it could be KMINA Pro foldable crutch. It’s so easy to store up, no unscrewing or assembly requirement. You only need to fold the crutch into two and place it in the carry bag. Then, off you go to the airport! Isn’t that awesome!

The KMINA Pro comprises fiberglass material. Even the handgrip uses high-grade fiberglass plastic. Therefore, the anti-rust property will increase the durability of the crutches. And, the reflector light on the handgrip tip gives you better safety at night. It helps to eliminate the issue of someone running into you.

The 10 point height adjustment makes it perfect for adults 29 to 41 inches tall.

Good For:

It is an incredible noise-free crutch.
The reflectors help prevent an accident.
It is pretty easy to fold and store away.
You can make height adjustments quickly.
They are lightweight but carry up to 300 Lbs. weight.

Bad For:

Best Shock-absorbing crutch –in-Motion Pro Crutches

Highlights

In-Motion Pro presents a foldable crutch with several features to relieve upper body pain. First, all you need is to fold the crutches into two. Now, you have a quick way to store up your crutches for your trip. Moreover, it doesn’t take up much space.

It has a heavy-duty aluminum steel construction to prevent water damage. And it can withstand pressure or weight of up to 500 Lbs. That means, no limit to carrying human weight.

The ergonomic handle can adjust up to 13 degrees. With such an impressive grip structure, it makes long-wearing possible. Moreover, using such a grip structure aids the prevention of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). However, CTS is an ailment associated with the prolonged use of crutches.

In-Motion Pro shock absorbing and power-assist technology provides excellent protection while walking. The base tip tilts or angles as you move to reduce the pressure. It also has a mechanism that minimizes the impact of forced activities.

Good For:

It is an impressive and quieter shock-absorbing technology crutch.
You will find it easy to fold and store crutches away.
The ergonomic handgrip and underarm foam pad reduce pressure on the arm and shoulders.
The reinforced heavy-duty structure is capable of holding weights up to 500 Lbs.
It is suitable for tall people of 5 feet 7 inches to 6 feet 9 inches.

Bad For:

Recommended Ergobaum Prime 7th Generation | Final Words

So, what’s our top pick foldable crutch? Well, the best folding crutches for traveling is the Ergobaum Prime 7th Generation due to its innovative features. The adjustable parts make it fast and easy to fold away. Also, having a flashlight, LED light, and alert button increases safety at night.

Using the shock absorber technology, you can now have a tension-free and safe trip. However, you should tread with caution if you weigh above 300 Lbs. That’s because the crutch may not support weights above 250 Lbs comfortably.

The Drive Medical is an impressive crutch due to its height adjustment function. You can quickly assemble and disassemble the crutches on the go. But you may need a little know-how to assemble the crutches correctly. Also, with the PINs slipping out, sometimes it could cause an accident.

Carex aluminum crutches fold easily for storing away. The padded underarm and handgrip and height adjustments make the Carex aluminum an exceptional product. But you may require additional pads for the underarm. Also, it takes a little more effort to fix the crutches together.

KMINA Pro is a foldable crutch with a resistant structure. It also has 10 points height adjustments and a reflector that makes it excellent.

In-Motion Pro is innovative and offers some of the most impressive features for a foldable crutch. In terms of unique features and functionality, you can say the In-Motion Pro is excellent.

In-Motion Pro has super shock-absorbing functions that should appeal to someone using mobility aids. But be ready to carry some weight with you as the In-Motion Pro is quite heavy. Also, if you settle for In-Motion Pro, then get prepared to spend a few more bucks.

It’s great when you can store up your crutches in an airplane compartment. That’s why you should settle for a reliable and foldable crutch.

However, even the best folding crutches must be lightweight and adjustable to meet travel needs. But in addition, it should possess quality materials for durability, sturdiness and be worth the purchase. So, do any of the above-listed foldable crutches appeal to you? Then, you are sure to get value for your money.

worldcrutches-Halloween Costumes While On Crutches

40 Halloween Costumes While On Crutches

All, Crutches Tips, Resources / By Elvira

40 Halloween costumes while on crutches

Last Update: December 8, 2022

Halloween is just around the corner, and it is time to start thinking about your costumes. You might be worried that your injured leg along with a pair of crutches might ruin your plans! However, with a little creativity and your DIY skills, you’ll be good to go.

Here are 40 great Halloween costume ideas from famous characters on crutches.

Table of Contents

Add a header to begin generating the table of contents

1. The Pirate

Grab an eye patch, a pirate hat and a shiny sword and get ready to go rob some sweets. A pirate look will look amazing alongside your crutches. Pirates have accidents too!

2. A Penguin

Using crutches is no walk in the park, how about you use that to your advantage! Waddle your way across the street rocking a penguin costume.

Check Price

3. An Injured Football Player:

Just a cool and awesome football player dealing with a leg injury. You can wear your favorite player’s shirt, and an armband like a team captain.

4. A Playful Smurf

They are blue, cheerful with a hint of crazy. You can dress all blue and walk around with crutches like a smurf who got himself in trouble.

Check Price

5. The Monopoly Guy

A simple and easy costume to rock on Halloween night is the monopoly guy. Wear a tuxedo, put a top hat on, a fake mustache, and you’ll be ready to collect your night’s fees.

6. A Mummy

This one is a classic with a twist! Wrap yourself and your crutches with toilet paper and go roaming around.

Check Price

7. A Zombie

The zombie look is also a classic. It’s not like you see a zombie now and then, who’s to say a zombie can’t use crutches!

8. Extra legs? That's a spider

Having to use crutches is like having a helping pair of legs! You can attach extra fake arms popping up from your back, and you’ll look the part.

Check Price

9. Lara Croft

Who don’t know the adventuress Lara Croft, with here two guns making a run for it through the jangle. Although, even adventurers could suffer a leg injury. Grab a pair of fake guns and go tell your story.

10. A Hockey Player

Another great idea for Halloween is to dress as an injured hockey player. Put on a hockey helmet, a pair of gloves and pretend your crutches are the stick (in this case two!)

Check Price

11.Tiny Tim

Dress like a boy from the 80s and be the cute and funny tiny Tim from Christmas carol. Crutches will only make it look better, as Tim used a crutch to walk around.

12. The Penguin from Batman

Jump to the other side of the law for the night and mimic the tricky penguin from batman. Grab a top hat and a monocle. This will also look great if you can manage using a cane.

Check Price

13. Grandpa/Grandma is home

Stroll by like an elderly who needs crutches. How hard can it be to mimic an old man or woman’s look? Dress like an elderly. Wear glasses, throw on grandma’s scarf or grandpa’s coat, and use your crutches to get around.

14. A GHOST

You may not manage to look as scary as one, but this will help cover up the crutches. Simply grab a white sheet, poke two holes to see, and throw it on top of you.

Check Price

15. An NBA Player

If you are into basketball and great dunks, you can choose to be an NBA player who’s going through treatment. A nice touch would be to modify a jersey shirt and write your name on the back.

16. Octopus

Octopuses are known to have more than two legs. An octopus costume would be fun and cool if you need to use crutches. Be sure to attach extra tentacles to look the part.

Check Price

17. The "I just had a horrible accident"

What’s better than playing it how it looks? Put on some torn clothes, fake blood and act as if you just made it out of an accident!

18. The Flamingo

Since you can only use one leg, this costume might not be a bad idea. The big pink bird likes to stand on one leg. A pink costume and a long beak along your crutches will hint at the idea.

Check Price

19. A Giraffe

Consider the crutches as your grand and big giraffe legs. Find a giraffe costume and wrap your crutches in a similar fabric.

20. Super Mario

All that jumping around and fighting monsters is ought to get you in trouble and result in a broken leg. All you need is a blue pant and a red shirt. If you can’t find a Mario cap, You can grab any cap and glue the letter M to it.

Check Price

21. Football Referee Costume

If you are into football, this costume may be a great choice to go with for Halloween. It is true that you never see a referee with crutches, but maybe you made a call that didn’t appeal to the crowed!

22. The Skier

Just as if you are used to skiing down a snowy mountain range, only this time you had some difficulties steering. You can wear your ski goggles and pretend that your crutches are your skiing pole.

Check Price

23. A Figure Skater

Skating, jumping and dancing on ice could be all fun and games until you make a bad move. You can dress as a figure skater who’s suffering a leg injury that required you to use crutches. All you need is a colorful skating suit, and a fake medallion.

24. Panda with chainsaw arms

Adorable and cute? Well, not tonight! You can make a pair of fake chainsaws from carton and stick them on each crutch. Don’t forget about the panda costume.

Check Price

25. A Witch

Halloween is all about the spooky theme, therefor dressing as a witch is an excellent choice. Say you fell off while riding your broom. Wear a black dress, grab a wand and maybe decorate your crutch to look like a broom.

26. Rock Lee from Naruto

Rock lee may be fast, but not when dealing with a broken leg, and most certainly not with crutches. Put on an all-green suit and orange leg warmers. It would be cool if you can find the Konoha green flak jacket.

Check Price

27. Dark Crystal Strider

One creepy, scary and perfect costume for Halloween with crutches is a one inspired from Dark Crystal. In addition to the costume, you can wrap your crutches in some weary fabric that matches your costume.

28. TARS from Interstellar

Something about Tars’ walk just hints out crutches! For this one, all you need is a big carton the size of your body, with a hole on each side for your arms.

Check Price

29. Jimmy from South Park

This one is simple, easy and awesome. Jimmy Valmer from South Park. He is my favorite cartoon character on crutches. All you need is to wear a yellow shirt with jeans

30. Rambo

Get ready to go guns blazing tonight like Rambo does. You can decorate your crutches to look like huge guns, along with a combat knife on your waist. Don’t forget to wear similar clothes.

Check Price

31. Hobbes with crutches

Wherever these two crazy friends go, trouble follows. You are bound to get some great comments dressing as this funny comic character. This would be even better if you can convince your friend to join you as Calvin.

32. R2-D2

If you can do a robot voice, then this beloved droid from the great Star Wars franchise would be great for you. Check here for a simple and easy DIY guide.

Check Price

33. house M.D.

Doctor House uses a cane rather than crutches, but if you could keep the grumpiness for the night, then the rest is easy. You can simply wear a suit and hang on a heart listener if you could find one.

34. Evel Knievel

Evel Knievel is one of the most famous stunt performers. Dressing as him for Halloween would be a great choice. If anyone asks, just say that you fell off your bike while jumping through a big fire circle!

Check Price

35. Jimmy Stewart in Rear Window

In Rear Window, Jeff gets stuck in his apartment due to a leg injury. To entertain himself, Jeff gets a pair of Binoculars and starts spying on his neighbors. Get yourself a light blue pajama and binoculars or a camera and go out as Jeff.

36. Jesus Christ with Crosses

This one is easy and pretty straightforward. All you need is a white robe, and to modify our crutches to look like crosses. You also wear a fake beard to make it look even better.

Check Price

37. go as The 3 Stooges

This would be hilarious if you could get your friend in on it. You can be Curly and act as if you just fell from a high place and injured your leg. Wrap your head with pads to make it look more realistic.

38. Gundam

If you are a fan of the anime, or you just always wanted to be an awesome but deadly war machine, this is your chance. You can disguise one crutch as a shield and the other as your sword.

Check Price

39. Wear a canoe

This might seem weird, but it’s actually a good and funny idea. You can make a small canoe that fits you and pretend that your crutches are your paddles to get around.

40. assassin's creed

It is probably better to stay off rooftops and keep on the ground. Climbing buildings may get you injured, which is exactly what happened in your case! A nice touch would be to hide the hidden blades (not real, of course) within your crutches.

Check Price

Final Word

Dealing with a leg injury as Halloween approaches may be frustrating. However, it doesn’t mean that you are going to sit in the house for the night and pass on tricks or treats!

There are a lot of options for you to choose from that will look great despite the crutches. We offer you 40 suggestions for you to pick from. Go spend an unforgettable Halloween night!

Will Crutches Help My Fibromyalgia?

All, Injury Resource Center, Resources / By Elvira

Will Crutches Help My Fibromyalgia ?

Worldwide, people with this medical condition ask themselves, “will crutches help my fibromyalgia?” The short answer is that yes. Crutches are a treatment option that actually manages mobility issues. Continue reading if you would like to find out more about what caused it, and the treatment option. Additionally, keep reading if you want to know more about crutches as a treatment.

Table of Contents

Add a header to begin generating the table of contents

What is Fibromyalgia?

Fibromyalgia is a medical disorder. It is a condition that creates widespread musculoskeletal pain. Fibromyalgia affects approximately every 1 in 25 people in the United Kingdom. Unlike other disorders, this is a long-term chronic illness that can impact a person’s life.

Symptoms

Due to this being a chronic condition, there are many symptoms that people suffer from. Finding out these symptoms early on can help you establish if you have this condition. I try my best to educate others on the symptoms so that they can seek medical help and get a diagnosis early on.

When identifying the condition, medical doctors would look for trigger points. Yet, they now look for pain regions. A doctor will likely ask you if you have persistent dull pain in one or more of these regions of pain. If you tell the doctor that you feel this type of pain, they will consider a fibromyalgia diagnosis. Yet, only if you are experiencing pain in 4 out of the 5 regions identified as part of the diagnostic criteria.

The more awareness there is about this disorder, the more likely it will be that people take notice. If they are aware of, they can take time to discover other treatment options and a potential cure. Below is a shortened list of a few symptoms associated with fibromyalgia.

Headaches and migraines.
Insomnia and restless sleep patterns.
Mild to severe muscle pain that includes burning, tightness and twitching.
Extreme and constant fatigue and tiredness.
Widespread pain throughout your musculoskeletal regions of the human body.
Trouble concentrating.
Bladder and bowel problems.
Anxiety and depression.

Causes

We can look at what causes this disorder. There has been much debate globally surrounding the exact cause of this condition. Despite several research studies into it, it is still unclear what the exact cause is.

Yet, recently there is much evidence based on a few theories about the causes of fibromyalgia. Most medical professionals agree on a popular view. They state the disorder develops in people who have problems with how their spinal cord and brain process pain signals from their body’s nerves.

Past infections: Those who suffer from past infections are more likely to get it. For example, those who had salmonella have later in life developed fibromyalgia.
Stress and mood disorders: Stress is often referred to as the silent killer. It can significantly affect body’s functions. Some research has linked stress as a factor to those who have developed fibromyalgia. This is because stress creates hormonal imbalances.
Hereditary condition: Similarly to other genetic disorders, fibromyalgia runs in families. If you have a family member who has the condition, you are more likely to get it. Some scientists believe this is because of gene mutations.

Additionally, you are more prone to developing fibromyalgia if you are a woman. You are also more likely to develop this condition if you lead a sedentary lifestyle. Moreover, if you suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder or have another disease.

Treatment

We will briefly discuss a few of the treatment options currently available. The loved one in my life suffering from this condition has made use of a few of these options. There is, unfortunately, no cure for the disorder currently. Yet, by utilizing one or more of these treatments, a person can ease some of their pain.

How Do You Treat Fibromyalgia Pain ?

Various pain relievers: You can manage fibromyalgia with over-the-counter pain medications. Pain medications help reduce inflammation and muscular pains. Some will also help you sleep. Some of the more popular medicines include aspirin, naproxen sodium, and ibuprofen.
Acupuncture: For years, the practice of acupuncture has been helping those with illnesses. Acupuncture has started to be more widely used by those with fibromyalgia. This form of treatment involved a patient’s skin being stuck with needles to provide pain relief.
Physical therapy: One of the best treatments available is physical therapy. This treatment will focus on you gaining back mobility and strengthening weakening muscles. As your mobility increases and your muscles strengthen, you will have less pain.

How Can You Treat Fibromyalgia Fatigue?

Medicinal marijuana: Medicinal marijuana is one of the best natural pain supplements. It is also one of the best muscle relaxants and sleeping aids for those with fibromyalgia. It may not be traditional pain relief, but it is becoming more popular. It helps those with the condition improve their mental health. It also helps them reduce their pain and stiffness.
Vitamin D supplements: You should always speak with your doctor before taking any kind of medication. Vitamin D supplements ease fatigue with those who have fibromyalgia. If you want to combat fatigue and feel better, you might want to take a vitamin D supplement.
Meditation: Many people with this condition have stated that meditation helps them. Meditation will help you control your anxiety and depression. These are common symptoms felt by those with this disorder.

Will Crutches Really help help my Fibromyalgia?

Crutches are one of the reliable pain management treatments available to those who have fibromyalgia. Above, we said how you could treat the pain and fatigue that those diagnosed feel. We will briefly discuss how crutches can help you with the mobility issues you could be facing if you have fibromyalgia.

Crutches will support you and assist you with walking. This is especially useful when you are in a lot of pain due to the disorder. It’s best to use your crutches when you begin experiencing the pain so that your pain doesn’t worsen. Instruments like crutches are specifically designed to reduce the pressure a body feels when walking. This is helpful to those who have fibromyalgia as they often experience widespread discomfort.

Help Tips

Below I have gathered a few helpful tips for living with this condition from those who have it. Some of these tips will help reduce some of the pain you are likely experiencing and help you live a happy life.

Undertake yoga classes. Along with light exercise, taking a yoga class can help manage the pain you experience. Yoga is a relaxing sport that will not only quiet your mind but strengthen your muscles. This will help improve your body’s mobility.

Alternate your medications. If you find the medicine you are taking isn’t working for you, change to something else. Often the treatment for one patient won’t work for someone else with the condition. Additionally, keep a note of all the medications that leave you with bad reactions. This way, you know what to avoid.
Never compare yourself to others with the condition. It is easy to compare yourself to those with the same disorder. You should not do this as each person tolerates and experiences pain in various ways. Additionally, each person copes and manages their condition differently. There are also different levels of normal for other people. By not comparing yourself to someone else, you are helping yourself cope.

Final Words

After reading this brief article detailing fibromyalgia, you should have a better understanding. I truly hope the information will help others identify if this is a disorder they are suffering from. I also hope that this article will provide readers with helpful tips and treatments. These tips could help reduce the pain they likely feel daily.

If you are looking for variable treatments to manage your pain, you might want to consider using crutches. These mobility aids are convenient, functional and assist those living with this condition.

5 Best Crutch Hand Grip Covers

All, Crutches Reviews, Review / By Elvira

5 Best Crutch Hand Grip Covers

The hand grips on your crutches are just as important as your underarm pads. Using crutches require a firm grip around the featured hand grips, for optimum security. Using crutches for extended periods of time may cause some irritation against your palms and hurt your wrist.

To avoid irritation or any discomfort on your palms, you must reinforce your crutch’s hand grips. Here are 5 Best crutch hand grips.

Table of Contents

Add a header to begin generating the table of contents

Our Top 5 Picks

Editor’s Pick

Extra Comfort

Great Investment

Optimum Quality

Soft and Silky

Top 5 Crutch Handgrips Cover

Editor’s Pick – Vive Sheepskin Crutch Grips Cover

Highlights

A great pair of crutch hand grip covers is the sheepette. Made using an extremely soft Faux sheepskin that greatly reduces discomfort against the palms and the wrists. This fluffy grip covers keeps soreness and fatigue to a minimum and eliminates any chance for irritation. In addition, it includes extra Removable Foam Padding to offer more support and boost comfort.

You can easily insert the extra padding or take them off for convenient grip size. The breathable synthetic sheepskin featured is made to absorb moister and keep your hand cool. It can easily be washed for a fresh use with no wear off.

You can use these grip covers with any standard crutch or walker. Use the Velcro fasteners featured to lock it in place and in addition, the none slip lining grant excellent grip for more security.

Good For:

Bad For:

Extra Comfort – Vive Crutch Hand Grip Covers

Highlights

This pair of padded grip covers from vive. Made using contoured foam and latex-free padding. It distributes pressure evenly to limit discomfort along the palms and the wrists. The material used in the making allows it to be breathable and moisture absorbent to keep your palms cool and dry.

Vive pads fit to any standard crutch or walker. With its hook and loop lock, it can easily be adjusted and firmly locked. The pads are also washable for a fresh feeling after each wash.

Good For:

Bad For:

Great Investment – Crutcheze Crutch Hand Grip Covers

Highlights

Crutcheze introduces a pair of crutch hand grip pads designed by healthcare professionals to provide the most comfort. Thanks to the high density foam featured within the pads, it offers more support. The soft stretch fabric fits gently within your palms and relieves any pressure.

These pads are also antibacterial, breathable and moisture wicking with no latex used, for a comfortable safe grip.

You can easily apply the pads to any standard crutch or walker and secure it using the hook & loop fastener.

Good For:

Bad For:

Optimum Quality – Uncle Yang Grip Covers

Highlights

As the name suggest, update your hand grips and enhance your crutches using these spongy and delicate covers. These grip covers are made of contoured foam, which along the core padded provides a cozy and relaxing touch. It limits and keeps pain and grip fatigue away for an extended and easier crutch use. The latex-free material also insures a safe use with no skin irritation or soreness.

You can easily install these covers to any standard crutch or walker. Adjusted according to your needs using the hook and loop closures. It features a non-skid surface designed to keep a firm grip with no slipping. These crutch covers are ante-moist and easy to wash after a while of use.

Good For:

Bad For:

Soft and Silky – Crutch Comfort Hand Grip Covers

Highlights

Last item on our list is the adorable looking crutch grip cover. A silky feeling rich fleece featuring soft memory foam core padding that grants a great deal of comfort.

Simply slid the covers over your crutch hand grips, secure it with the hook & loop fasteners, and you are good to go. Fabric absorbs moist and sweat to keep a dry comfy grip and can easily be washed. To wash the covers, separate the fleece exteriors from foam cores.

Good For:

Bad For:

Recommended Vive Sheepskin Crutch Grips Cover | Final Words

The quality of your crutch hand grips determines how satisfying the experience is. The standard featured gripes in your crutches may not be enough to accommodate a Long time of use. Your palms may get irritated and your wrist may ache after a while of leaning on your crutches. Choosing a pair of hand grip covers to help deliver more support, comfort and eliminate irritation is a wise thing to do.

Based on our assessment, we nominate the Vive Sheepskin Crutch Grips Cover. The soft faux sheepskin promotes the best of comfort and maintains a healthy grip that limits any type of ache. Due to breathable synthetic sheepskin, it stays cool and dry, which is very import for more security and relaxation. You may try different covers and sort through what suits you best for an enjoyable crutch use.

worldcrutches-Ways-To-Stay-Positive-While-Recovering-On-Crutches

12 Ways to Stay Positive While Recovering on Crutches

All, Injury Resource Center, Resources / By Elvira

12 Ways to Stay Positive While Recovering on Crutches

Last Update: December 7, 2022

A close relationship exists between physical injury and mental health. This reality is supported by research, which concludes that a severe injury can trigger mental problems like depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Such a conclusion indicates that recovery from a severe injury is not just a physical process but also a mental one.

If your injury has left you in crutches and you are struggling mentally, this article is for you. We focus on ways to stay positive and take care of your mental health while recovering. Before exploring different methods of dealing with anxiety and depression during recovery, we look at how a physical injury affects mental health.

Table of Contents

Add a header to begin generating the table of contents

Effects of Physical Injury on Mental Health

In an article about how being injured affects mental health, the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) suggests that “the psychological response to injury can trigger or unmask serious mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, disordered eating, and substance use or abuse.”

The NCAA describes itself as “a member-led organization dedicated to the well-being and lifelong success of college athletes.”

Some of the emotional responses listed by the NCAA include:

Sadness
Isolation
Irritation
Lack of motivation
Anger
Frustration
Changes in appetite
Sleep disturbance
Disengagement

Generally, any mental issues triggered by an injury will subside over time. However, sometimes the challenges linger for extended periods, leaving the affected individual with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

The not‐for‐profit provider of healthcare services and information, MayoClinic.org, defines PTSD as “a mental health condition that’s triggered by a terrifying event — either experiencing it or witnessing it.” The same source adds that “Symptoms may include flashbacks, nightmares and severe anxiety, as well as uncontrollable thoughts about the event.”

Dealing with Mental Health Problems During Recovery

The idea that the way people react to trauma depends on several factors, including the kind of injury experienced, its severity, the kind of support available, personality traits, the existence of other stressors in the injured individual’s life, and whether the person has experienced trauma before, is supported by the Better Health Channel. Better Health Channel is an Australian provider of health and medical information.

The Better Health Channel perspective suggests that there can never be a one-size-fits-all solution to dealing with mental health issues while recovering from an injury. However, some common techniques for staying positive during recovery are suggested by several credible sources. We look at some of them below.

1. Accept the Situation

Bobbi Emel wrote an article published by the resource for peace and happiness TinyBuddha.com entitled How Accepting Your Pain Can Help You Heal.

To drive her point home, Emel quotes Eckhart Tolle, who says, “Whatever the present moment contains, accept it as if you had chosen it. Always work with it, not against it.” She adds, “Resistance does not help you; it only saps your energy.”

The idea that resistance delays healing is supported by Dr. Karyn Hall, a certified clinician, and author. She suggests that “It’s exhausting to fight reality, and it doesn’t work.” She adds that attempting to resist or avoid the situation you’re facing only adds more suffering to the pain.

When you accept the injury and the fact that you will spend some time on crutches, you are opening the way for dealing with the situation. You can only deal with a situation that you have accepted.

Hall proposes that you can transform your resistance feelings into accepting beliefs like “I’m in this situation. I don’t approve of it. I don’t think it’s OK, but it is what it is, and I can’t change that it happened.”

2. Practice Positive Self-Talk

Fundamentally, it’s not what people say to you that matters most when recovering from an injury. Instead, the most crucial factor is the inner monologue, called self-talk, that you have with yourself when everybody else is not around.

When you hold reaffirming thoughts, you start to understand that the power over your feelings lies within you and not in what someone else thinks or says.

The American Psychiatric Association advises that as part of this positive self-talk, you need to “Remind yourself and others that it’s normal to have many different feelings as well as ‘good days’ and ‘bad days’ as a natural part of recovery.”

3. Live in the Moment with Mindfulness

Several studies accept the idea that practicing mindfulness has benefits for the healing process. This is a view supported by an article published by the UCLA Mindful Awareness Research Center.

The UCLA article says that mindfulness research “has identified a wide range of benefits in different areas of psychological health, such as helping to decrease anxiety, depression, rumination, and emotional reactivity.” Adding, “Research has also shown mindfulness helps to increase well-being, positive affect, and concentration.”

Writing for the website that provides content on mental health topics, VerywellMind.com, Cathy Wong defines mindfulness meditation. She calls it an exercise that combines mindfulness and meditation, teaching you “to slow down racing thoughts, let go of negativity, and calm both your mind and body.”

4. Do Not Isolate

When you have just been injured, it’s expected that you may feel afraid or unsafe in certain situations. At such a time, it’s vital that you remain among people you can depend on as much as possible.

The American Psychiatric Association advises injured individuals to “Stay connected with friends, family, neighbors, and colleagues to give and receive support.” Adding that “Helping one another aids in healing.”

5. Keep a Journal

What a Physical Injury Taught Me About My Mental Health is the title of an article written by Scott Muska and published by NBCnews.com. In that article, Scott quotes psychotherapist Shrein Bahrami who says, “Writing or journaling your thoughts and feelings is a great way to connect to the emotions and literally get them out.”

Bahrami adds that journaling can assist you in not feeling overwhelmed by your thoughts and feelings, allowing you to be more objective when perceiving the situation and determining solutions.

6. Take Care of Your Health

When you are trying to recover from an injury that leaves you in crutches, you certainly want to take care of your health. An injury coupled with other ailments can be stressful and make things look worse than they really are.

Some of the elements you need to be mindful of to remain healthy during an injury include:

Ensuring that you have adequate sleep.
Managing what you eat carefully so that you consume a balanced diet that will aid healing.
Avoiding drugs and alcohol.
Avoiding stressful encounters.
Drinking enough water.
Practicing personal hygiene and washing your hands properly.
Staying active.

7. Listen to Music

It’s official, listening to music is good for your mood and health. An article published by the Florida National University reports that “music is so powerful to the body that it can actually help ease the pain.” The article adds that “Studies show that music can meaningfully reduce the perceived intensity of pain.”

8. Keep Moving

An injury that leaves you in crutches will likely slow you down, leaving you moving less than you would otherwise do without the injury. This is a view also acknowledged by HelpGuide.org, a non-profit provider of mental health and wellness information. HelpGuide.org suggests that “Trauma disrupts your body’s natural equilibrium, freezing you in a state of hyperarousal and fear.”

Healthline.com mentions that “There are ways to improve circulation in your legs, no matter what your level of activity — even if you’re lying in bed.” We look at the specific exercises you can do while sleeping, sitting, or standing later in this article.

In the beginning, as you get used to your crutches, it may not be easy to move, but the idea is to do whatever movement you can. However, before you do any movement, you need to get the go-ahead from your doctor.

9. Exercise and Stay in Shape

One of the benefits of exercise is that it can make people feel better about themselves. This view is supported by three medical doctors, Ashish Sharma, Vishal Madaan, and Frederick Petty. In their article published by the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry, the authors note that “Aerobic exercises, including jogging, swimming, cycling, walking, gardening, and dancing, have been proved to reduce anxiety and depression.”

It is, however, crucial to note that exercise is not always straightforward when you are on crutches, but this doesn’t mean that it’s impossible. The most important thing is to ensure that you do not put much pressure on your injured leg. It’s also important to target the areas that are not injured when you exercise.

In his article published by USNews.com, Ruben Castaneda suggests some exercises you can do to remain fit while you recover:

Exercise sitting or lying down: You can lift weights targeting the upper body while sitting or lying down.

Use resistance bands: Ask your physical therapist to recommend resistance bands you can use, whether sitting, standing on crutches, or lying down.

Exercise the legs: An example of exercises you can do when sitting include straightening the leg and keeping it in the air for several seconds. This helps prevent muscle atrophy (the wasting away of muscle because it is not being used) and maintains muscle tone.

Stretch: Gentle stretching before and after every exercise will help you maintain flexibility.

You can do these types of exercises several times a day.

It’s important to get the go-ahead of your doctor or therapist before you start exercising. The University of Michigan Health suggests that you should “Start each exercise slowly and use your pain level to guide you in doing these exercises.” The same source adds that when you feel more than mild pain, ease off.

10. Ease the Pain Caused by Crutches

Sometimes the distress during recovery comes from crutches; hence you need to find ways of easing this pain. Here are some tips to help you feel less pain when recovering on crutches:

Learn to use your crutches correctly.
Get the right crutches for your situation, and if you have already bought the wrong pair, you will be better off if you get rid of it and buy a proper one.
If you can afford it, buy the best crutches with adequate cushioning.
Ensure that the pain is not coming from the shoes you are wearing; you need to change the shoes if it is.
Keep exercising so that you are fit enough to walk around on crutches without pain.
Ensure that your crutches are correctly adjusted.

11. Ease the Pain Caused by Crutches

If you have tried some of the suggestions above and the symptoms continue to the extent that you feel debilitated, it may be time to seek professional help.

The Anxiety & Depression Association of America lists some resources you can contact when battling with PTSD:

12. See the Silver Lining

While no one wants to experience trauma, if it has already happened to you, you can use the experience to learn vital lessons and focus on yourself.

BeaconJournal.com, a part of the USA Today Network, quotes Caroline Jordan, who runs a website that uplights the sidelined. Jordan says, “An injury allows you to learn more about you.” Adding, “It provides an opportunity to learn how to be more self-compassionate. It also provides time to reflect on things that may need to change in your life.”