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Many people who are recovering from injuries or surgeries need to use crutches for a while. Crutches can be uncomfortable and cause pain in your hands, arms, shoulders, and back.
Choosing the right type of crutch pads is important because it can make a big difference in how you feel when using them. You want something comfortable with good padding that will help relieve pressure points on your hands and arms as well as reduce chafing between your thighs or underarm area.
The problem is that there are so many different types available on the market today. How will you know which one is going to suit you best? What’s the difference between them? Which one feels more comfortable when walking on uneven surfaces?
Best Crutch Pads:
| Image | Product | Our Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Vive Crutch Pads – Padding for Walking Arm Crutches | 9.7 | Check Price on Amazon |
 | Crutcheze Premium USA Made Crutch Pad and Hand Grip Covers | 9.5 | Check Price on Amazon |
 | Universal Crutch Underarm Pad Covers – Luxurious Soft Fleece | 9.1 | Check Price on Amazon |
 | Crutch Pads – Padding for Walking Arm Crutches | 8.8 | Check Price on Amazon |
 | Crutch Pads and Hand Grip Covers Crutcheze USA Made | 8.6 | Check Price on Amazon |
 | Vive Crutch Pad and Bag Set | 8.2 | Check Price on Amazon |
 | Unisex Underarm Padded Covers and Hand Grip Foam Pads | 8 | Check Price on Amazon |
 | Crutch Comfort Deluxe Soft Fleece & Foam Crutch Accessory Set | 7.7 | Check Price on Amazon |
 | Universal Crutch Underarm Pad and Hand Grip Covers | 7.4 | Check Price on Amazon |
 | Crutch-Mate Underarm Gel Crutch Pads, Pair | 7.2 | Check Price on Amazon |
Last update on 17th March 2023 / Affiliate Links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Why are crutches so tiring?
Crutches support the entire body weight entirely on your arms and hands when you are using them. Using crutches for long periods of time can lead to intense pain in the affected arm, especially if you have an injury or surgery on that side that causes swelling.
Walking with crutches is different than walking normally. You won’t be able to use your foot normally so you will have to compensate for the lack of support. Basically, walking with crutches is more difficult and requires a lot of energy from your non-injured leg.
The main reason why crutches are so tiring is that they put a lot of weight on your hands and shoulders. There’s no support to help you balance yourself, so all of the pressure of balancing goes on your hands.
In addition, when you walk with crutches, there’s also no natural shock absorption at the ends of the crutches. So, every little movement you make while walking can cause a jarring motion to go up to your arms and shoulders.
What if there were some kind of padding for the hands?
Wouldn’t that make using crutches more comfortable? Sure! Why not add cushioned covers to your crutches the same way that you would add a layer of protection to your hands when using gardening tools? It would be great if there was some kind of crutch pads that could provide comfortable support for painful bony areas, wouldn’t it?
What are Crutch Pads?
Crutch pads are detachable accessories to crutches that provide cushioning, comfort, and support for your hands and arms as well as the underarm or thighs. Crutch pads feature an adhesive hook-and-loop fastener on one side so they can be easily attached to your crutches. They’re a great option for people who need to use a walking aid such as walkers or crutches.
Crutches can cause chafing because they require you to walk with your hands in an unnatural position in front of your body, and without crutch pads that motion will rub the skin between your thighs raw. There is no shortage of them on the market today, but there are a lot of truly good ones out there that will provide excellent comfort and support when using walking aids for long periods. Some crutches come with built-in cushioning, but those are usually very thin and only cover the handgrips, so they don’t provide support for your hands or any relief from chafing.
Benefits Of Using Crutch Pads
- Good crutch pads can provide support for your hands and arms as well as the underarm or thighs.
- Τhey help prevent chafing and reduce pain when using crutches for long periods of time.
- Many types are machine washable, so you can simply throw them in the washing machine to keep them clean!
- Crutch pads provide an affordable and effective way to reduce discomfort while walking with your crutches.
How can I make my crutches more comfortable under my arms?
Pads are an inexpensive way to reduce discomfort with crutches for many hours per day, so make sure you choose one that’s comfortable and effective. Depending on the thickness and material, some pads will give you more cushioning than others. You also have to think about which areas of your body experience chafing and would most benefit from extra padding. For example, if you’re using a crutch all day long, having an underarm pad will reduce the rubbing and pain while you walk.
Putting on your crutch pads is very simple and takes just a few seconds. Some pads are designed so that they can be worn on both sides, while others only attach to the top or bottom of your walker. Some of them have padding that covers the forearm area, which is a great feature when using crutches for long periods since it can get very painful without extra cushioning. You just need to place the pads over your hand grips, slip your arms through the loops, and then adjust them so that they cover the areas on your hands or underarm area that you want to protect.
Things to consider when buying padding for your crutches:
Is the material going to be easy to clean and maintain over time?
Will it be machine washable? Most crutch pads are machine washable, but you need to carefully check the tag and care instructions for each product before placing them in your washing machine. Some of them can’t go in the dryer either, so make sure you know how to clean your crutches before actually purchasing any!
How much do you want to spend?
If you’re on a budget, there are some cheap solutions out there for your crutches. However, if you’re more comfortable spending the money to get something that will be more reliable and last longer, even if it means getting one of the most expensive options available.
If you’re looking for the best value for money options, check the ones included in our recommendations. They are a great starting point for your research. While you can find a lot of crutch pads for less than $10, many of them are thin and won’t provide any cushioning. It’s best to spend more money on an effective product so that you don’t have to replace it every few weeks!
What material should your crutch pads be made out of – cloth, neoprene, gel?
Gel padding is very comfortable and stays cool to the touch, but it does not have a sturdy backing like cloth or neoprene. Neoprene is slightly more durable than cloth and more breathable than gel but tends to get hot after extended wear. Cloth pads are probably the most common variant because they offer some of the best in terms of value, but they can have a tendency to slip and slide. In the end, it’s up to you to decide what’s best for your situation.
One thing that might influence your decision with regard to the material is how easy the padding will be to clean. If you’re going to take your crutches outdoors, then there’s a good chance you will get them dirty. If that’s the case, then cloth padding will be your best option because it can easily be washed in a washing machine – not a bad feature to have on crutch pads!
Quality of the Pads
The biggest complaint about pads for crutches is that they don’t stay in place and slip while you walk. When your pads are slipping around all the time, it can make them inefficient and ineffective when it comes to preventing chafing or pain. Most of the time, if you find that your pads don’t stay in place while walking, it’s because they’re made with a thin material that isn’t durable enough for regular use. It also doesn’t help if they don’t have adjustable straps, which makes them uncomfortable and reduces their effectiveness at reducing pain.
Before you rush into buying new crutch pads, make sure that you thoroughly examine the quality of the product. The descriptions on Amazon do not give you enough details to know if a certain product will be effective or not. It’s best to check customer reviews before deciding where to buy it from. If possible, check the manufacturer’s website to see if they have better pictures and more information about the product.
If you’re still not sure, just keep searching until you find a brand or type that seems like it would really work well for you. You certainly don’t want to spend money on crutch pads that are going to be totally ineffective at protecting your skin from chafing and pain. Buy from a reputable seller that accepts returns or exchanges so that you can try the pads with your crutches.
Ease of Installation
You don’t want to put on your crutches and then have to adjust the pads every time you take a step! You also need plenty of room in order to put on the pads, so check out the straps before making any purchases. Many products will include elastic strips that make it easy for users of all ages and sizes to wear them comfortably.
You also need to make sure that the pads are easy to remove and put on whenever you want, so keep this in mind as you read through reviews. It’s a lot easier for users to change out their crutch padding if they can take it on and off quickly without having to struggle with fiddly straps or clips!
Durability
A good product should be one that lasts for years. That’s why you need to find one that is well-made and isn’t going to fall apart after a few uses. For the best results, choose a crutch pad made from durable fabric that will resist tearing and wrinkling as you walk along with your crutches.
If your crutch pads are not built to last, they’re going to tear or rip in a matter of weeks. It’s also important that you find padding that is durable enough for everyday use so that it isn’t full of holes and tears after just a few days!
Most pads come with a warranty from the manufacturer, but you should read the fine print before making your purchase. If they don’t include a warranty or guarantee that covers damage caused by regular wear and tear, then you know you’re getting something low-quality.
Thickness And Shape Of The Foam Pad
You want your padding to be thick enough that it’s comfortable and can cushion the hard edges of your crutches. If you buy a pad with too thin of a foam layer, then it’s going to be ineffective at reducing pain and preventing chafing. Not everyone has the same pain tolerance, so if you have sensitive skin, you may prefer a thicker padding layer. Make sure that the information provided by the manufacturer includes sizing details such as the thickness and density of the foam.
If you’ve already tried padding with your crutches, then you’re probably familiar with how annoying it can be to have them slip around. For the best results, look for a “patterned” foam layer that is designed to stay in place no matter what you do. This will help ensure that your skin stays protected while remaining comfortable as you walk along.
Type of Fabric Covering
Most crutch pads are built with a fabric cover made from cotton, but you’ll need to make sure that the covering is durable enough to last. The best crutch padding will have a water-resistant or waterproof layer so that moisture doesn’t seep through over time. If your pad does not feature a protective covering of any kind, then your crutch padding is not going to last as long.
You want your padding to be made from a lightweight material that breathes well and won’t cause discomfort or allergies. As long as you have thick enough foam, this kind of lining should be more than sufficient for providing comfort without unnecessary bulk. Make sure the liner is sewn in place so it stays in place nicely.
There are all sorts of fabrics out there to choose from. Polyester is a popular option, but if you do have allergies to this type of material, cotton might be the best option for you. Cotton will work well for most people, but you will want to check the manufacturer’s cleaning instructions before making a final decision with your purchase. Since you’ll be using these pads for several hours at a time, it’s important to find one made with a high-quality fabric that won’t cause chafing or discomfort.
Warranty
Is there a warranty available? You want to make sure that your pads have a good warranty because it’s common for them to rip or tear after long-term use. A good warranty will protect your investment in case something happens to the padding. Most products come with a 1-year warranty, but you may be able to find longer warranties if you look at your options carefully.
Be sure that the manufacturer provides instructions on how to return your product for repairs or replacement if it does not hold up over time. If you see a warranty that promises to replace ripped or damaged padding without requiring you to return it, then you know the manufacturer is confident in their product.
FAQ
Can you use just one crutch?
Why are my arms sore from using crutches?
The main reason your skin will start to hurt when using crutches is because of the pressure being placed on it. Without padding, you are likely to develop blisters and irritation after a few hours of use, so this is definitely something to address right away. Make sure the armrests fit comfortably over your shoulders before padding in order to reduce the risk of blisters.
How do you make padding for crutches?
Be sure to measure the armrests first in order to get the right size of foam needed for your homemade padding. You can always start off small and then make some adjustments if you need to before wrapping it with fabric.
Mixing and matching different padding materials is a great way to get the best results. It may cost you a little more, but it can help to reduce the risk of getting blisters or other skin irritations.
