The advantage of getting crutches from your hospital or doctor is that your healthcare professional will help you ensure that the crutches fit properly. If you buy them on your own, you may not buy ones that fit correctly.
Pay particular attention to the rubber tips on the bottoms of the crutches. They wear out quickly, but can be replaced cheaply.
Medicare rarely reimburses online purchases. If you have private insurance, you will need to request an invoice in order to file a claim, and your insurance company may not reimburse you. It is important to try out crutches to ensure comfort and fit. If you are buying online, consider ordering several pairs of crutches and returning all but the ones you prefer. Check the store’s return policy first to ensure that you can get your money back without paying high return fees.
For people who have had total knee or hip replacement surgery, or have significant balance problems, walkers offer more stability than crutches do. [1] X Research source Walkers or wheelchairs may be more appropriate for the elderly. [2] X Trustworthy Source American Academy of Family Physicians Organization devoted to improving the health of patients, families, and communities Go to source If you have nerve damage or visual impairment, crutches may not be the best choice for you. Using crutches requires learning new gait patterns, or how to walk. If you have cognitive impairment, your doctor may recommend a walker or wheelchair instead.
Forearm/elbow crutches – Crutches with an open cuff that grips the user’s forearm. They are more difficult to master and require more strength, but also offer more control over your movement and are preferred for active patients or long-term users who will have time to build the necessary strength. They are also more comfortable as the cuff takes pressure off the wrist. People with cerebral palsy commonly use this type of crutch. Strutter crutches – These are a patented type of crutch similar to underarm crutches, but with a larger base to provide greater stability. They may make it more comfortable and easy to walk. [3] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U. S. National Institutes of Health Go to source Platform crutches – For users with a weak grip. These crutches allow uses to strap their arm to the crutches in a position that keeps their hand resting on the handle. Hands free crutch – This crutch is for people with injuries below the knee. It straps to your knee when your leg is bent and acts as a peg-leg, allowing you to walk with your hands free. These crutches are usually not covered by insurance unless your doctor indicates you cannot use traditional crutches.
Underarm crutches – When wearing shoes, the pad at the top of the crutch should be an inch or two below your armpit when the tip of the crutch is resting on the floor about 2 inches in front of your toes. The handgrip should allow for a slight bend (about 15°) of your elbow when standing normally. Forearm crutches – When wearing shoes, place your arm in the crutch. When correctly adjusted, the tip of the crutch should rest on the floor when you bend your elbow (about 30 degrees) so that the crease of your wrist is level with your hips.
Call your insurance company to see what they cover before purchasing crutches.
The crutches must be prescribed by a medical provider participating in Medicare. You must acquire the crutches from a supplier who participates in Medicare. If you go to a non-Medicare doctor of supplier, Medicare will not pay the claim they submit and you will be responsible for the cost. Articulated and spring-loaded crutches are not covered by Medicare.
