SingsongRaptor
My hubby thinks I should get a forearm crutch instead of relying on a cane when the environment is too inaccessible for my rollator and wheelchair. I'm considering it since I do need more support than a cane. Tell me about your crutches #DisabledFedi? #disability #disabled #DisabledMastodon
Dec 19, 2023 at 4:56pmWeb
Show threadGoodNewsGreyShoes🔞(on hiatus)Dec 19, 2023

@SingsongRaptor Honestly, we've been considering it as well, so I'm interested to hear the opinions of anyone with arm-crutch experience 👀🩼

Canes are lovely, but sometimes it might be nice to have something more secure that offers more support, without the limited mobility of wheeled aids (walkers, wheelchairs, etc.)

Show threadSingsongRaptorDec 19, 2023
@GoodNewsGreyShoes my sister has a set of smart crutches, which she loves. I played around with them for a few minutes, and I'm not sure it's for me, but I know there's other styles of crutches, so I'm tryna keep an open mind.
Show threadGoodNewsGreyShoes🔞(on hiatus)Dec 19, 2023
@SingsongRaptor Smart crutches? Are those not the forearm ones? 🤔
Show threadSingsongRaptorDec 19, 2023
@GoodNewsGreyShoes yep! But like, ok, what I'm thinking of is a different style than the smart crutches. The style I'm thinking of still kinda puts support at the wrist level similar to a cane
Show threadGoodNewsGreyShoes🔞(on hiatus)Dec 19, 2023
@SingsongRaptor So NOT this kind of thing?
Show threadSingsongRaptorDec 19, 2023
@GoodNewsGreyShoes something like this!
Show threadGoodNewsGreyShoes🔞(on hiatus)Dec 19, 2023
@SingsongRaptor Aaaaah 👍
Show threadworld's worst gothDec 19, 2023
@GoodNewsGreyShoes @SingsongRaptor total rando here but I *loved* that style of crutch, used a pair or single for a year post-bedridden illness as I relearned balance and circulation for standing. Much lighter and smaller than the old style forearm crutches my gran with RA lugged around and had tried to lend me. Your use case may vary.
Show threadGoodNewsGreyShoes🔞(on hiatus)Dec 19, 2023

@tsdower @SingsongRaptor Oh awesome! Thanks for the personal account - that's super helpful! 🙌

Did you find using them one at a time to be awkward or uncomfortable? Can't quite picture it, myself 🤔

Show threadworld's worst gothDec 19, 2023
@GoodNewsGreyShoes @SingsongRaptor I found it a little awkward but sometimes worth just carrying less.
Show threadSingsongRaptorDec 19, 2023
@tsdower @GoodNewsGreyShoes thanks for the personal account! Did you find them better for relieving pain and facilitating safer balance than a plain cane?
Show threadworld's worst gothDec 19, 2023
@SingsongRaptor @GoodNewsGreyShoes easier for me for balance with the additional point of contact basically
Show threadowenDec 19, 2023

@SingsongRaptor Hi! I'm a long term forearm crutches & wheelchair user. I usually just use one, but sometimes both depending on my needs. for me, they're way superior to a cane because the weight is distributed more evenly and stably, and with a closed cuff it hangs off my arm when I need to use my hand, which is great.

I use walk easy ref. 490 crutches, which are no longer available, but that should give an idea of what I'm talking about.

Show threadowenDec 19, 2023

@SingsongRaptor I highly recommend going with a model that has a closed cuff that tilts. it's also basically mandatory to upgrade the tips to tornado tips - it makes a HUGE difference in comfort, they are absolutely worth the price. standard crutch tips basically have no shock absorption and crappy traction.

you may want to also take a look at the ergobaum 7G crutches - my partner has them and likes them.