To help alleviate this irritation, put some Vaseline on the area of the skin that is bothering you. Wear a sports bra if you’re a girl; it will keep from the wire hurting as well. If you’re a guy, try to wear more shirts; maybe layer them or wear an undershirt. You can also wrap towels around the top of of the crutches and then tape them on with duct tap to provide more cushioning.

If you go grocery shopping, carrying food can throw off your balance. If you put the goods you want to purchase in a bag, it can look like you are trying to steal it. To avoid these potentially embarrassing situations, prepare a list of what you’ll need for the week and ask someone to go shopping for you. You can also use an online delivery service for these things if you can afford it. If you are in school, then avoid wearing a backpack with books in it while you are using crutches. The extra weight can create extra unnecessary pressure on your armpits. Ask a friend to carry your books for you while you are using crutches.

Underarm crutches: These are easier to master and maneuver than forearm crutches, but can lead to more soreness and discomfort from the way they press against your body during use. Forearm crutches: These require more upper body strength than underarm crutches and can be more difficult to navigate initially, but they are better suited for long term use than underarm crutches.

Is it okay to rest your injured limb on the ground? Should you avoid placing any weight on it whatsoever? Can you just use one crutch as a cane? What’s the best way to walk using this method? How can you bathe? Is it okay to stand in the shower, or should you take baths instead? What is the proper posture to maintain while using crutches? Do you need to limit other physical activities like swimming or sex?

Crutches should be adjusted while you are standing with the base of the crutches situated about six inches from the sides of your feet. The underarm supports should be two inches below your armpits. [8] X Expert Source Mayami OyanagiPhysical Therapist Expert Interview. 27 January 2021. When you put your hands on the grips, your elbow should bend slightly. If you feel like you have to hunch over when you are using your crutches, they are too short. [9] X Expert Source Mayami OyanagiPhysical Therapist Expert Interview. 27 January 2021.