HIIIiiiiii guys I'm an idiot. 😆 The crutch bags are supposed to go further down, underneath where your hands sit! So excuse this horrible instructional, its wrong. 😆 I liked both the bags but if that's the case, I'd recommend the PacMaxi one! All links for the items I tried can be found in the description!
My concern with the bags would be then having different weighted crutches which for me could through of my balance or something, I can’t even wear a purse because it puts the weight on one side I have to have a backpack. So weighting one of my aids is kinda scary
Not judging, and I know that Amazon is often the easiest or cheapest option, but it's also a terrible business. A business model which literally harms its employees should not be acceptable.
I live in a part of the country that gets snow and ice... don’t remember who makes them but they are “ice cleats” for your crutches and when not needed they flip up and lock in to place. Very awesome
My stepmother is an amputee (upper thigh) and has been for 17 years. She uses exclusively forearm crutches. I think your cuffs are too wide, and you’re swinging them a little too far out. The beauty of forearm crutches is the ability to use your elbows when you lift them so you don’t have to swing them out. Also, my stepmother prefers them because she can use her hands and let the crutches dangle by the cuff Edit: Also the arm cuffs are heat forming, so if you need them smaller you heat them up with a heat gun and bend them into place (you could probably use a hair dryer, but it would take longer)
Yea I've noticed that the way forearm crutches are used are more similar to how canes are used in terms of breadth of movement. Honestly probably should have googled/youtubed how to use em. That's what I did with my cane when I first had to use one 🤷♂️
Seeing as your stepmother uses forearm crutches, Could you please give your opinion on whether your stepmother prefers the open or closed cuffs. I've been trying to research it, but there's little out there. I am totally dangerous on crutches. I had ankle surgery (and I'm no spring chicken) and will soon start weight bearing and will have to give up my well loved knee scooter, but I just don't know where to go from there. Thanks
@@wendypetersen7529 If by open and closed cuffs, you mean the one-piece round cuff and the cuff with the gap, she prefers the gapped ones because she can easily grab the handles and push her forearm into the cuff, making it easier to grab them from a weird angle like if they're under a restaurant table or something
I was going to say the same thing. Have the same amputation your stepmother has, mine was 6 July, 2021, and after coming home, my doctor wrote me a script for them. Absolutely love them, and find them easier to get around on than full length crutches. Used then for a few.years in the mid 90s,.after a car accident. Then in 2006 after a trans metatarsal. Main difference is, you don't have to swing them as.far.out as standard crutches, and can simply fold the elbow to move them into position, for the next step. And, as a double amputee (still.adjusting to saying that, in reference to myself, Trans metatarsal left, femoral right), you can also use one as you would a cane, for better stability.
Isn’t it crazy how individual we all are? I was on (forearm) crutches for 6 months after I hurt my knee and thought they were fine but the underarm ones just make me think ‘no, no, no’ 😂
I have not used crutches very often but I've tried both styles and I just could not deal with the bruises in the upper ribcage. Yes there is a drawback with the forearm crutches that you need to build up your upper arm strength.
The audio in your video is never ruined by the pups! They are actually your producers, you just don't understand their language. They are saying "cut!" And then you cut because they barked. So they think you understood even though you didn't.
Could be wrong but from what I could see from the pictures I think the bags are supposed to go under the handle? That might help with comfort/ weight distribution
I think part of the problem you were having with the sheepskin pad was that your crutches themselves have pads. I had the same problem with my own but when we removed the leather-like pad from the underarm section it was a lot easier to put the pad on.😊
Jo, I was watching you when you used the regular crutches. It looked like you were bearing part of your weight on the upper part of the crutch (your arms were bent slightly as opposed to the forearm crutches). This is a definite no no. Bearing your weight on the tops of the crutches can result in damage to the nerves that go through the shoulder to the arm. That upper part is really only meant to stabilize the side to side movement of the crutches. This is why you're having trouble with the forearm crutches. You have to develop the muscles to stabilize the crutches not only front to back but side to side. The biggest advantage with those is that you won't get the bruising in your armpits and upper ribcage that you get from the regular ones.
Just to note, your arms are supposed to be slightly bent with the under arm crutches, because just as you shouldn't lock your knees, you shouldn't lock your elbows or shoulders. At the same time and for the same reason, the weight shouldn't be carried under the arms, as mentioned. I just wanted to point out that the arms being bent slightly is not incorrect.
@@mattfn There's nothing wrong with what you said about the elbows being slightly bent. That make sense. My comment came from seeing that the arms were slightly bent and it looked like she was bearing weight in the armpits. 🙂
I use forearm crutches (although I have two legs haha) and it looks like you need tighter cuffs. With the medline crutches you have I believe you can soften the plastic of the cuffs and squish them to be tighter. I have crutches that don't have cuffs and I tied fabric through the back to make my own. Tight cuffs make it so your arms don't move as much as you walk and keep you more stable. Other than that I suggest watching some of Josh Sundquist's videos of him going out and about since he has one leg and uses forearm crutches.
I agree with Logan. Tighter cuffs make it a bit easier. I found it took about a week to really feel comfortable with the forearm crutches. Mine also are spring loaded for a little give and the handles are ergonomically shaped to ease stress I the wrists.
I bought padding for my forearm crutches that slips around the cuff and not only makes them more comfortable but also fit my arms better. Getting the padding on is a little bit of a struggle, but it's a one time thing. The only drawback is if I'm wearing a thick coat as well it can be hard to squeeze my arms into them.
honestly I came here hoping to hear a review on collapsible forearm crutches, if anyone has experience with that I'd love to hear! Still lots of good info here, thanks Jo!
I’m actually coming out with my own line of forearm crutches I am an endurance athlete who races all over the world on crutches be sure to follow my Instagram for the release date which is early next year @lilmistydiaz ox
Thanks for showing some of the options out there. I'm an above the knee amputee. After I wore out my Dr. issued aluminum underarm crutches (similar to the Hugos) I bought a used set of wooden crutches at a thrift store (turns out you can still buy wooden crutches new online, I didn't know at the time). I'm much happier with the wooden ones, they're so much quieter than aluminum crutches. IMO nicer looking too. I like the underarm style because you can stand and have both hands free when you need to.
For my crutches, I got fluffy slipper socks taped around the under arm pads and then a beanie over the top... got them at the dollar store, so a total of $3 and really effective 😎
Sorry for the long post; I’m disabled and just want to help everyone be at the least disadvantage/most comfort possible. I love, love, love the mobilegs! In 2015 I had double knee surgery in January then a surgery called a TTO (to straighten out my right leg due to knock knees) in May, then due to an post surgery accident where I re-broke the leg they had just sawn open and screwed together I was on crutches for almost 18 straight months. 12 of those were completely non weight bearing. Regular crutches caused me so much shoulder pain and I would fall with them ALL THE TIME. I went through like 4 New Jersey blizzards and never once fell in rain, ice, or snow. You know crutches are comfortable when a 250lb girl with chronic pain can haul ass across a parking lot on them. If you can plan on needing crutches my two suggestions would be mobilegs crutches and a Ukoala bag. I used to strap my bag around my waist and around my thigh, but with the changeable straps it can be whatever you need it to be without swinging all over the place or hitting your hand every time you try to move.
this is so useful to me. i'm not an amputee but i have chronic fatigue syndrome that badly affects my mobility and we're having to look into buying crutches for me, so this guide is really useful! thank you ❤
for the sheep skin pad, you do have to remove the grey sort of squishy bit that come on the crutches. just in case you wanted to give it a second chance!
I’ve been searching the internet looking for a walker for my wife. It can really get complicated. I need one big enough to hold her while light enough that I can load it up in the car. Some times I wish I had a machine shop. This is great information
Smart Crutches are really good as well especially if have EDS or other joint problems. I used them when I first dislocated my hip as standard crutches were then over stretching him wrists and causing elbow pain. Smart crutches spread the pressure and help so much. Definitely worth looking into in future if needed :) xx
This is helpful! I have EDS, osteogenesis imperfecta, hip dysplasia, and some other things. Standard crutches really hurt my wrists when I was on them for 3+ months. I had 2 hip/pelvic surgeries a few months ago and have used mobilegs since. They have been amazing. But I recently dislocated my wrist and might have a broken foot so I'm considering getting Smart Crutches to use as platform crutches.
Girl, you need yourself a pair of SmartCrutch crutches! They’re highly adjustable forearm crutches that are meant to take strain off from your wrists and hands and improve gait. You can also adjust the angle of your arm in them. I’ve only tried a pair briefly in a shop, but if I was to use crutches on a regular basis, SmartCrutch would be my choice because they’re really comfy and feels more safe and stable than regular forearm crutches, and this coming from someone who’s only used forearm crutches when on crutches
Hey hun I haven't been following you long but I'm in the process of having a bellow the knee amputation. I love your videos!!! Forearm crutches are so hard for me I thought I was the only one your videos are so helpful .
If u have a pair of crutches that when adjusting them the button hurts your fingers then you can use the back of a spoon. I did it when I was on crutches. Made my life easier and less painful.
I have to have ankle surgery soon and this was super helpful for me! I’ll be non weight bearing for at least 4 weeks so a crutch super user’s review was much needed!
Lesley Mitcheson Yeah to me (in the Netherlands) the underarm ones look like sometihing out of the middle ages. Here they have gone completely out of fashion, so to speak. Don't know why really
In Germany too, i had to use them nearly 5 months and i hated them I do Judo 4 times a week and would consider myself fairly strong, but they were so hard and exhausting to use
I'm a Canadian with EDS and I wish forearm crutches were the norm here.... I can't use underarm crutches bc they fuck up my shoulders..... I can get pretty good with canes tho bc that's all I can get my hands on, so I'd imagine that I'd take to forearm crutches pretty easily 😅
You should try the SmartCrutches! I have had them for a good while now and I can keep my shoulders in their sockets and stay upright at the same time, plus you get hands free when leaning too!
@FootlessJo There is a company called smartcrutch that makes custom built gutter crutches. They reduce the pressure that goes directly down through your wrist by spreading the weight across your whole forearm. I have had my pair for years. Although I'm in a chair the majority of the time due to my condition, I do use them in conjunction with my leg braces on very good days. They have even featured in a few videos on my channel.
Zebra Vlogs. NICE!!!!!! I wish I had seen these before. I've had a couple of times where I messed up my ankle (minor stuff) and needed the crutches. I got the hang of using them but it took almost no time at all before my wrists were hurting bad. If something happens again, I'll know what to look for next time.
I was unable to bear weight on my left foot for almost a year due to a very bad infection. I felt unstable using underarm crutches but the forearm crutches were much better. I also had a walker for awhile (too big and clumsy) but my favorite was my knee roller! It was awesome! I also looked at the IWALK but my roller seemed better. I did have some days where my knee was too sore for my roller and I went back to crutches. One thing I hated was all the steel gray colors. I love bright colors and my roller was red! I still have my foot but it is deformed and gets painful when I walk around too much, or try standing in one spot, so I'm limited. Thanks for the great video!!!
Me too! Car accident left me unable to walk for 8 months and. the knee roller/river was the best thing ever and it doubled as a little stool when i had to stand for long periods of time but couldn’t because i had also broke my other heel too.
This video was awesome and so helpful. I’m not an amputee but I have chronic issues with my knee where I’ve had periods of having to be on crutches as I had to be completely non-weight baring. I have standard crutches but have always found them so uncomfortable for long periods of time and will for sure look at the pads and bags you tried for next time I have to use them! I just wish I’d come across this sooner! You’re awesome!
Hi Jo! I am facing amputation here soon, and my spouse and I have been doing some research on prosthesis. We have decided to go with Martin Bionics. Basically you stump does not have to form to the socket as the socket forms to your stump, and the best thing, no socks, and it is breathable. Just wanted to share with you.😊
In europe the only unerdarms ive seen are for people with "no leg use". As long as you have one leg functioning the cuffs ones are the best and the easiest. Specially for tricky moves (sideway stairs etc) also, in Europe the underarms ones are mentally associated with polio.
I am a relatively new above the knee amputee. One of the things that scared me the most about being on my crutches was wet floors. I am now adjusting to my new leg if anybody has questions or just need to talk just let me know
Thank you for the video. Ive begun looking into forearm crutches to help with my knee pain (im not an amputee or anything i just have chronic pain) and my cane flares my upper body pain. Knowing more about crutches from someone with a lot of experience was very nice as someone that has no experience. Ive never used even a cane in my life (before yesterday). So thank you.
My name is Kathy, I got severely injured back in 1996. I was introduced to Moblilegs about 10 years ago. I love them sooooo much. Everything about them is great and you can move out so great on them. You can even attach a pouch to the crutches for cell phone, wallet, brush and etc. You’ve got to try them!!!! Sincerely, Kathy
The thing with the forearm crutches is.. They are designed for ppl with 2 legs... While taking a step with your right foot, the left crutch moves, and with the left foot you move at the same time the right crutch... So you distribute your weight on one foot and one crutch, that makes it easier for your shoulder aswell. I think forearm crutches are not the best solution for you in general, but i think you know that already. :P Greets from a swiss nurse! ;) PS: Your authentic energy you show in your videos is just fascinating. You are a wonderful and beautiful human beeing, dont forget that!
A thousand more props to those who use crutches on a single leg!! I have twisted my ankle and it's been a HARD transition. I was already going to start using crutches for balance and joint disabilities, but this was going to be on two feet. On one it feels near impossible!!
I used forearm crutches for years but with missing a leg i can not get past the unstable feeling i get when i am trying to use them now. Nubbing it lol love that . Great video super informative.
Love that you are reviewing devices while wearing an iwalk. I LOVE mine. Im a large woman and I can hike with it while I have my knee brace on my other leg.
Great test :) I'm using forearm crutches for about ten years. You may have bought the short term use version. The version with a full cuf with only a small gap up front and the ergonomic soft handgrip is much more stable and you won't hurt your hand and wrist as much. Also a big plus is that you can lift your arm to grab something and the crutch will "hang" on your arm without you having to hold it. Makes shopping so much easier.
Jus wanna say I'm so thankful I came across your videos. your so inspiring and even though life has been kinda shitty lately, you make me smile and for that, thanks :)
hi! i'm 17 and use my ergobaum forearm crutches every day. they did take a bit of getting used to, and i will admit i don't use them primarily as "normal" crutches (i use them kind of like canes, but i do use them like normal crutches for short bursts very frequently- mainly when i want to go fast or down a slope!). they have a small adjustable strap that holds my arm in place while i'm using them & i feel very stable. without the strap, i feel very wobbly. you may like the ergobaums. plus they look cool af & come in several shiny colors! this video is super helpful and i really appreciate your content. thank you! :)
Thank you so much for making this video! My knees buckle frequently and I usually use crutches to get around. I use a wheelchair whenever I go out in public but I always bring my crutches. I’ve been looking for a new pair but I didn’t know which ones to get! Thank you so much!!!
I found this super helpful! I used mobilegs for about six months and liked them overall. They’re light, pretty comfortable, and as you said, they give you more movement options. Plus they look cool! I recommend them highly
@Footless Jo in England we use forearm crutches, nobody uses under arm crutches. Try FlexiFoot, they replace the furnels on the bottom of any crutch or cane, and they are bouncy so add suspension and are easier on your shoulders. The best bit is that rather than the usual furnel tug of war when they need replacing, with FlexiFoot the foot twists out of the holder so rather than pulling the whole furnel off you just need to twist the foot out, put the new one into the top and away you go! They're amazing, I'm disabled and was on crutches for 18 months before my mobility deteriorated; 10 months of those 18 months were with FlexiFoot and it changed my life and made my crutches a lot easier on my shoulders. They also do ice adapters for the bottom of them too! I used gel velcro pads on the handles of my crutches and had huge success! Please try FlexiFoot!!!
Hi! I use forearm crutches and have for years and that’s what my country uses. I prefer the ones that are close at the front to stop your arm moving so much. I’m not amazingly stable on them and definitely prefer a manual wheelchair, however, they are the the best crutches for me. I don’t have an amputation because my condition would still be in my system so any small injury could bring it back in a different area. I do understand that having an invisible disability would be different but that’s just what works for me.
The ONLY forearm crutches I can use are ergobaum. They are amazing. They have a light you can use in the dark, one of those buttons to make the backup beep 😂, they are super comfortable and have a little leg/stump rest on them. I have hot pink but they have purple and other colors.
Smart crutches are very nice!😊 You can choose how much support you want in your lower arm. Full support, so your lower arm is resting horizontal or in a more straight angle. (But I use them because I dislocate my wrists easily 🙃)
Hey Jo, my names, err.. Joe as well (LBKA here). The Canadian (forearm) crutches are the ones I use (medline cheap-o's from amazon). When using forearm crutches, you'll need to bend/crush the forearm 'cuffs' inward so they will fit better/tighter (you'll need to 'fit' them). Also think of the forearm crutches as a gymnastics bar/training rails & unlike underarm crutches, try keeping your center of balance back more than you would with underarm crutches (think walking while using hand rails). For me I had to bump them up to the next setting (1 click longer than I thought to be normal) to get the proper positioning. Great video btw, mad props (your video totally sold me on the i-walk, just an FYI to other male viewers, it's amazing; but not exactly 'dude' friendly).
As someone’s who’s in the US, I can’t stand the standard “free” underarm crutches. I have a joint disorder so I’ve collected a bunch of them over the years (recently donated all of them), because of my disorder they cause my shoulders to pop out of place. My doctor suggested forearm crutches and they are much easier (I do wear double wrist braces to protect my wrist when using them), they were supposed to be covered by my insurance but the doctors office and the insurance could never get the right paperwork so I had to end up buying my own.
I’ve had hip surgery twice and I was completely non weight bearing and on crutches for a total of approximately 14-ish weeks. I just took the pads off of my crutches completely. I found the smooth, thin plastic pieces to be way more comfortable than the pads that they cane with or any bulky additions. Especially since I was told (by my PT, Idk what’s “right” or not but it was ultra comfortable and easy for me) that I shouldn’t have been putting weight on my armpits at all and all weight should be going on my arms. I also crocheted my own crutch bags which was fun.
Both of the images for the bags show them below the handles rather than the armpits, so the bags would be at your hips and out of the way of your body.
3 years ago I had pain in my left ankle. The Dr's said it was a bone spur with proper scans. Nov. 2020 that foot slipped out when getting off my mower deck. 3 months an CV-19 later a MRI showed it was fractured in 3 place with arthritis already present (bone spur?). After Covid I needed more help. I could barely walk 10 feet without needing a rest. A local fire station loaned me a old and a bit beat up wheelchair. I'm using standard crutches like the 1st ones you showed. The wheelchair as well. I don't think I would do well with the arm crutches or any of the other options you bought. My biggest complaint is that I live alone and the people that design these aids never used them. Moving hot food or normal items like groceries that people take for granted is not designed into the aids. I really feel for you.
I was on crutches for 6 months and started out with underarm crutches but was introduced to the Mobilegs by a physical therapist. They take a little while to get used to, but now I would never use other crutches. The Mobilegs are super light, the spring loaded under arm pads prevent pressure and injury the the nerves in your armpit, and they hold up well. The large, rocker rubber tips also grip slick floors like wood or tile and even when damp or in the rain they really grip the floor well. I highly recommend anyone who will be on crutches for more than a few weeks to try the Mobilegs!
Hi Jo, my husband permanently walks with the forearm crutches or elbow crutches as we call them in the UK. I showed him your video and asked him what he thought was giving you an issue with them; he said the distance between the arm cuff and the handle was too short. The cuff should sit directly above your elbow and the handle when standing should sit at a straight arm length if that makes sense. This was advice given to him by a physiotherapist who happened to see him walking in the grounds of the hospital on his way to an appointment. The physio stopped him and advised that the settings were wrong and that if he continued using them at the existing settings he would actually suffer from joint issues. The physio adjusted the crutches and he instantly felt the benefit. Not that I think this makes any difference but just for reference my husband does have both legs, his reason for needing crutches is due to Osteoarthritis in his knees and unfortunately he cannot get replacement knee joints as he is too high risk for surgery due to other health conditions. I hope this helps and if nothing else, it lets you try the different settings that may actually help you have another try at using them. Best wishes, Avril
There's an individual element to what works with crutches. I just can't get on with underarm crutches, but loved forearm crutches for 20 years until my shoulders started giving out on me (the joys of hypermobility). My recommendation for forearm crutches would be closed cuff (like the ones you had in the video) rather than open cuff, and definitely one of the designs with a flattened ergonomic grip, so much more comfortable to use. Here in the UK I just use bottom-end Coopers crutches, sturdy and the grip fits my hand perfectly, but I also had a pair of US made Walkeasy Model 495s in black for smart. The grip on the Walkeasies was a touch small for my hands, but otherwise couldn't fault them, and the C-clip they use for adjustment is brilliantly simple. And I absolutely recommend Tornado Tips for ferrules, they seem expensive, but I wore out the crutches before I wore out the tips!
I have mobilegs and I love them! when I had my hip surgery they kept my under arms from hurting and made it easier to move faster. I will keep them forever since I will need surgery in the future :)
I had to use underarm crutches for a few days until I got my iWalk. For a bag, I just used a small back pack. It doesn't get the way of your arms or hands, doesn't add awkward weight to the crutch, and it can hold a lot more stuff.
My grandpa used the forearm crutches for as long as I can remember. He had both his hips replaced before I was born, then replaced again. He eventually got a riser for 1 shoe and started using a cane. But I'll always remember those aluminum forearm crutches.
I use a forearm crutch (single), I've had various ones, my favourite, by far, is Ossenberg anatomical soft handled, they're lightweight, comfortable, and available in various colours. The only downside is cost, usually around £70 each (although possible to find offers, my burgundy one was just £20), but, if you're expecting to be using them long-term or indefinitely then it's well worth paying extra for comfort!
I lived on Mobileg crutches for 8 weeks after I had hip surgery. I appreciated that they were softer under the arms, but they aren’t great If you need them to lean on since the underarm support is squishy and it moves.
Jo, for the mobilegs crutches (like other underarm crutches) you must adjust it higher, to bear partial (even full) weight of your body under your armpit. Then they would not twist or move, you could walk about them much easier :-) The armpit cuffs are for wooden crutches without padding, then you could fix them :-)
hey! i am in the uk and use forearm crutches most of the time. they may be different in the uk to the us but it looks like you may need tighter cuffs so your arms dont move that much.
Hi Jo ,I've used both underarm and forearm crutches. I totally agree with you and prefer the underarm. I found the forearm demanded a lot more energy, especially upper body strength. But forearm crutches have some advantages (maneuverability, one hand totally free while stationary and being useful over challenging surfaces). One thing to keep in mind...the forearm crutch is about half as long, so they should be placed about half the length in front to provide for comparable stability (I guess this is physics??). This means you'll take shorter strides.
Hi I just lost my left leg below the knee in November 5th of this year so I am still really hurting bad and am in a wheelchair still. My name is Joe also only the opposite sex. I never understood how much this changes you life so much. I subscribed to your channel just today and will donate to your account when I feel I can become part of society again right now I can't even leave the house yet. I lost the leg to sepsis infection.
I am not an amputee but a few years ago I managed to snap my left ankle in three places by falling off a Bmx on my 39th birthday. I had a surgery to fix the joint as best as possible but I was non weight bearing for over 3m and here in the uk, the crutches provided by the NHS ( for which I am eternally grateful) are the fore arm style. I couldn’t get on with them at all and after I’d fallen a couple of times in just as many weeks, I ordered an Iwalk used that instead. It was brilliant and worked extremely well; a bit too well in fact my physiotherapist ordered me to stop using it to rehabilitate the ankle. We are now 4 years down the line and the ankle is baring up well.
The forearm crutches are the only option we’re given in the UK. Not too sure if there’s a particular reason for that besides complaints of aches in the armpit area. I’ve been using my forearm crutches for 5 months now and can definitively say that, like many things, it took a little bit of getting used to. I’ve experimented both weight bearing and non-weight bearing with one leg (i was hit by a car and severely broke my right one) and I am able to do both. But you definitely have to have practiced a bit more to get used to only using one leg with the crutches. Once you get it though, you do feel very stable. Plus because they’re forearm crutches, your forearms get a hell of a workout and you get strong as heck. I get to keep my crutches and I can honestly say I’m still going to use them as a form of exercise once I can walk again just to have a fun way of working out my arms 😅😅
I thought about some of these products but never ordered them. (If only I realized how long I would actually be using crutches). I have been using crutches for the last 3 months NWB(non weight bearing) after a comminuted Fibula/compound Tibia break, I will tell you the under arm crutches(equate walmart) are a pain in the rear especially going down stairs. I really wanted to try out the Vive forearm crutches from amazon only because of the travel'ness(not a word I know) of them, being shorter a little easier to cram into a small car and living in a travel trailer with its tight spaces. But thankfully I am 3 months out from surgery(plate and 9 screws in tibia) and finally got cleared to start 25% weight bearing for 6wks then to 50% for 6wks then full. It has been a long process and not as devastating as your situation, I still cant wait to walk. Hopefully I heal and the nerve damage isn't permanent, but have gotten used to the feeling of having a half of my foot being numb.
You say how when you become an amputee there becomes a lot of awkwardness which I totally agree but yet you do these videos that's gets viewed by thousands and I can't even wear shorts anymore cause I feel like everyone is looking at me. Your one amazing chick. Idk how you manage to appear to be so comfortable doing these videos. And I thank you, I didn't even realize how many accessories, equipment and divices where available for us amputee's.
I had the folding guys when I was in high school and my mobility started to tank and I kept a bobby pin hooked through a spare hand hold to pull the string around. Big negative the string started to fray severely after around 6 months use and if the string snaps in motion that could be a serious injury plus then they're completely useless. Not exactly DME, but more temporary, like many DME devices are designed since mostly the elderly and people with temporary injuries are their main market.
Jo, I felt as you do about forearm crutches. Then I watched some of Josh Sundquist's channel, which you need to spend at least half an hour with for many reasons. (If you two ever met, I think you'd become friends.) First off, if you're going to use a crutch for the rest of your life, you're going to want to go with something custom built and light. Forearm crutches do take a little getting used to but once you do you'll be far more agile on them than other crutches. Importantly, if you fall while using forearm crutches, and we're all going to fall sometime, you're more likely to catch yourself if you're using forearm crutches than conventional ones. (I say this as someone with an artificial shoulder joint thanks to a fall on conventional crutches.) As you can see in the comments, forearm crutches are the go-to crutch nearly everywhere outside the U.S. After my amputation, a therapist explained that that had much to do with contracts health care providers in America have with medical equipment suppliers than what's better for the user. Notes: The tips of crutches are usually called "tips" or "feet," not pads. Underarm pads for regular crutches should be completely unnecessary because that part of the crutch is used for guidance only and should bear very little weight. Putting any real weight on it opens you to nerve damage. The Smart Crutches mentioned elsewhere in the comments look good, but they're not custom built. For custom built, the two best are SideStix, a Canadian company (forearm crutches are sometimes called Canadian crutches) and Thomas Fetterman crutches. I have SideStix and like them very much. Fetterman makes a good variety of tips designed for a variety of surfaces and conditions.
@@FootlessJo You're welcome. If you only take one piece of advice out of my too-long mansplaining, I hope it's to look into Josh Sundquist's posts on this site. He does stand up comedy, so if nothing else, you might get a laugh or two out of it. You see that he's more agile on one leg than most are on two, by the way. You are not an idiot for no seeing how the bags should have been attached to the crutch. I'm often surprised at how often people make products like that without giving you a simple photograph of how they're used, and I suspect that's what happened here.
If you ever see this, I’m looking into smart crutches to use more long term and the main selling aspect for me is that the angles can adjust. I need different aids on different days so I like that one day I can use it as a flat forearm crutch and another day I can change it to be more like a cane. They seem to be the only crutch that can be used at a 90 degree angle. Regular forearm crutches cause my wrists to dislocate and my carpel tunnel to flare.
-Before I had to use a wheelchair full-time, I used forearm crutches. Mine had a flattish, more ergonomic handhold and I really liked that. About the Mobi-Legs (sp), maybe if you tried putting the handhold forward like the forearm type it would be better. Having never used them, I may be way off-base.
My recommendation is to see if you can have a new socket built using a "pull in sock method", this is a suspension attachment. The upside is you are using a cotton base sock with wicking sheath (pantyhose basically) , this will always have your skin dry and prevents rashes caused by gel lining and urethane socks. I know the Prosthesits always try to recommend the "new" thing, but they rarely know best. I can wear my leg over 24 hours without any sweat or rash. Downside is of course the retention strength, as long as you are not going to suspend yourself by one leg, you will be fine. You can always get a second socket with a vacuum for more athletic workouts.
When I had to use forearm crutches after my ankle op I almost fell over and the physio had to literally hold me so I wouldn't fall. But trust me practice makes perfect and after about a week I was pretty good at them and I ended up using them for about 5 months. They also don't give you sore arm pits and are really stable and good to use for long periods of time.
HIIIiiiiii guys I'm an idiot. 😆 The crutch bags are supposed to go further down, underneath where your hands sit! So excuse this horrible instructional, its wrong. 😆 I liked both the bags but if that's the case, I'd recommend the PacMaxi one! All links for the items I tried can be found in the description!
LOL
Just use both then!
My concern with the bags would be then having different weighted crutches which for me could through of my balance or something, I can’t even wear a purse because it puts the weight on one side I have to have a backpack. So weighting one of my aids is kinda scary
Emma Norlen balance is everything
Not judging, and I know that Amazon is often the easiest or cheapest option, but it's also a terrible business. A business model which literally harms its employees should not be acceptable.
Buddy! The third "c" is: "constructability!" Maybe you say this later in the video, but anyway lol
Anna Myachina I yelled it as she was saying there wasn’t one
@@maaggiied2554 Right? Haha, gotta love her though!
Ahh that’s perfect, I was just thinking of convenience 😂
i was gonna say connectability😂
Literally just came down here to put the same word here, but you beat me to it. 😉
I live in a part of the country that gets snow and ice... don’t remember who makes them but they are “ice cleats” for your crutches and when not needed they flip up and lock in to place. Very awesome
My stepmother is an amputee (upper thigh) and has been for 17 years. She uses exclusively forearm crutches. I think your cuffs are too wide, and you’re swinging them a little too far out. The beauty of forearm crutches is the ability to use your elbows when you lift them so you don’t have to swing them out. Also, my stepmother prefers them because she can use her hands and let the crutches dangle by the cuff
Edit: Also the arm cuffs are heat forming, so if you need them smaller you heat them up with a heat gun and bend them into place (you could probably use a hair dryer, but it would take longer)
Yea I've noticed that the way forearm crutches are used are more similar to how canes are used in terms of breadth of movement.
Honestly probably should have googled/youtubed how to use em. That's what I did with my cane when I first had to use one 🤷♂️
Seeing as your stepmother uses forearm crutches, Could you please give your opinion on whether your stepmother prefers the open or closed cuffs. I've been trying to research it, but there's little out there. I am totally dangerous on crutches. I had ankle surgery (and I'm no spring chicken) and will soon start weight bearing and will have to give up my well loved knee scooter, but I just don't know where to go from there. Thanks
@@wendypetersen7529 If by open and closed cuffs, you mean the one-piece round cuff and the cuff with the gap, she prefers the gapped ones because she can easily grab the handles and push her forearm into the cuff, making it easier to grab them from a weird angle like if they're under a restaurant table or something
I was going to say the same thing. Have the same amputation your stepmother has, mine was 6 July, 2021, and after coming home, my doctor wrote me a script for them.
Absolutely love them, and find them easier to get around on than full length crutches. Used then for a few.years in the mid 90s,.after a car accident. Then in 2006 after a trans metatarsal.
Main difference is, you don't have to swing them as.far.out as standard crutches, and can simply fold the elbow to move them into position, for the next step.
And, as a double amputee (still.adjusting to saying that, in reference to myself, Trans metatarsal left, femoral right), you can also use one as you would a cane, for better stability.
@@kevinfox500 can you tell me exactly the ones you have, please? Hope you are doing ok! I'm trying to prepare to possibly having a bka. Hard decision.
Isn’t it crazy how individual we all are? I was on (forearm) crutches for 6 months after I hurt my knee and thought they were fine but the underarm ones just make me think ‘no, no, no’ 😂
I have not used crutches very often but I've tried both styles and I just could not deal with the bruises in the upper ribcage. Yes there is a drawback with the forearm crutches that you need to build up your upper arm strength.
The audio in your video is never ruined by the pups! They are actually your producers, you just don't understand their language. They are saying "cut!" And then you cut because they barked. So they think you understood even though you didn't.
Could be wrong but from what I could see from the pictures I think the bags are supposed to go under the handle? That might help with comfort/ weight distribution
I reacted to the same thing.
I think part of the problem you were having with the sheepskin pad was that your crutches themselves have pads. I had the same problem with my own but when we removed the leather-like pad from the underarm section it was a lot easier to put the pad on.😊
Jo, I was watching you when you used the regular crutches. It looked like you were bearing part of your weight on the upper part of the crutch (your arms were bent slightly as opposed to the forearm crutches). This is a definite no no. Bearing your weight on the tops of the crutches can result in damage to the nerves that go through the shoulder to the arm. That upper part is really only meant to stabilize the side to side movement of the crutches. This is why you're having trouble with the forearm crutches. You have to develop the muscles to stabilize the crutches not only front to back but side to side. The biggest advantage with those is that you won't get the bruising in your armpits and upper ribcage that you get from the regular ones.
Just to note, your arms are supposed to be slightly bent with the under arm crutches, because just as you shouldn't lock your knees, you shouldn't lock your elbows or shoulders. At the same time and for the same reason, the weight shouldn't be carried under the arms, as mentioned. I just wanted to point out that the arms being bent slightly is not incorrect.
@@mattfn There's nothing wrong with what you said about the elbows being slightly bent. That make sense. My comment came from seeing that the arms were slightly bent and it looked like she was bearing weight in the armpits. 🙂
Yes. This is one of the reasons I like mobilegs. They squish down at the top which prevents you from putting your weight on your armpits so much.
I use forearm crutches (although I have two legs haha) and it looks like you need tighter cuffs. With the medline crutches you have I believe you can soften the plastic of the cuffs and squish them to be tighter. I have crutches that don't have cuffs and I tied fabric through the back to make my own. Tight cuffs make it so your arms don't move as much as you walk and keep you more stable. Other than that I suggest watching some of Josh Sundquist's videos of him going out and about since he has one leg and uses forearm crutches.
I agree with Logan. Tighter cuffs make it a bit easier. I found it took about a week to really feel comfortable with the forearm crutches. Mine also are spring loaded for a little give and the handles are ergonomically shaped to ease stress I the wrists.
I bought padding for my forearm crutches that slips around the cuff and not only makes them more comfortable but also fit my arms better. Getting the padding on is a little bit of a struggle, but it's a one time thing. The only drawback is if I'm wearing a thick coat as well it can be hard to squeeze my arms into them.
honestly I came here hoping to hear a review on collapsible forearm crutches, if anyone has experience with that I'd love to hear! Still lots of good info here, thanks Jo!
I’m actually coming out with my own line of forearm crutches I am an endurance athlete who races all over the world on crutches be sure to follow my Instagram for the release date which is early next year @lilmistydiaz ox
For the Forearm crutches you need a tighter cuff
Thanks for showing some of the options out there.
I'm an above the knee amputee. After I wore out my Dr. issued aluminum underarm crutches (similar to the Hugos) I bought a used set of wooden crutches at a thrift store (turns out you can still buy wooden crutches new online, I didn't know at the time). I'm much happier with the wooden ones, they're so much quieter than aluminum crutches. IMO nicer looking too.
I like the underarm style because you can stand and have both hands free when you need to.
For my crutches, I got fluffy slipper socks taped around the under arm pads and then a beanie over the top... got them at the dollar store, so a total of $3 and really effective 😎
Sorry for the long post; I’m disabled and just want to help everyone be at the least disadvantage/most comfort possible.
I love, love, love the mobilegs! In 2015 I had double knee surgery in January then a surgery called a TTO (to straighten out my right leg due to knock knees) in May, then due to an post surgery accident where I re-broke the leg they had just sawn open and screwed together I was on crutches for almost 18 straight months. 12 of those were completely non weight bearing. Regular crutches caused me so much shoulder pain and I would fall with them ALL THE TIME. I went through like 4 New Jersey blizzards and never once fell in rain, ice, or snow. You know crutches are comfortable when a 250lb girl with chronic pain can haul ass across a parking lot on them. If you can plan on needing crutches my two suggestions would be mobilegs crutches and a Ukoala bag. I used to strap my bag around my waist and around my thigh, but with the changeable straps it can be whatever you need it to be without swinging all over the place or hitting your hand every time you try to move.
I loved this video. Could you do a video on the cheapest mobility aids on amazon for people that are struggling financially while recovering
I LOVE this idea!!!
Could you put the bags on the part you hold rather than under your arm? Would that make it less bulky and easier to get into?
like your videos,have had mobility issues since I was young,70 now
this is so useful to me. i'm not an amputee but i have chronic fatigue syndrome that badly affects my mobility and we're having to look into buying crutches for me, so this guide is really useful! thank you ❤
for the sheep skin pad, you do have to remove the grey sort of squishy bit that come on the crutches. just in case you wanted to give it a second chance!
I’ve been searching the internet looking for a walker for my wife. It can really get complicated. I need one big enough to hold her while light enough that I can load it up in the car. Some times I wish I had a machine shop. This is great information
Have you looked at Rotary fold up walkers on eBay?
Smart Crutches are really good as well especially if have EDS or other joint problems. I used them when I first dislocated my hip as standard crutches were then over stretching him wrists and causing elbow pain. Smart crutches spread the pressure and help so much. Definitely worth looking into in future if needed :) xx
I am an HD and have EDS. I am looking for a good pair crutches. I would love to know more about Smart Crutches.
This is helpful! I have EDS, osteogenesis imperfecta, hip dysplasia, and some other things. Standard crutches really hurt my wrists when I was on them for 3+ months. I had 2 hip/pelvic surgeries a few months ago and have used mobilegs since. They have been amazing. But I recently dislocated my wrist and might have a broken foot so I'm considering getting Smart Crutches to use as platform crutches.
Girl, you need yourself a pair of SmartCrutch crutches! They’re highly adjustable forearm crutches that are meant to take strain off from your wrists and hands and improve gait. You can also adjust the angle of your arm in them. I’ve only tried a pair briefly in a shop, but if I was to use crutches on a regular basis, SmartCrutch would be my choice because they’re really comfy and feels more safe and stable than regular forearm crutches, and this coming from someone who’s only used forearm crutches when on crutches
Yeah but they're fucking ugly
Hey hun I haven't been following you long but I'm in the process of having a bellow the knee amputation. I love your videos!!! Forearm crutches are so hard for me I thought I was the only one your videos are so helpful .
If u have a pair of crutches that when adjusting them the button hurts your fingers then you can use the back of a spoon. I did it when I was on crutches. Made my life easier and less painful.
I have to have ankle surgery soon and this was super helpful for me! I’ll be non weight bearing for at least 4 weeks so a crutch super user’s review was much needed!
The second type of the crutches are the only ones we have in England on the NHS
Hattie Mottram yes it’s so annoying
Same in Germany😂
I got blisters on my hands from them from the rubber ;-;
Kai is crying fluffy socks on the handles, or cycling gloves.
@@rebeccawilliams139 I got told that after I stopped using them 😂
We don’t have any choice in the UK. We seem to only be given forearm crutches. Rare to be given underarm ones
Lesley Mitcheson Yeah to me (in the Netherlands) the underarm ones look like sometihing out of the middle ages. Here they have gone completely out of fashion, so to speak. Don't know why really
Ik I have crutches I broke my shin
In Germany too, i had to use them nearly 5 months and i hated them
I do Judo 4 times a week and would consider myself fairly strong, but they were so hard and exhausting to use
@@amyjones2539 did it heal well? x
I'm a Canadian with EDS and I wish forearm crutches were the norm here.... I can't use underarm crutches bc they fuck up my shoulders.....
I can get pretty good with canes tho bc that's all I can get my hands on, so I'd imagine that I'd take to forearm crutches pretty easily 😅
You should try the SmartCrutches! I have had them for a good while now and I can keep my shoulders in their sockets and stay upright at the same time, plus you get hands free when leaning too!
@FootlessJo
There is a company called smartcrutch that makes custom built gutter crutches. They reduce the pressure that goes directly down through your wrist by spreading the weight across your whole forearm.
I have had my pair for years. Although I'm in a chair the majority of the time due to my condition, I do use them in conjunction with my leg braces on very good days.
They have even featured in a few videos on my channel.
They are my BEST friend when I have to use crutches. When I just need a stick, I use a folding walking cane.
Literally came to say smart crutches, they’re more expensive but so worth it
Zebra Vlogs. NICE!!!!!! I wish I had seen these before. I've had a couple of times where I messed up my ankle (minor stuff) and needed the crutches. I got the hang of using them but it took almost no time at all before my wrists were hurting bad. If something happens again, I'll know what to look for next time.
Smartcrutches, I love them. Expensive as f*ck but worth it.
Ayy i have themmm they have helped so much. My shoulders still dislocate but its really helped
You are such an inspring person and you always look on the bright side of things which I think is just amazing!
I was unable to bear weight on my left foot for almost a year due to a very bad infection. I felt unstable using underarm crutches but the forearm crutches were much better. I also had a walker for awhile (too big and clumsy) but my favorite was my knee roller! It was awesome! I also looked at the IWALK but my roller seemed better. I did have some days where my knee was too sore for my roller and I went back to crutches. One thing I hated was all the steel gray colors. I love bright colors and my roller was red!
I still have my foot but it is deformed and gets painful when I walk around too much, or try standing in one spot, so I'm limited. Thanks for the great video!!!
Me too! Car accident left me unable to walk for 8 months and. the knee roller/river was the best thing ever and it doubled as a little stool when i had to stand for long periods of time but couldn’t because i had also broke my other heel too.
This video was awesome and so helpful. I’m not an amputee but I have chronic issues with my knee where I’ve had periods of having to be on crutches as I had to be completely non-weight baring. I have standard crutches but have always found them so uncomfortable for long periods of time and will for sure look at the pads and bags you tried for next time I have to use them! I just wish I’d come across this sooner! You’re awesome!
"C" word for assembly,,, "Construction"
Hi Jo! I am facing amputation here soon, and my spouse and I have been doing some research on prosthesis. We have decided to go with Martin Bionics. Basically you stump does not have to form to the socket as the socket forms to your stump, and the best thing, no socks, and it is breathable. Just wanted to share with you.😊
These underarm crutches are so confusing to me as someone in the UK 🙈
Do you guys not have them?
@@karmstrong6566 no not really. I guess they used to decades ago but I've never seen them around we just have forearm crutches
@@karmstrong6566 You would have to buy them. The free ones are forearm crutches.
I have never seen underarm crutches in person, only on TH-cam and movies🤷🏻♀️🙊
In europe the only unerdarms ive seen are for people with "no leg use". As long as you have one leg functioning the cuffs ones are the best and the easiest. Specially for tricky moves (sideway stairs etc) also, in Europe the underarms ones are mentally associated with polio.
I am a relatively new above the knee amputee. One of the things that scared me the most about being on my crutches was wet floors. I am now adjusting to my new leg if anybody has questions or just need to talk just let me know
Marshall Barkema not sure
Thank you for the video. Ive begun looking into forearm crutches to help with my knee pain (im not an amputee or anything i just have chronic pain) and my cane flares my upper body pain.
Knowing more about crutches from someone with a lot of experience was very nice as someone that has no experience. Ive never used even a cane in my life (before yesterday).
So thank you.
My name is Kathy, I got severely injured back in 1996. I was introduced to Moblilegs about 10 years ago. I love them sooooo much. Everything about them is great and you can move out so great on them. You can even attach a pouch to the crutches for cell phone, wallet, brush and etc. You’ve got to try them!!!!
Sincerely,
Kathy
The thing with the forearm crutches is.. They are designed for ppl with 2 legs... While taking a step with your right foot, the left crutch moves, and with the left foot you move at the same time the right crutch... So you distribute your weight on one foot and one crutch, that makes it easier for your shoulder aswell.
I think forearm crutches are not the best solution for you in general, but i think you know that already. :P
Greets from a swiss nurse! ;)
PS: Your authentic energy you show in your videos is just fascinating. You are a wonderful and beautiful human beeing, dont forget that!
A thousand more props to those who use crutches on a single leg!! I have twisted my ankle and it's been a HARD transition. I was already going to start using crutches for balance and joint disabilities, but this was going to be on two feet. On one it feels near impossible!!
this was helpful ... I had been considering arm crutches but now I see how they could be a lot less stable...
I used forearm crutches for years but with missing a leg i can not get past the unstable feeling i get when i am trying to use them now. Nubbing it lol love that . Great video super informative.
Love that you are reviewing devices while wearing an iwalk. I LOVE mine. Im a large woman and I can hike with it while I have my knee brace on my other leg.
Thanks for sharing your personal point of view on these mobility options in terms of crutches...
I thoroughly love to hear your perspective, you get it done and done the right way most of the time
Great test :) I'm using forearm crutches for about ten years. You may have bought the short term use version. The version with a full cuf with only a small gap up front and the ergonomic soft handgrip is much more stable and you won't hurt your hand and wrist as much. Also a big plus is that you can lift your arm to grab something and the crutch will "hang" on your arm without you having to hold it. Makes shopping so much easier.
Jus wanna say I'm so thankful I came across your videos. your so inspiring and even though life has been kinda shitty lately, you make me smile and for that, thanks :)
The dog is like, "Is that for me?"
hi! i'm 17 and use my ergobaum forearm crutches every day. they did take a bit of getting used to, and i will admit i don't use them primarily as "normal" crutches (i use them kind of like canes, but i do use them like normal crutches for short bursts very frequently- mainly when i want to go fast or down a slope!). they have a small adjustable strap that holds my arm in place while i'm using them & i feel very stable. without the strap, i feel very wobbly. you may like the ergobaums. plus they look cool af & come in several shiny colors!
this video is super helpful and i really appreciate your content. thank you! :)
In Ireland we use forearm crutches but we put slipper socks/ fluffy socks or Hurley grips
Thank you so much for making this video! My knees buckle frequently and I usually use crutches to get around. I use a wheelchair whenever I go out in public but I always bring my crutches. I’ve been looking for a new pair but I didn’t know which ones to get! Thank you so much!!!
I found this super helpful! I used mobilegs for about six months and liked them overall. They’re light, pretty comfortable, and as you said, they give you more movement options. Plus they look cool! I recommend them highly
For fore arm crutches you don’t keep your arms so straight
@Footless Jo in England we use forearm crutches, nobody uses under arm crutches. Try FlexiFoot, they replace the furnels on the bottom of any crutch or cane, and they are bouncy so add suspension and are easier on your shoulders. The best bit is that rather than the usual furnel tug of war when they need replacing, with FlexiFoot the foot twists out of the holder so rather than pulling the whole furnel off you just need to twist the foot out, put the new one into the top and away you go! They're amazing, I'm disabled and was on crutches for 18 months before my mobility deteriorated; 10 months of those 18 months were with FlexiFoot and it changed my life and made my crutches a lot easier on my shoulders. They also do ice adapters for the bottom of them too! I used gel velcro pads on the handles of my crutches and had huge success! Please try FlexiFoot!!!
9:51 I don't know why I'm suddenly so immature but I just burst out laughing 🤣 I just watched that clip 5 times. My gut hurts now.
Hi! I use forearm crutches and have for years and that’s what my country uses. I prefer the ones that are close at the front to stop your arm moving so much. I’m not amazingly stable on them and definitely prefer a manual wheelchair, however, they are the the best crutches for me. I don’t have an amputation because my condition would still be in my system so any small injury could bring it back in a different area. I do understand that having an invisible disability would be different but that’s just what works for me.
The ONLY forearm crutches I can use are ergobaum. They are amazing. They have a light you can use in the dark, one of those buttons to make the backup beep 😂, they are super comfortable and have a little leg/stump rest on them. I have hot pink but they have purple and other colors.
This is what I use too! I love love love Ergobaum!! I have purple ones. ❤️
Sophie helped me that made me happy 😊
Thanks for sharing your story. I’m just got my leg last week. After wearing it I developed blisters also.
I got the “Ron hurt my fingies” reference (parks and rec)
Ahh you’re the first one!!! 😆
I was just watching!
Tom Haverford to be exact.
yup
Smart crutches are very nice!😊 You can choose how much support you want in your lower arm. Full support, so your lower arm is resting horizontal or in a more straight angle. (But I use them because I dislocate my wrists easily 🙃)
Hey Jo, my names, err.. Joe as well (LBKA here). The Canadian (forearm) crutches are the ones I use (medline cheap-o's from amazon). When using forearm crutches, you'll need to bend/crush the forearm 'cuffs' inward so they will fit better/tighter (you'll need to 'fit' them). Also think of the forearm crutches as a gymnastics bar/training rails & unlike underarm crutches, try keeping your center of balance back more than you would with underarm crutches (think walking while using hand rails). For me I had to bump them up to the next setting (1 click longer than I thought to be normal) to get the proper positioning. Great video btw, mad props (your video totally sold me on the i-walk, just an FYI to other male viewers, it's amazing; but not exactly 'dude' friendly).
I don't think I can even get the underarm ones where I live.. never seen anyone use those, the forearm onea are pretty much Standard here
As someone’s who’s in the US, I can’t stand the standard “free” underarm crutches. I have a joint disorder so I’ve collected a bunch of them over the years (recently donated all of them), because of my disorder they cause my shoulders to pop out of place. My doctor suggested forearm crutches and they are much easier (I do wear double wrist braces to protect my wrist when using them), they were supposed to be covered by my insurance but the doctors office and the insurance could never get the right paperwork so I had to end up buying my own.
I’ve had hip surgery twice and I was completely non weight bearing and on crutches for a total of approximately 14-ish weeks. I just took the pads off of my crutches completely. I found the smooth, thin plastic pieces to be way more comfortable than the pads that they cane with or any bulky additions. Especially since I was told (by my PT, Idk what’s “right” or not but it was ultra comfortable and easy for me) that I shouldn’t have been putting weight on my armpits at all and all weight should be going on my arms. I also crocheted my own crutch bags which was fun.
Here in Germany we just have the forearm things but they look not the same maybe you try them
Every time she waved her coffee it made me nervous cus in my head I’m like “don’t spill it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!”
What video were you watching? She had no coffee...I went back and watched it a second time.
She spilled
@@janinedijkstra2728 she had no coffee!!!
@@morgancalvi6675 no i know, but she did spill
Both of the images for the bags show them below the handles rather than the armpits, so the bags would be at your hips and out of the way of your body.
3 years ago I had pain in my left ankle. The Dr's said it was a bone spur with proper scans. Nov. 2020 that foot slipped out when getting off my mower deck. 3 months an CV-19 later a MRI showed it was fractured in 3 place with arthritis already present (bone spur?). After Covid I needed more help. I could barely walk 10 feet without needing a rest.
A local fire station loaned me a old and a bit beat up wheelchair.
I'm using standard crutches like the 1st ones you showed. The wheelchair as well.
I don't think I would do well with the arm crutches or any of the other options you bought.
My biggest complaint is that I live alone and the people that design these aids never used them. Moving hot food or normal items like groceries that people take for granted is not designed into the aids.
I really feel for you.
I was on crutches for 6 months and started out with underarm crutches but was introduced to the Mobilegs by a physical therapist. They take a little while to get used to, but now I would never use other crutches. The Mobilegs are super light, the spring loaded under arm pads prevent pressure and injury the the nerves in your armpit, and they hold up well. The large, rocker rubber tips also grip slick floors like wood or tile and even when damp or in the rain they really grip the floor well. I highly recommend anyone who will be on crutches for more than a few weeks to try the Mobilegs!
Thanks for the update, thanks for sharing, have a great day, all of you there
I'm going to end up having surgery on my ankle here soon so this was super helpful to see!
Hi Jo, my husband permanently walks with the forearm crutches or elbow crutches as we call them in the UK. I showed him your video and asked him what he thought was giving you an issue with them; he said the distance between the arm cuff and the handle was too short. The cuff should sit directly above your elbow and the handle when standing should sit at a straight arm length if that makes sense. This was advice given to him by a physiotherapist who happened to see him walking in the grounds of the hospital on his way to an appointment. The physio stopped him and advised that the settings were wrong and that if he continued using them at the existing settings he would actually suffer from joint issues. The physio adjusted the crutches and he instantly felt the benefit. Not that I think this makes any difference but just for reference my husband does have both legs, his reason for needing crutches is due to Osteoarthritis in his knees and unfortunately he cannot get replacement knee joints as he is too high risk for surgery due to other health conditions. I hope this helps and if nothing else, it lets you try the different settings that may actually help you have another try at using them. Best wishes, Avril
There's an individual element to what works with crutches. I just can't get on with underarm crutches, but loved forearm crutches for 20 years until my shoulders started giving out on me (the joys of hypermobility). My recommendation for forearm crutches would be closed cuff (like the ones you had in the video) rather than open cuff, and definitely one of the designs with a flattened ergonomic grip, so much more comfortable to use. Here in the UK I just use bottom-end Coopers crutches, sturdy and the grip fits my hand perfectly, but I also had a pair of US made Walkeasy Model 495s in black for smart. The grip on the Walkeasies was a touch small for my hands, but otherwise couldn't fault them, and the C-clip they use for adjustment is brilliantly simple.
And I absolutely recommend Tornado Tips for ferrules, they seem expensive, but I wore out the crutches before I wore out the tips!
I love millennial forearm crutches! I’ve used them for two years now and they are so much better for my hands!
I love watching you spill tiny bits of your coffee while talking with your hands with a coffee cup in it because I do the same 😂
I’m a new amputee. This video was sooooo helpful. Thank you!! 😁
The fore arm cruches need to be adjusted until u have a comfort place
I have mobilegs and I love them! when I had my hip surgery they kept my under arms from hurting and made it easier to move faster. I will keep them forever since I will need surgery in the future :)
So do youth highly recommend them?
I had to use underarm crutches for a few days until I got my iWalk. For a bag, I just used a small back pack. It doesn't get the way of your arms or hands, doesn't add awkward weight to the crutch, and it can hold a lot more stuff.
My grandpa used the forearm crutches for as long as I can remember. He had both his hips replaced before I was born, then replaced again. He eventually got a riser for 1 shoe and started using a cane. But I'll always remember those aluminum forearm crutches.
Does not matter what type crutches you use Jo, you are very good on them and very alluring. I also use crutches and know what it is like.
Wow you are so inspiring, I wish I could be as joyful as you are. keep on going NOBODY can stop you know.😄👍
I use a forearm crutch (single), I've had various ones, my favourite, by far, is Ossenberg anatomical soft handled, they're lightweight, comfortable, and available in various colours. The only downside is cost, usually around £70 each (although possible to find offers, my burgundy one was just £20), but, if you're expecting to be using them long-term or indefinitely then it's well worth paying extra for comfort!
I lived on Mobileg crutches for 8 weeks after I had hip surgery. I appreciated that they were softer under the arms, but they aren’t great If you need them to lean on since the underarm support is squishy and it moves.
Jo, for the mobilegs crutches (like other underarm crutches) you must adjust it higher, to bear partial (even full) weight of your body under your armpit. Then they would not twist or move, you could walk about them much easier :-) The armpit cuffs are for wooden crutches without padding, then you could fix them :-)
hey! i am in the uk and use forearm crutches most of the time. they may be different in the uk to the us but it looks like you may need tighter cuffs so your arms dont move that much.
I was getting ready to buy some crutches. I’m glad I seen this video for i bought them
Hi Jo ,I've used both underarm and forearm crutches. I totally agree with you and prefer the underarm. I found the forearm demanded a lot more energy, especially upper body strength. But forearm crutches have some advantages (maneuverability, one hand totally free while stationary and being useful over challenging surfaces). One thing to keep in mind...the forearm crutch is about half as long, so they should be placed about half the length in front to provide for comparable stability (I guess this is physics??). This means you'll take shorter strides.
.which looked to me that you were placing the forearm crutches in front at a distance appropriate for the underarm...
Hi I just lost my left leg below the knee in November 5th of this year so I am still really hurting bad and am in a wheelchair still. My name is Joe also only the opposite sex. I never understood how much this changes you life so much. I subscribed to your channel just today and will donate to your account when I feel I can become part of society again right now I can't even leave the house yet. I lost the leg to sepsis infection.
I am not an amputee but a few years ago I managed to snap my left ankle in three places by falling off a Bmx on my 39th birthday. I had a surgery to fix the joint as best as possible but I was non weight bearing for over 3m and here in the uk, the crutches provided by the NHS ( for which I am eternally grateful) are the fore arm style. I couldn’t get on with them at all and after I’d fallen a couple of times in just as many weeks, I ordered an Iwalk used that instead. It was brilliant and worked extremely well; a bit too well in fact my physiotherapist ordered me to stop using it to rehabilitate the ankle. We are now 4 years down the line and the ankle is baring up well.
The forearm crutches are the only option we’re given in the UK. Not too sure if there’s a particular reason for that besides complaints of aches in the armpit area. I’ve been using my forearm crutches for 5 months now and can definitively say that, like many things, it took a little bit of getting used to. I’ve experimented both weight bearing and non-weight bearing with one leg (i was hit by a car and severely broke my right one) and I am able to do both. But you definitely have to have practiced a bit more to get used to only using one leg with the crutches. Once you get it though, you do feel very stable. Plus because they’re forearm crutches, your forearms get a hell of a workout and you get strong as heck. I get to keep my crutches and I can honestly say I’m still going to use them as a form of exercise once I can walk again just to have a fun way of working out my arms 😅😅
I thought about some of these products but never ordered them. (If only I realized how long I would actually be using crutches). I have been using crutches for the last 3 months NWB(non weight bearing) after a comminuted Fibula/compound Tibia break, I will tell you the under arm crutches(equate walmart) are a pain in the rear especially going down stairs. I really wanted to try out the Vive forearm crutches from amazon only because of the travel'ness(not a word I know) of them, being shorter a little easier to cram into a small car and living in a travel trailer with its tight spaces. But thankfully I am 3 months out from surgery(plate and 9 screws in tibia) and finally got cleared to start 25% weight bearing for 6wks then to 50% for 6wks then full. It has been a long process and not as devastating as your situation, I still cant wait to walk. Hopefully I heal and the nerve damage isn't permanent, but have gotten used to the feeling of having a half of my foot being numb.
wow! i’m glad you found something that helps you walk around!☺️👏🥰
You say how when you become an amputee there becomes a lot of awkwardness which I totally agree but yet you do these videos that's gets viewed by thousands and I can't even wear shorts anymore cause I feel like everyone is looking at me. Your one amazing chick. Idk how you manage to appear to be so comfortable doing these videos. And I thank you, I didn't even realize how many accessories, equipment and divices where available for us amputee's.
I had the folding guys when I was in high school and my mobility started to tank and I kept a bobby pin hooked through a spare hand hold to pull the string around. Big negative the string started to fray severely after around 6 months use and if the string snaps in motion that could be a serious injury plus then they're completely useless. Not exactly DME, but more temporary, like many DME devices are designed since mostly the elderly and people with temporary injuries are their main market.
Jo, I felt as you do about forearm crutches. Then I watched some of Josh Sundquist's channel, which you need to spend at least half an hour with for many reasons. (If you two ever met, I think you'd become friends.) First off, if you're going to use a crutch for the rest of your life, you're going to want to go with something custom built and light. Forearm crutches do take a little getting used to but once you do you'll be far more agile on them than other crutches. Importantly, if you fall while using forearm crutches, and we're all going to fall sometime, you're more likely to catch yourself if you're using forearm crutches than conventional ones. (I say this as someone with an artificial shoulder joint thanks to a fall on conventional crutches.) As you can see in the comments, forearm crutches are the go-to crutch nearly everywhere outside the U.S. After my amputation, a therapist explained that that had much to do with contracts health care providers in America have with medical equipment suppliers than what's better for the user.
Notes: The tips of crutches are usually called "tips" or "feet," not pads.
Underarm pads for regular crutches should be completely unnecessary because that part of the crutch is used for guidance only and should bear very little weight. Putting any real weight on it opens you to nerve damage. The Smart Crutches mentioned elsewhere in the comments look good, but they're not custom built. For custom built, the two best are SideStix, a Canadian company (forearm crutches are sometimes called Canadian crutches) and Thomas Fetterman crutches. I have SideStix and like them very much. Fetterman makes a good variety of tips designed for a variety of surfaces and conditions.
Thank you so much for all of your notes and help here!!!!!
@@FootlessJo You're welcome. If you only take one piece of advice out of my too-long mansplaining, I hope it's to look into Josh Sundquist's posts on this site. He does stand up comedy, so if nothing else, you might get a laugh or two out of it. You see that he's more agile on one leg than most are on two, by the way. You are not an idiot for no seeing how the bags should have been attached to the crutch. I'm often surprised at how often people make products like that without giving you a simple photograph of how they're used, and I suspect that's what happened here.
If you ever see this, I’m looking into smart crutches to use more long term and the main selling aspect for me is that the angles can adjust. I need different aids on different days so I like that one day I can use it as a flat forearm crutch and another day I can change it to be more like a cane. They seem to be the only crutch that can be used at a 90 degree angle. Regular forearm crutches cause my wrists to dislocate and my carpel tunnel to flare.
This is so useful! I’m not an Amputee but this will be helpful for ppl ho are!
-Before I had to use a wheelchair full-time, I used forearm crutches. Mine had a flattish, more ergonomic handhold and I really liked that. About the Mobi-Legs (sp), maybe if you tried putting the handhold forward like the forearm type it would be better. Having never used them, I may be way off-base.
My recommendation is to see if you can have a new socket built using a "pull in sock method", this is a suspension attachment. The upside is you are using a cotton base sock with wicking sheath (pantyhose basically) , this will always have your skin dry and prevents rashes caused by gel lining and urethane socks. I know the Prosthesits always try to recommend the "new" thing, but they rarely know best. I can wear my leg over 24 hours without any sweat or rash. Downside is of course the retention strength, as long as you are not going to suspend yourself by one leg, you will be fine. You can always get a second socket with a vacuum for more athletic workouts.
You always have to go with what makes you comfortable and happy.
When I had to use forearm crutches after my ankle op I almost fell over and the physio had to literally hold me so I wouldn't fall. But trust me practice makes perfect and after about a week I was pretty good at them and I ended up using them for about 5 months. They also don't give you sore arm pits and are really stable and good to use for long periods of time.