Last week I paid a visit to Crutch Ability (Award Prosthetics) in Burnaby to test drive some forearm crutches.   Some of you know that I am having surgery next Monday to repair torn cartilage in my hip and will be off my feet for a while.  So I decided to take my own advice (physiotherapists don’t often do that!…) and will use forearm crutches to get around after the surgery. I often prescribe these to my pediatric clients who have had surgery or who are transitioning out of a walker.  The feedback has been positive from the little ones, so why not try a pair for myself?!

Why forearm crutches and not standard crutches?  Forearm crutches are better for your posture and put no pressure on the delicate areas under your armpits.  They are lighter and less cumbersome than standard crutches and now come in all sorts of amazing and fun colors at Crutch Ability.  You can also get ergonomic hand grips to protect your wrists and there is a whole array of crutch tips to prevent slipping.

The UK has been using this style of crutch over the standard style for years.  Even David Beckham sported a pair following his achilles tendon rupture.  And how about that amazing athletic and artistic display at the Paralympic Opening Ceremonies last month by Luca Patuelli?

YouTube video of Luca “LazyLegz”