Blisters & Chafing From Crutches
If you’re hurt, crutches are an incredible tool to help keep you moving, even when injured. However, the use of crutches comes a rather annoying and painful trade off – welts, abrasions, and chafing that can occur under your arms.
Follow our guide to make your time on crutches MUCH more comfortable.
Chafing from Crutches Prevention Tips
Underarm Crutches
The under arm area is the number one body area affected by the use of traditional crutches since it received the most pressure, and friction from the top pad. Nearly all carrying weight is concentrated on the underarms which cause a lot of stress and friction on this sensitive skin area. While proper-fitting and sizing of the crutches for your height and body type is crucial, applying Body Glide balms on underarm touch points will greatly reduce the friction occurring in these areas – allowing you to use your crutches chafe-free.
Forearm Crutches
The use of forearm crutches pose their own unique set of chafing hazards. Friction is focused on the lower arm region and the area where the wrist guard wraps around your forearms. Applying Body Glide® balms along your forearms and wrists will greatly reduce friction causes by clothing or moisture, allowing forearm crutch users to get mobile again with maximum comfort and without abrasions, chafing, or blistering.
Avoid Pain from Crutches
Pain & discomfort when using crutches is very common. However, we have compiled some useful tips for you to make your time on crutches more bearable. Here are some easy steps to keep your crutches as comfortable as possible while you’re using them.
1. Adjust Crutches to Fit Your Body
Making sure that your crutches are properly fitted is key to making sure they do not cause you any additional pain while using them. Stand upright, then place the crutches under your arm with the bottom of the crutch a few inches in front of your foot. In this position, the top of the crutches should be approximately one to two inches below your armpit. There should also be a slight bend in your elbows when your hand is on the grip so you can move around comfortably.
2. Use Your Crutches Properly
DO NOT rest your body on your armpits when using crutches. This is incorrect and can cause painful chafing and even nerve damage.
When using crutches, your hands should take most of the weight. Keep your elbows bent slightly and keep your arm straight from your elbow to your wrist. Don’t bend your wrists or you may hurt them as well. Holding your crutches properly can prevent chafing and any long-lasting pain.
3. Use Body Glide®
As you get tired, it will be more difficult to maintain proper body position and crutch technique. As a back up plan, incorporate Body Glide® anti-chafing balms into your routine. Simply apply Body Glide® to areas that experience the most friction when using your crutches. Under the arms, along your forearms and even along your upper torso or hips where the crutches may rub when you use them.
Eliminate crutch pain by using your crutches correctly and by using Body Glide® Balms.
