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Crutches Blog, Recovery Stories and Real World Tips

Real recovery stories, expert tips, and helpful advice from the crutch user community.

Showing 23 posts

Latest

From Housebound to Getaway: Best Places to Vacation on Crutches

• 22 min read

Discover 8 accessible vacation destinations perfect for crutch users, plus calculators and comparison tables to plan smarter.

  • Destination fit calculator with weighted scoring
  • 8 tested spots: cities, beaches, nature, cruises
  • Packing checklist, pacing tips, and sample itineraries
Read Complete Travel Guide →
✨ NEW SECTION

Looking for Step-by-Step Tutorials?

Check out our new How-To Guides section! We've organized all our step-by-step tutorials into one easy-to-find hub-from showering safely to navigating airports on crutches.

Browse All How-To Guides
Safety Guides

How to Shower While on Crutches: Safe Step-by-Step Guide

• 18 min read

Step-by-step guide for showering safely while using crutches. Tested setups, transfer techniques, and bathroom gear suggestions for bathing at home after injury or surgery...

What's inside
  • 5-phase step-by-step shower routine with safety checks
  • Bathroom setup checklist and equipment positioning
  • Safe transfer techniques for tub combos and walk-in showers
  • Gear guide: shower chairs, mats, grab bars, handheld heads
  • Safety setup comparison table for different bathroom types
  • Common mistakes to avoid based on real testing
  • Video demonstration of safe transfer techniques
  • 5 FAQs covering safety, equipment, and solo showering
Read Safety Guide →
Travel Tips

Navigating Airports with Crutches: TSA & Airline Playbook

• 10 min read

Flying with crutches is easier when you know TSA expectations, pre-boarding language, wheelchair options, and how to store mobility aids safely. This guide walks you through the entire journey from curb to seat.

What's inside
  • ACAA rights checklist so you can advocate at the gate
  • TSA screening flow with timelines, PreCheck tips, and officer scripts
  • Airline-by-airline pre-boarding policies plus contact numbers
  • Crutch storage options, wheelchair assistance steps, and connection strategies
  • Challenge/solution planner for crowded lines, tight aisles, and damaged gear
  • Printable pre-flight checklist and emergency contact list
  • FAQ covering doctor notes, fees, and what happens if crutches are lost
Read Airport Guide →
Campus Life

College Student's Guide to Campus Life on Crutches

• 17 min read

Real student advice for handling dorm rooms, class schedules, dining halls, and mental health while you rehab an ACL tear or fracture. Stay on track academically without derailing recovery.

What's inside
  • ADA accommodation checklist plus scripts for emailing professors
  • First-week survival plan with route mapping, locker tips, and load-lightening ideas
  • Dorm room layout, bathroom timing, and meal planning strategies for crowded campuses
  • Transportation options including shuttles, golf carts, and knee scooter rentals
  • Mental health guardrails and social-life tweaks so you stay connected
  • PT scheduling guidance, sample recovery timeline, and financial resources
Read Campus Guide →
Accessibility

From Housebound to Getaway: Best Places to Vacation on Crutches

• 22 min read

Discover 8 accessible vacation destinations perfect for crutch users. Complete guides for flat cities, beaches, national parks, and cruises with practical packing, transit, and safety advice...

What's inside
  • Interactive destination fit calculator with weighted scoring
  • 8 tested destinations: cities, beaches, nature, cruises
  • Sortable comparison table with filters
  • Airport transfer time calculator
  • Energy pace estimator and route planner
  • Packing checklist and safety considerations
  • Sample itineraries and real user experiences
  • 8 FAQs covering flying, hotels, insurance, and more
Read Complete Travel Guide →
Fashion & Lifestyle

Fashion Tips for Crutches: Cute and Comfortable Outfit Hacks

• 16 min read

Look good and feel comfortable on crutches with real outfit formulas, smart clothing hacks, and style tips that work from couch days to date nights...

What's inside
  • 6 repeatable outfit formulas for different occasions
  • Crutch friendly shoe and bag recommendations
  • Hem, layer, and closure hacks that prevent trips
  • Fabric and feature comparison tables
  • 5 video content ideas for fashion vlogs
  • First person testing with real outfit fails and wins
Read Fashion Guide →
Buyer's Guides

What to Look for When Buying Crutches, A Real World Buyer's Guide

• 18 min read

Make smart crutch buying decisions with first hand testing insights, fit guidance, and real comparisons. Learn which features matter, how to measure for proper fit, and whether to rent or buy...

What's inside
  • First hand testing results: weight, comfort, and traction measurements
  • Crutch type comparison table (underarm, forearm, platform, alternatives)
  • Rent vs buy decision matrix with 5 real scenarios
  • Step by step fitting guide with warning signs
  • Features that actually matter: handles, tips, adjustability, materials
  • 4 user archetypes with matching recommendations
  • Common buying mistakes and how to avoid them
  • 5 FAQs covering fit, cost, accessories, and rentals
Read Buyer's Guide →
Comparison Guide

Underarm vs Forearm Crutches, Best Choice for Short Term Injuries

• 19 min read

Real world side by side comparison of underarm and forearm crutches for short term use, with honest pros and cons, comfort notes, fit tips, and daily life guidance...

What's inside
  • First hand testing of both types with weight measurements and comfort tracking
  • Complete comparison table: learning curve, comfort, stairs, portability, cost
  • Fit and sizing basics for both underarm and forearm crutches
  • User profiles to help you match crutch type to your life
  • Renting vs buying guidance with realistic cost ranges
  • Common myths debunked about both crutch types
  • 5 FAQs answering your biggest questions
  • Personal stories from testing both types in real situations
Read Comparison Guide →
Gear Reviews

Best Gloves For Crutches In 2025, Softer Grips And Less Hand Pain

• 17 min read

Round up of gloves and grip covers that can ease hand pain on crutches, with real world comfort notes and simple tips...

What's inside
  • First hand testing of padded fitness, cycling, and wheelchair gloves
  • Foam vs gel grip covers with real comfort comparisons
  • Round up by use case: all day use, warm weather, cold climates, budget options
  • Two comparison tables: glove types and decision helper by priority
  • Style and color options to feel like yourself
  • Care, cleaning, and when to replace gloves and grips
  • 5 FAQs covering special gloves, gel vs foam, numbness issues, and replacement timing
  • Hand comfort fast checks before you buy
Read Gear Guide →
Safety Guides

Driving With A Boot In 2025, Is It Legal Or Safe When You Use Crutches

• 14 min read

Real talk on driving with a walking boot while using crutches, covering medical clearance, state laws, insurance questions, and safety checks...

What's inside
  • Medical and legal clearance requirements from surgeons, DMV, and insurers
  • Right foot vs left foot boot scenarios with risk levels
  • Manual vs automatic transmission considerations
  • 7 point safety checklist before attempting to drive
  • First hand observations on pedal feel, reaction time, car transfers, and steering fatigue
  • "Do Not Drive If" danger callout with 5 critical warnings
  • Practice steps and alternatives to driving during recovery
  • 5 FAQs covering left foot driving, boot modifications, insurance claims, and doctor clearance
  • Real comparisons: SUV vs sedan transfers, left vs right foot recovery timelines
Read Safety Guide →
Mobility Guides

From Strain To Freedom: The Complete Guide To Wheelchairs

• 20 min read

Pick, size, and set up a wheelchair with confidence. Quick picks, comparison table, sizing helpers, travel tips, and care checklists...

What's inside
  • Interactive fit checkers and sizing helpers
  • Types and frames with pros/cons
  • Sortable comparison table
  • Travel and care checklists
  • FAQs and step-by-step setup
Read Complete Wheelchair Guide →
Recovery Tips

20 Fun Things To Do While You Are On Crutches

• 11 min read

Stuck on crutches and bored? Here are twenty low effort, high morale activities you can start today, from games and crafts to gentle movement and social fun...

What's inside
  • Quick activity planner table with setup times
  • 20 tested ideas for entertainment and creativity
  • Brain games, crafts, gentle movement options
  • Safety checklist and energy level guidance
  • Solo and social activity variations
  • Quick start checklist to begin today
Read Full Guide →
Safety Techniques

How to Use Crutches on Stairs with Carpet without Slipping

• 12 min read

Master carpet grip, handrail strategy, tip selection, and the correct step order for safer transfers on carpeted stairs, with a clear step-by-step guide you can follow at home...

What's inside
  • Safe step order for going up and down carpeted stairs
  • One-crutch + handrail technique for better control
  • Non-slip crutch tip comparison and selection guide
  • Forearm vs underarm crutches on carpet analysis
  • How to handle casts, boots, and high-pile carpets
  • Maintenance schedule to prevent slips
  • Common mistakes that cause falls
  • Video demonstrations and illustrated step guides
Read Safety Guide →
Mobility Guides

7 Best Alternatives to Crutches for Knee Injury (2025)

• 18 min read

Based on current research and real-world recovery feedback, knee scooters often beat crutches in comfort and ease of use. Discover 7 alternatives that offer better comfort, speed, and safety for knee injury recovery...

What's inside
  • Research-backed comparison of comfort, speed, and stability
  • Interactive comparison table with scores
  • Knee scooters, hands-free crutches, wheelchairs & more
  • Real-world user testimonials from 2025
  • Stair navigation solutions
  • Insurance coverage tips
Read Complete Guide →
Market Analysis

Crutch Pads Market: Pricing, Brands, Buyer Guide

• 12 min read

A buyer-focused look at the crutch pads market for DME retailers, clinic buyers, and e-commerce category managers. Pricing tiers, supplier selection, and quality checks...

What's inside
  • Good/Better/Best pricing with wholesale margins
  • Gel vs foam vs memory foam comparison table
  • Supplier MOQ, lead times, and sample policies
  • Quality checklist: fit, density, odor control
  • Seasonality patterns and demand signals
  • FDA compliance and return pitfalls
Read Buyer Guide →
Recovery Stories

10 Things I Wish I Knew Before Using Crutches

• 8 min read

After 8 weeks on crutches recovering from ankle surgery, I learned these lessons the hard way so you don't have to. From hand padding to stair techniques, here's what nobody tells you...

Key takeaways
  • Invest in padded grips immediately
  • Practice stairs at home first
  • Your armpits will hurt if you're doing it wrong
  • Backpacks are essential for carrying items
  • Ice tips saved me in winter
Read Full Story →
Tips & Tricks

How to Exercise While on Crutches, Safe Routines Based on PT Guidance

• 12 min read

Don't let crutches stop your fitness journey. This guide draws on physical therapy guidance to share safe, effective exercises to maintain strength and prevent muscle loss during recovery...

Workout includes
  • Upper body strengthening (15 min)
  • Core stability exercises (10 min)
  • Seated cardio options
  • Stretching routine
View Full Workout →
Medical Updates

New Study: Forearm Crutches Reduce Shoulder Strain by 40%

• 6 min read

A 2024 study published in the Journal of Physical Therapy found that forearm crutches significantly reduce shoulder and neck strain compared to axillary crutches for long-term users...

Study highlights
  • 40% less shoulder strain
  • Better posture maintenance
  • Recommended for 8+ weeks use

Source: Journal of Physical Therapy, December 2024

Read Study Summary →
Recovery Stories

Marathon Runner's Journey: From Crutches to 5K in 12 Weeks

• 12 min read

After a tibial stress fracture threatened to end my running career, I documented my recovery journey from non-weight bearing to completing a 5K...

Timeline
  • Weeks 1-6: Crutches, swimming for cardio
  • Weeks 7-9: Transition to boot, stationary bike
  • Weeks 10-12: Walk/run program
  • Week 12: Completed 5K!
Read Inspiring Story →
Tips & Tricks

Crutch Life Hacks: 15 Clever Solutions to Everyday Problems

• 8 min read

Creative solutions from the crutch community for carrying coffee, taking showers, cooking meals, and more...

Popular hacks
  • Use a carabiner to carry grocery bags
  • Attach a phone holder to crutch
  • Shower chair + handheld sprayer = game changer
  • Rolling backpack for heavy items
See All 15 Hacks →
Accessibility

Restaurant Review: 50 Crutch-Friendly Dining Spots in Major US Cities

• 20 min read

Our community rated restaurants in 10 major cities for accessibility, including parking, entrances, table spacing, and restrooms...

Cities covered

NYC, LA, Chicago, Houston, Phoenix, Philadelphia, San Antonio, San Diego, Dallas, San Jose

Add your own reviews to our Accessible Locations Directory!

Browse Reviews →
Dining Tips

College Dining Hall Survival on Crutches

• 6 min read

Tray setups, timing hacks, delivery options, and etiquette for crutch users navigating dining halls while finals season hits.

Breakdown
  • Prep routines & sanitizer steps
  • Tray/plate hacks for one-handed balance
  • Meal timing, delivery, and grab-and-go options
Read Dining Survival →
Dorm Life

How to Shower in a College Dorm on Crutches

• 8 min read

Shared dorm bathrooms are slippery and crowded. This companion guide covers gear checklists, caddy hacks, and scheduling tricks so you can shower safely without derailing recovery.

What’s inside
  • Traction + chair setup walkthrough
  • Hands-free toiletry carrying options
  • Timing strategies for quiet shower windows
  • Links back to the full campus survival guide
Read Dorm Shower Guide →
Recovery Essentials

Packing List for Returning to College After ACL Surgery

• 8 min read

Strategic packing for students with ACL surgery or temporary disabilities. Gear up for mobility, dorm comfort, academics, and recovery before move-in day.

Checklist highlights
  • Mobility essentials, traction gear, and backup crutch tips.
  • Dorm comfort triangle plus noise and charging hacks.
  • Academic tech kit with planners and cloud backups.
  • Recovery-first aid setup and travel-day logistics.
View Packing Checklist →
Tips & Tricks

Pain Prevention: Stop Hand and Shoulder Pain Before It Starts

• 9 min read

Physical therapy backed techniques to avoid the most common crutch-related pain issues...

Prevention strategies
  • Proper weight distribution technique
  • Daily stretching routine (5 min)
  • Strengthening exercises
  • When to use padding vs. adjust height
Learn Prevention Tips →

Looking for Product Reviews?

Check out our dedicated Reviews section for in-depth buying guides, product comparisons, and recommendations.

View All Reviews →

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