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Also known as the Lofstrand crutch, the forearm crutch has the user place their arm into a cuff while holding the crutch with a handgrip.
These are great if you’re dealing with mobility issues or disabilities that make other types of crutches difficult or impossible to use.
The partial weight bearing support they offer is incredibly helpful, but it’s important to remember that not every model is made to the same level of quality.
That’s why we’ve spent the last few weeks researching the top forearm crutches so you don’t have to. Let’s get started.
Best Forearm Crutches
| New Generation Ergobaum | ErgoTech Lightweight Forearm Crutch | Ergobaum Prime by Ergoactives | |
|---|---|---|---|
 | |||
| Heights: | 5' - 6'6" | 4'4" - 6'7" | 5' - 6'6" |
| Shock Absorber: | Yes | No | Yes |
| Weight: | 4 lbs | 2.24 lbs | 4 lbs |
| Max Weight: | 360 lbs | 286 lbs | 350 lbs |
Quick Answer: The 7 Best-Rated Forearm Crutches For 2020
- New Generation Ergobaum Ergonomic Crutch/Cane
- ErgoTech Lightweight Forearm Crutches by FDI
- Ergobaum Prime by Ergoactives
- Mobility Designed Forearm Crutches
- Ergodynamic Forearm Crutches by FDI
- ORTONYx Forearm Crutches with Adjustable Support
- Mobi Mobilegs Ultra Crutches
Our reviews to the top rated forearm crutches with our comparison table and buyers guide will help you choose the right forearm crutches for you.
Forearm Crutches Reviews
#1 New Generation Ergobaum Ergonomic Crutch/Cane
You may notice quite a few similarities between the New Generation Ergobaum Ergonomic Crutch/Cane and the last product we covered.
That’s because they’re both from Ergobaum! That means you can expect the highest level of quality, durability, and innovation.
It features identical height specs, ideal for users 5’0” – 6’6”, which is taller than most. However, they do support weights up to 360 pounds, which makes it some of the strongest crutches currently available.
Expand To See More Made of medical grade materials such as carbon fiber, you can expect these to last you for many years to come. They’re made to hold up to regular use and abuse, so you can use them for anything you like. Despite this, you can easily fold them up and take them with you wherever you go. They’re very lightweight, so they’re not only easy to maneuver but also easy to carry or stow away without taking up too much room. The ergonomic design ensures your body works naturally with them, coming with shock absorbers, knee-resting platforms, adjustable grip angle position options, and adjustable height options to make sure you’re as comfortable as can be. These won’t make your armpits nor your shoulders sore, as they also work to distribute weight as evenly as possible. Just like with the last product, they also come with safety light reflectors and LED lights to use safely in the dark!
#2 ErgoTech Lightweight Forearm Crutches by FDI
If you’re always on-the-go or do frequent traveling, then the ErgoTech Lightweight Forearm Crutches by FDI may be just the model for you.
The blue crutches not only look cool but operate with precision and innovation.
With the ability to fold up to a length of 37” and 5” x 5” cuff circumference, you’ll be able to easily pack them away in a duffle bag for your convenience.
Expand To See More If you found that the aforementioned model was too short or tall for you, then these may be the best elbow crutches for your body. They work with those who range in height from 4’4” to 6’7”. This is a notably wider range, thus, working for more people. However, we would like to mention that the weight capacity is just a bit lower, at 286 pounds. You’ll also get a much lighter crutch, with each one weighing a mere 1.12 pounds. This makes them easier to maneuver, while ensuring less fatigue at the end of the day. The 4-position cuff height adjustment ensures you have the perfect fit for your needs, and the grip folds down with easy push button release. The replaceable grips aren’t ergonomically designed, per se, but we found them very comfortable and ultra-soft. If you’re willing to spend a bit more, then we can’t recommend the Ergoactives Ergobaum Prime enough. This set comes with just about everything you could want and more. If you’re searching for durability, these can’t be beat, as they’re made of an ultra-lightweight and tough carbon fiber. Are you sick of boring black or silver crutches all the time? Then you’ll love all of the different color options Ergoactives offers. Choose between Silver, Red, Purple, Pink, Original Black, Carbon Fiber, Blue, and Black. Expand To See More Using cutting-edge technology and innovation, this model is incredibly comfortable and durable. Developed by an orthopedic surgeon, you can expect medical grade materials along with a design that ensures your body works as efficiently as possible. The sleek, ergonomic design not only looks visually attractive, but is quite practical, too. With shock absorbers, your body will experience less fatigue, while the knee-resting platforms let you take a load off whenever you’d like. Each grip is luxuriously padded so your hands don’t cramp nor feel sore, along with the cuffs. Change the grip angle and position to however works best for you, so you don’t pull a muscle or deal with cramping. We also loved the added safety light reflectors and LED lights on the side of each leg, so you can see where you’re going in dim lighting! Height is adjustable anywhere for users between 5’ and 6’6”. If you notice, this doesn’t go as short as some other models on our guide do, so make sure these work for your body. However, if you need a higher weight capacity, then these do support up to 360 pounds comfortably! The Forearm Crutches from Mobility Designed may look like something out of a futuristic movie, and that’s because they incorporate some of the most modern technology rarely seen in other models. We’ve yet to see another product come anywhere close to the mobility support that these offer. So much so, in fact, that you can even brush your teeth and hair without becoming imbalanced! These hands-free crutches work to eliminate pressure on the armpits, hands, and wrists by instead supporting the weight with elbows and forearms. Expand To See More The hinged arm cradle can be unlocked and crutch grips can also be moved out of the way, so you have quite a bit of flexibility with your day-to-day life. Made of flexible anti-microbial material, the M+D Crutch arm bands mold to the shape and movement of your arms to give you maximum support while ensuring you have freedom of motion. The ergonomic design lets you even take your hands off so you can make dinner without worrying about losing your balance. Working with those with heights between 4’11” and 6’8”, this is yet again another crutch that’s notably taller than most, so if you’re on the higher end of the height spectrum check these best ergonomic crutches out. Not only are they color-coded, but they even come with braille dots that indicate which is the right and which is the left crutch. Each foot works to absorb shock amazingly, and work perfectly on an array of different surfaces, so you’re not limited to where you may wander! Next up, we have the Ergodynamic Forearm Crutches by FDI. This model is made with precision, featuring an integrated shock absorber system, which softens each step. This takes stress from impact off of your hands, wrists, and shoulders to ensure you feel more energized and fatigue-free throughout the day. The shock absorber comes built into the upper shaft, using an in-handle linkage system to also give you a smooth and silent operation. Expand To See More This makes even the littlest tasks much easier and worry-free. Providing excellent feedback and control, you’ll feel more confident the first time you use these. As the lightest crutch in the world, they’re simple to move and maneuver, ensuring you have more energy for other tasks. The forearm pad is nice and soft, along with the replaceable grips that won’t rub against your skin or give you discomfort. Compatible with users standing anywhere from 4’7” to 6’8”, this is the widest range we’ve seen, working for almost any adult. If that wasn’t enough, the Ergodynamic Forearm Crutches are also some of the most affordable we’ve had the pleasure of using. Finally, we have the ORTONYX, which is hands-down the best budget product out there. If you want one of the best forearm crutch out there but still want to keep your wallet lined, then look no further. Despite being so affordable, they’re still very heavy-duty and perfect for regular use indoors and outdoors. While it’s not really a big deal, we honestly found these to be a bit cheap looking, but as far as functionality goes we were more than pleased. Expand To See More While they’re made of an incredibly durable aluminum, they’re very lightweight. In fact, with one crutch weighing less than 1.15 pounds, you can move them around with ease while still feeling safe that they won’t give out on you. The ergonomic handles with adjustable arm supports range from 8.5 to 11.5 inches, and are ergonomically designed so you won’t cramp up. Working for adults 5’2” to 7” tall, these are definitely made for mostly taller adults. We would’ve liked the height range to work for people of smaller statures, but that’s neither here nor there. They’re very easy to adjust the height with quick-release clips, and the arm supports can also be adjusted seamlessly. Capable of supporting up to 330 pounds, these are perfect if the others don’t quite offer what you require. While the Mobi Mobilegs Ultra Crutches are notably more expensive than most available currently, they’re more than worth it. As the best forearm crutches, expect to be wowed. They may not look much different from regular models, but once you start using them, you’ll see why they’re the crowd pick. With a fully adjustable height and arm length, this model fits the vast majority of adults. Expand To See More They work with those with heights of 4’9” to 6’4” and up to 300 pounds, which is quite impressive. You can perfectly adjust it to your height, so there’s no discomfort no instability. It’s important when using crutches, so ensure comfort 100% of the time. That’s why they’ve incorporated ergonomically designed handgrips that contour to the natural shape of the hand, keeping a natural wrist angle while evenly distributing the stress across the palm. This helps to eliminate cramps while also giving you more power and control in your movements. The legs are offset to give you adequate hip clearance which is not only less of a hassle, but reduces the chance of tripping. Finally, the articulated saddle design pivots along with your body movement, while also coming with 1 ¼ of dampening. Now that you’ve read through each one of the reviews for the best crutches on the market today, which one is the right one for you? If you still haven’t decided, there’s no need to worry. We know it can be difficult to choose just one when it’s such a personal piece of equipment, and there are so many great options out there. That’s why we’ve decided to go ahead and write up the comprehensive buying guide, below. This guide details each step of the selection process to ensure that by the time you’re done, there will be no doubt which one is the product for you. Even if you have the perfect pair of crutches, they’re not going to be of much help if they don’t work with your individual body. You need to first make sure that the crutches you have your eye on are compatible with your height. Most have quite a large height range, but even if it’s off by an inch, it can affect you negatively. You may be imbalanced or not be high enough, which can lead to muscle strains, tripping, and more. Keeping consistent on the theme of crutches working with our body types, we also need to make sure that the model can support our bodyweight. It’s really important here to know your actual weight and not guess, because if you’re too heavy for your crutches, they’ll likely break and it will be a waste of money. You want crutches that you can really put your entire weight on and use them with confidence. Not only is it important to take your own weight into consideration, but the weight of your crutches. While 7 pounds may not seem like a lot, once you start maneuvering them day in and day out, they’re likely to tire you out. With that being said, lighter is better in this case. While the products on our guide range widely in terms of weight, they’re all relatively light. There are some that are hardly more than 1 pound each! That means you’ll have more energy to spend on having fun, working, doing errands, and so on. Ergonomic designs are exactly what you should be looking for. These products work with the natural shape and motion of your body, rather than against it. This allows your body to stay in proper alignment, without forcing it to move in any particular direction. This reduces the chance of injury while also helping you feel better, overall. You won’t have to worry about cramps or your elbows and wrists being angled in unnatural positions. They allow you to have a better grip and more control, as well. If the legs are offset, they’ll also stay out of the path of your feet to make sure you don’t trip. Padding is crucial when it comes to crutches, no matter what type they are. You’re going to be placing your body weight on these devices, which can cause a lot of friction. If the contact points are rigid, this can not only cause chafing, but rub against your bone and muscles and create quite a bit of pain and discomfort. You’ll definitely need padded hand grips so that your hands aren’t cramping up. You may also have the option of padded knee rests which are very handy to have to give your legs a break. It’s always a wise idea to spend a bit more money and time on the devices that separate us from the ground. This includes shoes and tires, but it should also include crutches. Crutches are typically made of aluminum or carbon fiber, which are relatively rigid. This means that when they contact the ground, there’s a significant impact. This impact is absorbed by your wrists, elbows, hands, and more and can cause you serious pain and fatigue after a while. Shock absorbers are built into the devices, ensuring this is reduced so you have a smooth and comfortable ride every time. Neither of these are necessary, but depending on your situation, may be incredibly helpful. There are a couple of models on our guide which come with LED lights conveniently located around the bottom of the legs. These lights will give you a bright path so you can see where you’re going and avoid slipping or tripping. Reflectors are always a good idea to have when outdoors, to ensure people see you. The crutches on our guide typically come made of either aluminum or carbon fiber. Aluminum is notably cheaper, but get very cold in the winter and hot in the summer. They don’t quite absorb as much shock and don’t usually support the same amount of weight as carbon fiber does. Carbon fiber is more expensive, though is even more lightweight and tough while remaining resistant to the changes in weather. A: Make sure you’re standing as tall and straight as you can, keeping your shoulders relaxed and your hands naturally at your sides. Your handgrips should be at the height of the crease in your wrist. If they’re not, make sure to adjust the height accordingly. A: A: They’re typically made for those who are in good health. You need to have a good amount of strength and aren’t dealing with ambulatory issues like poor balance, not being able to handle uneven surfaces, and so on. In addition, if you’re significantly overweight, you may be better off with different mobility devices. Make sure you also have the time and patience to take 2-3 days to familiarize yourself with said crutches. A: This will depend entirely on the user, but you will be using your upper body muscles quite a bit. If you’re not used to using upper body strength, then you’ll almost surely see an improvement in that regard. Make sure that this is a top priority, as non-folding crutches can take up quite a bit of space and be awkard to travel with. If you’re traveling by bus, plane, train, car, etc. then you’re absolutely going to need them to fold down and be stowed away in a bag so they don’t get damaged. These lights will help give you a guided path so that you aren’t accidentally tripping or falling. Even if there aren’t any potential obstacles in your way, it can sometimes be challenging using crutches on things like carpets and rugs. This is where the knee rests come in. They may not seem like much, but they can completely change your experience for the better. These little additions can help relieve you of the constant pressure your body is under while using crutches – no matter which model they are. Now that you’re practically an expert when it comes to the best forearm crutches, which pair is the one for you? While each one of the aforementioned crutches are some of the best in the world today, it’s most important that you select the perfect product for you. In March 2019 Amazon announced that Health Savings Accounts and Flexible Spending Accounts (HSA/FSA) would be accepted as new forms of payment for eligible product purchases. Using HSA/FSA funds to purchase on Amazon can be a great way to reduce taxes and reduce overall healthcare costs for items not covered under medical insurance. Users of such medical savings plans are issued a debit card by their provider, which can be added to their payment methods in their Amazon account. Whether items sold on Amazon are deemed as eligible for HSA/FSA plans remains the responsibility of the buyer and their particular health plan provider. It’s ultimately up to the IRS and participating health plan providers to deem which medical and health products are considered eligible for the payment plans. But the eligibility is quite broad and inclusive of thousands of products that are sold on Amazon and considered Health Savings and Flexible Spending Accounts plan-eligible. See this IRS document for more information about Health Savings and Flexible Spending Accounts: https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p969.pdf#3 Ergobaum Prime by Ergoactives
#4 Mobility Designed Forearm Crutches
#5 Ergodynamic Forearm Crutches by FDI
#6 ORTONYX Forearm Crutches with Adjustable Support
#7 Mobi Mobilegs Ultra Crutches
Best Forearm Crutches Comparison Table
Forearm Crutches For Heights Shock Absorber Weight Max Weight Rating New Generation Ergobaum 5' - 6'6" Yes 4 lbs 360 lbs 4.5 / 5.0 ErgoTech Lightweight Forearm Crutch 4'4" - 6'7" No 2.24 lbs 286 lbs 4.6 / 5.0 Ergobaum Prime by Ergoactives 5' - 6'6" Yes 4 lbs 350 lbs 3.9 / 5.0 Mobility Designed Forearm Crutches 4'11" - 6'8" Yes 6 lbs 300 lbs 3.6 / 5.0 Ergodynamic Forearm Crutches 4'7" - 6'8" Yes 2.64 lbs 286 lbs 3.9 / 5.0 ORTONYX Forearm Crutches 5'2" - 7' Yes 2.25 lbs 330 lbs 4.5 / 5.0 Mobi Mobilegs Ultra Crutches 4'9" - 6'4" No 4 lbs 300 lbs 4.5 / 5.0 How to Choose the Best Forearm Crutches – Buying Guide
Height Range
Weight Capacity
Weight of Crutches
Ergonomic Design
Padding
Shock Absorption
LED Lights/Reflectors
Material
FAQs About Forearm Crutches
Q: How should forearm crutches fit?
Q: How should I use my forearm crutches on the stairs?
Q: How do I know if I should use forearm crutches?
Q: Does using crutches tone or increase my muscle?
Tips For Choosing Forearm Crutches
#1: If you’re always on-the-go or are a frequent traveler, make sure your crutches can fold up.
#2: If you’ll be using them at night or in dimly-lit environments, we highly recommend getting a model with LED lights.
#3: To avoid being worn out or nerve damage, make sure to take regular breaks.
Summary
Notice:
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