
Axillary (Underarm) Crutches
For more than 80 years the conventional underarm (axillary) crutch has been the standard issued walking device for temporary disabilities or injuries in the United States. Not much has changed since their inception apart from replacing wood construction to lighter weight aluminum in the early 1960’s. They have certainly served a purpose but their primitive design continues to cause irritation and severe injury to nerves, tendons and soft tissue found in the axilla (armpit). Also, direct load on the hands and wrists can cause additional joint and nerve damage along with blistering or callusing of the palms.
Forearm Crutches
Forearm crutches are commonly used throughout Europe for both short term and long term use. They are beginning to gain popularity in the United States and Canada but are mostly used by individuals with long term disabilities. The forearm crutch design does have some advantages over underarm crutches by eliminating damage to the axilla (armpit) region of the body. However, their inherent design places direct weight load on the hands and wrists which can cause damage to palms, joints, nerves and tendons with limited use.
smartCRUTCH®
The smartCRUTCH design incorporates all of the benefits of a forearm style while minimizing or eliminating the compressive forces on the hands and wrists. It does this by allowing the user to adjust the angle of the forearm platform to reduce or increase the amount of weight load to the hands and wrists. Transferring this load to the forearm can reduce or potentially eliminate injuries commonly found with the use of standard underarm or forearm crutches as stated above. smartCRUTCH also helps maintain proper posture, relieve stress and minimize fatigue setting you up for a safe and speedy recovery.
smartCRUTCH® Compared to Conventional

Axillary (Underarm) Crutches:

smartCRUTCH® Technology
Click here for more information about using smartCRUTCH for “Weight Bearing” and “Non-Weight Bearing” applications.