Crutches After Surgery: What to Use While You're Non-Weight-Bearing

Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Commissions never change our scores. Details.

Six weeks non-weight-bearing is a long time on hardware that was designed for a quick hospital handoff. The standard underarm crutches you got sent home with are the number-one reason people end up with sore armpits, numb hands, and aching shoulders by week two. Here’s how to do recovery better.

Why forearm crutches beat the hospital pair

Underarm (axillary) crutches put pressure right where a bundle of nerves and blood vessels runs through your armpit. Lean on them wrong for weeks and you risk irritation and numbness. Forearm crutches move the load to your forearms and hands, keep you more upright, and let you release your grip without dropping them. For anyone using crutches longer than a week or two, they’re the better tool (see forearm vs. underarm crutches for the full comparison).

What matters most during recovery

• Comfort and shock absorption. You’ll take thousands of steps. Spring-assist or shock-absorbing models reduce the jolt to your wrists and shoulders.
• Stability. Articulating tips that stay flat on the ground give you a more secure plant.
• Grip comfort. Ergonomic, angled handles spread pressure across your palm instead of digging into your wrist.
• Cuff fit. A secure cuff keeps the crutch with you when you pause.

Our picks for recovery

Start with the best forearm crutches comparison. For pure recovery comfort, the recovery-focused models with shock absorption tend to score highest. If you’re not sure, the 60-second quiz will point you to the right pick for your situation. Recovering from a knee procedure specifically? See crutches after ACL surgery for the typical timeline and what makes those weeks easier.

This is general information, not medical advice. Follow your surgeon’s weight-bearing instructions and ask your care team before changing equipment.