A broken or fractured ankle is a bone injury requiring non-weight bearing on the affected foot to help heal. A crutch is one of the essential mobility aids for non-weight bearing, and in this article, we review the top best crutches for a broken ankle and non-weight bearing.
It is essential to select suitable crutches, and in this article, we review the products and walk you through the steps by giving you information on how to choose a suitable crutch for you.
Top 12 Best Crutches for Non-Weight Bearing Injuries: Broken Ankle, Knee and Hip Surgery
|
Crutches Name |
Image | Weight Capacity (lbs.) | Recommended User’s Height |
Price |
| Ergobaum Prime 7TH Generation Crutch |
|
350 | 5’0″ – 6’6″ | |
| Millennial Medical Motion Ergonomic Crutches |
|
500 |
Up to 6’10” |
CHECK PRICE |
| Carex Folding Aluminum Underarm Crutches |  |
250 |
4’11”-6’4” | |
| iWALK3.0 Hands Free Crutch |  |
275 |
4’10”-6’6” |
CHECK PRICE |
| Drive Medical RTL10433 Adjustable Crutches |  |
300 |
4’6”-6’6” |
CHECK PRICE |
| Motion Forearm Crutches |  |
350 |
4’9”-6’3” |
CHECK PRICE |
| Hugo Mobility 721-785 Adjustable Adult Crutches |  |
300 |
5’2”-5’10” |
CHECK PRICE |
| Dynamo Sport Swings Lightweight Crutches |  |
300 |
4’6”-6’6” |
CHECK PRICE |
| York Nordic – Spring Cushion Crutches |  |
250 |
4’7″-6’6″ |
CHECK PRICE |
| Ez2care Adjustable Folding Crutch |  |
250 |
5’2″ – 6’2″ |
CHECK PRICE |
| Life Crutch – Universal Crutch |  |
300 |
4’6″-6’7” |
CHECK PRICE |
| PCP Aluminum Crutch |  |
250 |
4’6” – 5’2” |
CHECK PRICE |
How to Select the Best Crutches for Non-Weight Bearing
Non-weight bearing injuries like the broken ankle, broken knee, ankle surgery, knee surgery, muscle strain, ACL and meniscus tear might require you to take your body weight off the affected foot. Here, we simplify for you how to get or select the best crutches for fractured ankles below:
Weight Capacity
Every crutch comes with the recommended weight limit from the manufacturer. You need to get this information before concluding to buy the product. Some have a high weight capacity due to the material used in making them, while some may not. Always ensure that your body weight is less than the weight capacity of the crutch.
Crutches Type
Forearm crutches and underarm crutches are the two main types available, and you should know which is best for you before buying a crutch. We encourage you to read our article on walking with crutches. In this article, we highlight the pros and cons of the crutches type and delineate extensively how to use crutches for non-weight bearing.
Strength of the User/Weight of Crutch
Due to the material used, crutches weigh differently, and you should consider them before buying. Will the user carry it easily? Are you strong enough to lift this medical equipment? Will you be using the crutches for the long term? Therefore, the weight of the crutch is vital and must be considered in your selection process.
Adjustability
The adjustability is vital; you need a crutch you can easily adjust to your preference. Unfit crutches cause too much discomfort. Using crutches is enough discomfort; you do not want to add to this by selecting an unfit product. Therefore, ensure you can adjust the crutches to your height and preference.
Crutches Accessories
Many people may be on crutches for a long time. Therefore, they may want something fancy. It is good to get a fancy product but ensure the accessories are easy to purchase separately. This will make replacement easier for you as some parts get worn out.
Top 12 Best Crutches for Broken Ankle and Non-Weight Bearing
#1. Ergobaum Prime 7TH Generation Ergonomic Forearm Crutches
Specifications
- Crutch Type: Forearm
- Pairs: YES
- Weight of Crutches: 2.90 lbs. per unit
- Weight Capacity: 350 lbs.
- Recommended Users’ height range: 5’0″ – 6’6″
- Adjustable Grip Handle Range: 15º / 0º / -15º
- Floor to Grip Height: 32-40 inches
- Foldable: YES
The crutch comes in pairs and is built to give the user premium comfort and convenience. It is solid and sturdy and comes with accessories that make usage easy.
Ergobaum Prime 7TH Generation Crutch is made with aluminium, giving it the strength and capacity to hold heavyweight users. The crutch is recommended for users weighing up to 350 pounds.
Being a forearm crutch, it is lightweight, with each pair weighing 2.90 pounds, making it easy for the user to carry. The crutches can also be adjusted to different heights to suit the user’s preference for a perfect fit.
Furthermore, the handgrips, feet and cuffs of the Ergobaum Prime 7TH Generation Crutch are correctly padded. The cuff’s circumference can also be adjusted to prevent the crutches from falling off.
#2. Millennial Medical Motion Ergonomic Crutches (in-Motion Pro Crutches)
Specifications
- Type: Underarm
- Recommended Users’ height: 500 lbs.
- Spring Assisted Technology
- Recommended Users’ Height: Up to 6’10”
- Foldable: YES
This is a sleek underarm crutch and one of the best crutches for non-weight-bearing injuries such as broken angle, after-surgery care, and hip and knee injuries.
Most underarm crutches tend to be bulky, and this product stands out from others. The maker of in-Motion Pro Crutches made it compact yet strong enough to carry the user without compromising the comfort of the user.
It has an innovative spring-assisted technology that gives the user more comfort by absorbing impact from walking and assisting in effective movement. This also ensures quiet operation.
Also, its ergonomic design allows users to walk more upright. The handgrip can be adjusted to suit the users’ height, and the in-Motion Pro Crutches can also be folded for easy storage.
#3. Carex Folding Aluminum Underarm Crutches
Specifications
- Weight Capacity: 250 lbs.
- Recommended Users’ Height: 4’11” – 6’4″
- Weight of Crutch: 4.5 lbs. each
- Foldable: YES
- Adjustable: YES
On budget, you may need to consider this crutch. It is one of the best folding and inexpensive crutches you can consider for all non-weight-bearing injuries.
Carex Folding Aluminum Underarm Crutches have a weight capacity of 250 pounds and are recommended for users within 4’11” – 6’4″ height.
The crutches, though, serve their purpose well enough; however, we do not recommend them for people who need to be on crutches for an extended period.
Also, it is heavy, with each crutch weighing up to 5 pounds. This makes it less recommended for old adults and people with a weak upper body.
The comfort it provides is fair because the parts under the armpit and handgrip are well-padded. Also, it is safe to use and can be adjusted to fit different users’ heights.
#4. iWALK3.0 Hands-Free Crutch – Pain-Free Knee Crutch
This product gives an alternative to crutches, thereby removing the hassle of having to deal with crutches. It is one of the best walking aid for non-weight bearing devices.
iWALK3.0 Hands-Free Crutch serves like an artificial leg. It is straightforward and one of the best for a broken ankle and ankle surgery. The device is not recommended for injuries on and above the knee, making it unsuitable for hip and knee injuries.
The requirements to use the device are stated as follows:
- The injury must be below the knee
- Users must have average energy and balance
- The weight of the user must not exceed 275 pounds
- The user should be able to walk perfectly before the injury
- Height should be between 4’10” -6’6″
iWALK3.0 Hands-Free Crutch is easy and comfortable for the user; so far, the requirement above is fully met by the user. It is a good crutch alternative for a broken ankle.
#5. Drive Medical RTL10433 Adjustable Crutches
Specifications
- Type: Underarm
- Weight per crutch: 4.43 lbs.
- Maximum Weight Limit: 300 lbs.
- Recommended Users’ Height: 4’6″-6’6″
- Adjustable: YES
- Foldable: YES
The crutch is designed exactly like the old traditional crutches but made with aluminium, removing the hassle of dealing with heavy wood. It is lightweight and an excellent choice for older adults.
The Drive Medical RTL10433 Adjustable Crutch is easy to assemble and can be adjustable to fit different users’ heights.
Also, the comfort and safety it assures the customer are top-notch. Its non-skid vinyl contoured tip provides excellent traction and prevents crutches from slipping. The handgrip and the part under the armpit are well-padded to ensure the user’s comfort.
An axillary crutch’s weight can be referred to as light, but 4.43 pounds is heavy and may require the user to have decent upper-body strength.
#6. Motion Forearm Crutches
Specifications
- Type: Forearm
- Weight Capacity: 350 pounds
- Users’ Recommended Height: 4’9″ – 6’3″
- Adjustable: YES
- Spring Assisted Technology
- Adjustable Handgrip
This is a beautiful product from Millennial medical and one of the best forearm crutches with assisted spring technology which absorbs impact and, in turn, aids the patient’s ambulation.
Motion Forearm Crutches is an ergonomic crutch that can easily be adjusted to suit users’ height. Also, the handgrip’s angle can easily be adjusted, which helps to put the wrist in its natural position to reduce wrist pain and nerve damage.
The crutches come in two sizes; the small and the tall ones that cater to young children and adults. It is vital to order the correct size to have perfectly fitted crutches for optimum performance.
The crutches’ tips are made to fit on even and uneven surfaces. Their tips give maximum grip to the floor, dampen force impact and prevent tripping for safety.
#7. Hugo Mobility 721-785 Adjustable Adult Crutches
Specifications
- Type: Axillary/Underarm
- Weight Limit: 300 lbs.
- Recommended Users’ Height: 5′ 2″-5′ 10″
- Foldable: NO
- Adjustable: YES
The crutch is also made in pairs, and it’s one of the best axillary/underarm crutches you can consider when on budget. Its price is fair and serves its purpose perfectly.
Hugo Mobility 721-785 Adjustable Adult Crutch has all the essential features to carry the user and provide comfort. It is strong, with a weight capacity of 300 pounds.
Furthermore, it is well-padded to give comfort, while the tips feature a curved stair deflector to provide exceptional traction and prevent tripping on any surface: even or uneven.
Though it cannot be folded, it sure has an adjustable feature that makes it easy to adjust the crutches to the users’ height for a better fit. This will be a good buy for short-term usage.
#8. Dynamo Sport Swings Lightweight Crutches
Specifications
- Type: Axillary/Underarm
- Weight Limit: 300 lbs.
- Foldable: NO
- Adjustable: YES
- Recommended Users’ Height: 4’6″ -6’6″
If this crutch is a good fit for your height, it can be the best for your ambulation aid. The crutch comes in varying sizes (small, medium, and tall); therefore, ensure your height falls within the manufacturer’s recommended users’ height for each size range.
Unlike other underarm crutches, Dynamo Sport Swings Lightweight Crutch has big non-slip feet that ensure the safety and stability of the user by preventing slipping/falling.
The underarm part and handgrip are well cushioned to give the best comfort. Also, unlike most underarm crutches, the part that goes under the armpit is designed to mimic the natural curve of the armpit, which helps spread weight evenly.
It is one of the best underarm crutches for non-weight bearing like injured ankle, knee and hip injuries.
#9. York Nordic – Spring Cushion Crutches
Specifications
- Type: Axillary/Underarm
- Weight Limit: 250 lbs.
- Recommended Users’ Height: 4’7″-6’6″
- Adjustable: YES
- Foldable: YES
This is one of the best lightweight underarm crutches, lighter than most axillary crutches. Each crutch of the pairs weighs just 2.5 pounds each and has a high weight capacity of 250 pounds.
We also love its compactness and foldable feature, making the crutches easier to store. Furthermore, the crutches can easily adjust to users’ height for a perfect fit.
York Nordic – Spring Cushion Crutch, as the name implies, is loaded with innovative spring technology that acts like a shock absorber, thereby giving comfort to the user.
Its handgrip and underarm part are well-padded, and the crutch tip with sturdy rubber provides excellent traction. This is a lovely crutch and one of the best crutches for a broken ankle.
#10. Ez2care Adjustable Folding Crutch
Specifications
- Type: Axillary
- Weight Capacity: 250 lbs.
- Recommended Users’ Height: 5’2″ – 6’2″
- Foldable: YES
- Adjustable: YES
The crutch comes in pairs and has an extra rubber stopper for replacement. It is a lightweight, inexpensive, sleek design and one of the best crutches for non-weight bearing injuries like a broken ankle, ankle surgery, knee injury and hip injury.
Ez2care Adjustable Folding Crutch is an excellent choice for tall people. We also do not recommend this product for long-term usage. It is more suitable for a short-term period and travelling due to its size, weight and foldable feature.
#11. Life Crutch – Universal Crutch
Specifications
- Type: Axillary
- Weight Limit: 300 lbs.
- Height Limit: 4’6″-6’7”.
- Articulating tip
- Foldable: YES
- Adjustable: YES
This crutch is also good, with many features that help the user’s mobility. It is an underarm crutch made in pairs. The crutches look sleek in design but have a high weight capacity to support any user.
Its ergonomic design places the handgrip in a position that puts the wrist into a natural position to eliminate nerve damage/carpal tunnel.
Life Crutch – Universal Crutch is one size fits all; you can easily adjust it to fit any user’s height. The recommended height ranges between 4’6″ to 6’7″.
Though it is a little pricy, it serves its purpose and is one of the best crutches for non-weight bearing.
#12. PCP Aluminum Crutches
Specifications
- Type: Axillary
- Weight Limit: 250 lbs.
- User Height: 4’6” – 5’2”.
We recommend this lovely piece for shot folks as the recommended user height is between 4’6″ to 5’2″. The price is very cheap; therefore, it is possible you cannot use it for the long term.
PCP Aluminum Crutch is made with aluminium, making it light in weight and strong enough to hold a user weighing up to 250 pounds.
It is a lovely crutch you should consider on a low budget.