Mobility Aids – Crutches & More

May 23, 2025

Mobility Aids – Crutches & More

Recovering from an ACL injury or surgery can significantly impact your ability to walk, stand, or navigate your environment. Proper use of mobility aids not only reduces pain and swelling but also prevents further injury and promotes a safer, faster recovery. There are actually a wide variety of mobility aids. Here’s a quick survey along with some basics about how to use them.

At the bottom is a See Also list with some more references, including videos. However, if at all possible, (if you haven’t already been using these products post-injury anyway), it would be good to acquire these devices well in advance of your surgery and get some in person training from your physiotherapist. This way you can make sure you have the right device(s) for you, that they’re adjusted properly, and you know how to use them.

Crutches

Use: Immediately after injury or surgery to avoid weight-bearing.
Types:

Axillary Crutches (Underarm): Most commonly used for short-term support. Note that you should not be just leaning on these all the time under your arms. That’s not how they’re supposed to be used and it could do damage to your nerves.
Forearm Crutches: Provide more freedom of movement, often used in later recovery stages or long-term use.

Tips: Adjust height correctly so elbows are slightly bent; avoid leaning on the armpits to prevent nerve damage.

Note: While this section is mostly meant to be a general survey, crutches are so common it’s worth going a little deeper on a couple of common issues that might not be widely known.

Using crutches incorrectly, specifically by resting your weight on your armpits instead of your hands, can compress the brachial plexus, a network of nerves that runs through your armpits. This condition is called crutch palsy (or axillary nerve compression), and it can cause:

Numbness or tingling in your arms or hands
Weakness or loss of function in your triceps, forearm, or hand
Pain or burning in the shoulder or arm

To avoid this, support your weight through your hands and arms, not your armpits, and make sure your crutches are properly adjusted so there’s about 1–2 inches (2–3 fingers) of space between the top of the crutch and your armpit. This is why it’s really useful to practice, with help from a physiotherapist, before you actually need crutches.

Knee Scooters (Knee Walkers)

Use: For patients who need non-weight-bearing mobility but find crutches cumbersome. (And especially if you have longer distances to travel.)
Pros: More stable than crutches and allow hands-free operation in some cases.
Cons: Require good balance and are only usable on flat surfaces. And they’re probably just not practical for some folks. (If you live in a 3 story walkup, chances are it won’t be that easy hauling your scooter up and down.)

Walkers

Use: For elderly or balance-compromised individuals.

Types:

Standard Walkers: Must be lifted with each step.
Rolling Walkers (2 or 4 wheels): Easier to use but less stable.
Add-ons: Padded grips, baskets, or seats for convenience.

Canes

Use: For support during the final stages of recovery or for mild instability.

Types:

Single-Point Cane: Standard option for minor balance aid.
Quad Cane: Has a wider base for added stability.

Tip: Hold the cane in the opposite hand from your injured leg for optimal support. A lot of people tend to use a cane on their ‘bad’ side, but it should actually be on the opposite side and used similar to how you’d naturally swing your arms while walking. Definitely consider seeing some videos and practicing with your therapist. There’s so many varieties of canes out there. You can probably get one free from all kinds of sources, as donations and so on. Or you can get more expensive high-tech “walking stick” like canes, or go even further and get super expensive ‘fancy’ canes. But ideally, your / our use of such things is somewhat temporary. So something cheap or simple is likely best. Though if considering returning to hiking, it may be worth considering a walking-stick like option that you can use later anyway.

Wheelchairs

Use: When complete non-weight-bearing is required or during extended travel.
Pros: Ideal for longer distances or fatigue-prone patients.
Note: Not usually needed long-term for ACL injuries but may be helpful during early recovery or in complex cases. And unless you live someplace with accessible options, managing the wheelchair may not be practical.

Leg Elevation Devices

Use: To reduce swelling and pain during rest.
Devices:

Wedge pillows
Adjustable leg supports
Home recliners with elevation features

This isn’t really a mobility device per se, but something to consider in the general “leg management” category.

Hands-Free Crutches (e.g., iWalk)

Use: For patients who want to maintain upper body use while keeping weight off the knee.
Note: Requires good balance and coordination; not suitable for everyone.

Kind of it’s own thing. Might not be worth cost and effort unless you think you really need it for your situation. Just another option.

Grab Bars and Shower Chairs

Use: Assist with bathroom mobility during post-op phase.
Tip: Install grab bars near toilets and in showers to reduce fall risk.

Installing bars is not likely something you’re going to do for a temporary issues. But shower chairs and benches are incredibly useful. Some might even say necessary, at least for safety. Do people manage without these? Of course. But if you look, you’ll probably agree these are safer and more comfortable options.

Orthopedic Braces with Mobility Lock Settings

Use: Often prescribed post-surgery to limit knee motion while allowing limited movement.
Tip: Learn how to adjust hinge settings based on your recovery phase, under physiotherapist guidance. These can often be modified in a few different ways; changing where the straps go etc. Just don’t cut down the straps to adjust where the velcro is going to go until you’re sure of the sizing. That is, after your brace is unlocked and you’re not putting the cooling sleeve underneath it, you may want to decrease strap length, but once you cut it, there’s no inexpensive quick way back.

Reacher Tools and Dressing Aids

Use: Reduce the need to bend, twist, or strain while dressing or reaching for items.
Common Tools: Dressing sticks, sock aids, long-handled shoehorns.

Final Advice:

Always consult with your physiotherapist or orthopedic surgeon before choosing a mobility aid. The right tool depends on your recovery stage, physical condition, and lifestyle needs. Mobility aids are not just about movement, they are about safety, independence, and healing smartly.