No matter why you need to use crutches, you have to be careful to choose the ones that suit your needs best. Whether you’re recovering from surgery, walking with a cast, or struggling with some chronic illness, this advice will help you choose the best walking devices for your needs. Once you know how to choose them, you can buy them from cheaper medical supply companies rather than going to a specialty store or hospital store. This can save you a bundle while still getting you the walking devices you need.

The most important thing to think about when choosing crutches is the height. While some are customizable, many are stationary and you have to use them at a set height. Before you buy, make sure you’re getting a set of walking devices that’s the perfect height for you. Ideally, you should hold the hand grip with your elbow at about a twenty degree angle and your hand resting near your hip. Also, you should be able to extend your elbow fully each time you take a step. You may need to talk to a surgeon or orthopedic doctor to figure out what you need when choosing these devices.

The materials that your device is crafted from will be important, as well. Wooden devices are often more affordable, but they’re also heavier and can take more getting used to. Aluminum devices are very sturdy and totally lightweight, so they can be a good option if you need to use them in the long term. Also, you want to make sure that any canes or walkers you use have rubber tips on the bottom to keep them from slipping on smooth surfaces like wood or tile floors.

Another consideration to make is whether or not you need to invest in an adjustable cane or adjustable crutches. Having the adjustment available to you can be a good idea because it can allow you to comfortably use your devices with different styles of shoes. If you always wear the same style of shoes, though, you may not need to worry about this added enhancement. On the other hand, it might not cost that much more, and it could be worth your money to invest in a set that will last for longer if you may be using them multiple times, as you would with recurring surgeries.