Using crutches presents an immediate challenge to daily independence because both hands are constantly occupied. The hands-free requirement for safe crutch operation means that simple tasks like carrying a phone, a drink, or a book suddenly become complex logistical problems. Overcoming this hurdle involves adopting strategies that shift the burden of carrying from the hands to the body, the crutches themselves, or specialized movement techniques. The goal is always to keep the primary function of the crutches—providing stable support—uncompromised while transporting items.
Utilizing Wearables and Clothing
The safest method for carrying items involves using your body or clothing to keep your hands completely free. A lightweight backpack is an excellent solution for transporting larger or bulkier objects, like a laptop or a textbook. The weight should be distributed high and centered on the back to minimize shifts in your center of gravity that could compromise stability.
For small, frequently needed items, belt bags or crossbody bags work well. These items keep essentials secure and accessible without interfering with the crutch handgrips. Clothing that features deep, secure pockets, like cargo pants or jackets with zippered compartments, can also be useful for carrying small, flat items. Avoid overloading any single pocket, as excessive weight on one side can create an imbalance and increase the risk of a fall.
Add-On Solutions for Crutches
Accessories that attach directly to the crutch framework provide a hands-free carrying option. Crutch pouches and carry-all bags are the most common additions, typically securing with hook-and-loop straps beneath the handgrip or around the underarm support. These pouches often feature multiple compartments for organizing small personal items, such as identification, a small notebook, or a water bottle.
Other attachments include cup holders and phone mounts, which help keep beverages and communication devices within immediate reach. While these add-ons enhance convenience, they are limited to lightweight items to prevent them from negatively affecting the crutch’s balance and stability. Care must be taken during installation to ensure the accessory does not obstruct the handgrip or the normal swing of the crutch.
Strategies for Moving Difficult Items
Moving items that cannot be worn or attached, such as a hot plate of food, a large stack of books, or an open beverage, requires specialized movement strategies. For food and drinks, the primary safety concern is the risk of a severe burn or a fall caused by an unstable load. For hot liquids, using a spill-proof travel mug or a flask is recommended, as it allows the container to be secured in a backpack or crutch pouch.
For moving meals across a room, using a wheeled serving cart or a small trolley is an effective indoor strategy. The user can push the cart ahead in short segments, then move the crutches forward to catch up, following an “assembly line” transport system. If a wheeled cart is unavailable, sliding items along a countertop or the floor can be a slow but safe alternative for containers that are sealed or secure.
For picking up dropped items or retrieving lightweight objects from the floor, a long-handled grabber or reacher tool is invaluable. These tools allow the user to grasp and lift items without bending over, a movement that significantly compromises crutch stability. When moving a single, lightweight object, a technique known as the “three-finger hold” can be used, where the thumb, index, and middle fingers secure the item while the remaining fingers maintain a grip on one crutch. However, for anything that requires precise balance or poses a burn risk, hands must remain firmly on the crutches, making a helper or an indirect transport method necessary.