Do You Need Crutches for a Sprained or Twisted Ankle?
Unfortunately, it’s all too easy to get a sprained ankle, whether from a missed step or just rolling your foot the wrong way. Ankle sprains often heal with time, but to make recovery far safer and more comfortable, the right mobility aid can go a long way.
If you’re finding that putting weight on your foot is painful since you sprained your ankle, crutches can allow your ankle to heal while helping you stay mobile. Luckily, crutches aren’t one-size-fits-all anymore. There are options ranging from lightweight everyday crutches to heavy-duty models designed to support larger bodies.
Here’s everything you’ll need to know before you choose a pair of crutches for yourself.
What Is a Sprained Ankle and When Do You Actually Need Crutches?
A sprained ankle happens when you stretch or tear the ligaments supporting your ankle joint. Most often, this happens after your foot accidentally twists farther than it’s supposed to. Depending on the sprain, symptoms can be as minimal as mild tenderness and swelling or as severe as bruising and inability to put weight on the foot.
Whether a sprained ankle requires crutches also depends on the sprain’s severity. Keep in mind that if your symptoms are severe and you can’t bear weight at all, you should seek medical care to make sure it’s not a fracture or another more serious injury.
Mild sprains usually improve with enough rest, ice, compression, and elevation, a few days after which you’ll usually be able to walk carefully. But if walking is extremely painful or your doctor has recommended avoiding bearing weight on your sprained ankle, crutches can make the healing process a lot easier and more comfortable.
If you’re recovering from a typical sprain, a standard set of crutches like the Knock Down Universal Aluminum Crutches are easy to transport and store while offering high-quality, adjustable support.
Types of Crutches Explained: Axillary, Forearm, and More
After an ankle injury like a sprain, most people use axillary (underarm) crutches to get around. Their simple adjustability makes them a great fit for short-term recovery from injuries like sprains, strains, fractures, etc.
Some people prefer forearm crutches, which have cuffs around the forearms instead of resting under the arms. They’re more commonly used for those with longer-term mobility needs, but they can offer greater freedom of movement for some users.
Some specialty crutches are designed to be extra comfortable or adapt to other unique needs. For instance, the MD by Drive Air-Crutch comes with air-filled cushioning to relieve under-arm pressure, which can make them easier to use for longer periods of time. If you need extra support from your crutches, Bariatric Heavy Duty Crutches have higher weight capacities thanks to their reinforced construction.
How to Choose the Right Crutches for a Sprained or Twisted Ankle
Having crutches that fit your body correctly make a significant difference during recovery from a sprained ankle. Crutches that are too tall or too short can add strain on your shoulders, back, wrists, and other joints.
That’s why most people use adjustable crutches that they can customize for their height. When you’re standing fully upright, there should be a small gap between the top of the crutch and your armpit, and the hand grips should be at a height that allows for a small bend in your elbows.
How to Use Crutches Properly for a Sprained Ankle Recovery
Using your crutches the way they’re designed to be used keeps you safe as your ankle is healing. One of the most common mistakes new users make is resting their body weight primarily on the underarm pads. Your weight should actually be supported through your arms and hands, and the upper pads should simply rest lightly at your sides.
If you’ve been instructed not to place weight on your sprained ankle, move both crutches forward together and then step through with your uninjured leg. If you can bear some weight on the ankle, follow your doctor’s specific instructions about how much pressure to place on it.
Crutch Pads, Tips, and Accessories That Make Recovery More Comfortable
Even spending a week or two using crutches can make your hands and underarms pretty sore. One way to manage this is by replacing worn parts, such as with a Crutch Accessory Replacement Kit. These kits allow you to replace older hand grips, underarm pads, and rubber tips, which can make the crutches significantly more comfortable to use and improve traction on the crutches themselves. Some people also recommend carrying a backpack or crossbody bag while on crutches, since your hands and arms will be fully occupied.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you need crutches for a sprained ankle?
Sometimes, but not always. If you can walk with only minor discomfort and your doctor approves it, you may be able to manage a mild ankle sprain without crutches. Crutches are most helpful when it’s painful to put any weight on your injured ankle, or when your doctor has stated that you need to avoid weight-bearing in order to let the sprain heal.
What type of crutches are easiest to use for ankle injuries?
Most people find standard underarm (axillary) crutches like the Knock Down Universal Aluminum Crutches to be the easiest to learn, so they’re most often recommended for short-term injuries like sprained ankles. They’re easy to adjust and provide the reliable support you need to recover.
How long do you typically use crutches after a sprained ankle?
The span of time you spend on crutches while recovering from a sprained ankle depends on the severity of the injury, so every person’s answer is different. Some people only need crutches for a couple days, but others might use them for a week or more. In most cases, you can stop using crutches when walking doesn’t cause discomfort and your doctor says it’s safe for your ankle to bear weight.
What is the difference between axillary crutches and forearm crutches?
Axillary crutches fit under the arms (in the armpits) and are typically used for temporary injuries. Forearm crutches include cuffs that wrap around the forearms, and they are often preferred for long-term use.
