Pros & Cons of Lofstrand Crutches

Also known as forearm crutches, Lofstrand crutches are a type of crutch that helps those with injuries and disabilities that limit leg mobility to walk. The user of a Lofstrand crutch inserts his forearm into the molded forearm piece and grips a molded hand piece. For some, the Lofstrand crutch offers certain advantages over underarm crutches, which are also known as axillary crutches, while for others, the disadvantages of the Lostrand crutch make it less appealing.

Pro: More Hand Movement

• Because the Lofstrand crutch comes equipped with both a forearm piece and a hand piece, a user can opt to release the hand piece and still maintain balance via the forearm piece. This allows those with Lofstrand crutches to have more upper body mobility than users of underarm crutches.

Pro: More Allowance for Weight Bearing

• Unlike axillary crutches, Lofstrand crutches provide more allowance for weight bearing. This makes it easier for users to maintain balance when not in motion or when using their upper bodies.

Con: Can Lead to Joint and Hand Pain

• Because Lofstrand crutches rely on the user to bear weight on their hands and forearms, these type of crutches have been shown to cause damage to joints and nerves in the arms and hands.

Con: Less Support for Ambulation

• Although Lofstrand crutches may provide users with more upper-body mobility, they do provide less overall support for ambulation than axillary crutches. Because the user has to support much of her weight on the arms, the user must be more adept at maintaining balance than with axillary crutches.