|  | Conditions Treatments | Medical Conditions

How to Cover Crutches

Walking with a new pair of crutches can cause pain to the tender muscles and skin under your arms. Getting used to resting a large amount of your body weight on that area takes time. Covering your crutches with a layer of padding makes using them more comfortable in addition to keeping the tops of the crutches in good condition. Pads can be purchased from a number of medical supply stores online or at your local hospital or you can make simple pads yourself.

Things You'll Need

  • Two stuffed animals
  • Gel shoe inserts
  • Scissors
  • Brushed flannel or fleece fabric
  • Tape
  • Needle and thread
Show More

Instructions

  1. Purchasing Crutch Covers

    • 1

      Compare materials and costs for crutch covers. You have a wide range of choices for your cover. You can find covers made from cotton or cotton and flannel blends, plastic gel packs and sheepskin. The covers vary in price depending upon the material, but generally cost 15 to 50 dollars.

    • 2

      Place an order for your crutch covers, if you are purchasing from an online supplier.

    • 3

      Follow manufacturer's instructions for installing your crutch covers. Many crutch covers use snaps, which make it easier to keep the material in place.

    • 4

      Remove your crutch covers before returning the crutches, if you have borrowed the crutches from the hospital. Since you purchased the covers, they belong to you.

    Making Your Own Crutch Covers

    • 5

      Purchase two stuffed animals with long bodies, such as floppy puppy animals. You can find inexpensive stuffed animals at dollar or bargain stores, or check your local thrift stores.

    • 6

      Tape the stuffed animals to the crutches using duct tape or masking tape. Tape around the edges of the top of the crutch so that the center of the body isn't covered by tape. The head of the animal should extend out past the top of the crutch in front. This method of covering crutches is particularly fun for children.

    • 7

      Cut a piece of fabric from the flannel or fleece that is as long as the top of the crutch and 8 to 10 inches wide.

    • 8

      Cut the gel insert to fit the length of the top of the crutches. Place a gel insert on the crutch.

    • 9

      Wrap the fabric around the gel insert, beginning underneath the top of the crutches and ending underneath. If your fabric is too long to stop underneath, fold the edge of the fabric back onto itself to fit. Sew or tape the fabric closed along the seam.

Medical Conditions - Related Articles