An artificial joint is often the first step back to an active, self‑determined life. Whether hip prosthesis or knee prosthesis – after a joint replacement, the right support in everyday life is crucial. Forearm crutches, colloquially also crutches called, are indispensable companions.
They relieve the new joint, promote safe mobility and help avoid complications. However: Using crutches must be learned!
In this blog article we show you everything you need to know – from selection over the correct technique to everyday tips and psychological support.
Our goal: Your safe return to mobility – step by step.

Please supplement the reading of the text with the  viewing of appropriate videos (click e.g.  here).

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What are forearm crutches (crutches)?

Forearm crutches are mobility aids that help patients take weight off one or both legs while moving. They consist of:

• Handle: For holding and supporting.
• Cuff: Encircles the forearm for better control.
• Tube: Connection between handle and ground contact.
• Rubber tip: Provides slip resistance on the floor.

Crutches vs. Forearm Crutches

In everyday life, the terms are often used synonymously. Strictly speaking, "crutches" refer to all types of walking aids, while "forearm supports" specifically refer to those that involve the forearm.

Modern development

Modern forearm crutches are lightweight, ergonomic, and sometimes even shock-absorbing. Materials like aluminum or carbon ensure high stability with low weight.

Why are forearm crutches important after joint replacement?

Whether hip prosthesis or knee prosthesis: Directly after the operation the new joint is still sensitive. Forearm crutches help with:

• Reduce pressure: The weight is distributed evenly.
• Avoid dislocations: Especially important for artificial hip joint.
• Improve coordination: They provide safety while walking.
• Rebuild muscle: Through targeted training with crutches.

Important: Too early full weight‑bearing can jeopardize the surgical result. Crutches are both protection and training aid.

Selecting the Right Forearm Crutches

Material

• Aluminum: Light and robust. Ideal for everyday use.
• Carbon: Extremely light, expensive, ideal for sporty active people.
• Steel: Very stable, but heavy. Rare today.

Handle types

• Ergonomically shaped handles: Relieve hands and wrists.
• Soft grips: Especially comfortable for long use.
• Standard grips: Affordable, but less comfortable.

Cuff

A closed or semi-open cuff hält the Krücke securely on the arm.
Ideal: Semi-open models – can be removed more easily if needed.

Correct Adjustment of Crutches

Incorrectly adjusted Krücken führen to pain or Stürzen.
  Set them correctly:

• Griffhöhe: When standing upright, the hand grips should be at the Höhe of the wrists.
• Manschette: 2,5–5 cm below the elbow.
• Abstand: Place Krücken about 15 cm lateral to the Körper.

Tip: Have the adjustment checked by professional staff or physiotherapist!

Why it is important to familiarize yourself with walking aids before surgery - Prehabilitation for more success

Many female and male patients think only after an operation über the use of forearm crutches or crutches afterwards. It is crucial to already before the procedure to become familiar with the safe handling.
This early training is part of a modern concept that prehabilitation is called.

What does Prehabilitation mean?

Prehabilitation consists of „prä“ (pre) and „Rehabilitation“ together. It is therefore about targeted preparation for an upcoming operation – for example a hip prosthesis or knee prosthesis.
The goal is to tune the body and mind to the stresses of the procedure in order to better postoperative outcomes to achieve.

Why is Prehabilitation so important?

• Faster Learning: Those who already practice before the surgery, with forearm crutches being able to walk safely, become mobile faster after the procedure.
• Less Uncertainty: Fears and uncertainties in handling crutches can be specifically reduced before the surgery.
• Better Musculature: Prehabilitation exercises strengthen muscles and improve balance – a great advantage for rehabilitation.
• Reduced Complications: Patients who can move safely with crutches fall less often and load their new artificial joint optimally.
• Active participation: Through Prähabilitation übernehmen patients an active role in their recovery – it strengthens self‑confidence and motivation.

What is included in prehabilitation?

• Instruction in the correct use of crutches
• Gait training with simulated load
• Strengthening exercises for legs, arms, and torso
• Balance training
• Information on preparation for surgery

👉 Summary: Those frühzeitig with the Prähabilitation begin, lay the foundation für a faster and safer Rüturn to daily life. Especially with Hüftprothesen and Knee prostheses this investment in one's own health pays double.

First steps: The safe start with crutches

Home preparation

• Remove tripping hazards like carpets
• Rearrange furniture to create more space
• Lay out non-slip mats in the bathroom

Learning to walk

• Move crutches forward simultaneously
• Swing through with the healthy leg
• Adjust the load level according to the doctor's instructions

Übung makes the master! Train short distances and increase gradually.

Typical errors when handling forearm crutches – and how to avoid them

Error 1: Incorrect crutch height

Problem:
Too high or too low Krücken führen to poor posture and pain in Rücken, shoulders or wrists.

Solution:
The handles must be set at the height of the wrists when you stand upright. The cuff must not touch the elbow.

Error 2: Uncertain ground contact

Problem:
Worn rubber pads or smooth floors increase the risk of falling.

Solution:
Regularly check the rubber pads and replace them if necessary. Pay attention to non‑slip footwear!

Error 3: Overload

Problem:
Too rapid an increase in walking distance or load damages the new joint.

Solution:
Follow the training plans of your doctor or physiotherapist. Listen to body signals and pause if you experience pain.

Error 4: Crutches incorrectly placed

Problem:
Crutches slide away easily if they are improperly supported.

Solution:
Use crutch holders or secure storage places. Never place them loosely on the floor.

Load after hip replacement or knee replacement – How much am I allowed?

In ENDOPROTHETICUM, full weight-bearing is allowed in most cases after the operation!

Load levels

• Full weight bearing: Immediate loading of the operated leg (usually with cemented prostheses).
• Partial weight bearing: Only a part of the Körpergewichts may act on the leg.
• Initially no load: Rarely in complicated surgeries or revisions.

How do I know what's right for me?

• After the operation, the final load clearance takes place!
• Physiotherapeutic support.
• Consider individual factors such as age, bone density and surgical technique.

Important: Modern Pprostheses and Techniques ermöglichen often an frühe Full weight bearing!

Techniques for safe walking with forearm crutches

3-point gait

• Push both crutches forward.
• Move the operated leg forward.
• Pull the healthy leg along.

Ideal for partial weight-bearing.

4-point gait

• Move the left crutch and right leg.
• Move the right crutch and left leg.

For higher stability, e.g. in older patients.

Climbing stairs with crutches

Up:

• Healthy leg first.
• Crutches and operated leg follow.

Down:

• Crutches and operated leg first.
• Pull the healthy leg along.

Mnemonic:
"The good goes up, the bad goes down."

Safety in everyday life – Mastering every situation

Floor coverings

• Secure carpet edges
• Use non-slip carpets

Bathroom

• Install handrails
• Use a shower stool
• Lay out non-slip mats

Kitchen

• Place everything important at a reachable height
• Use a trolley for transportation

Tips for everyday life with crutches

• Backpack or Umhängetasche use to keep the Hände free.
• Ergonomic Krücken use to protect the wrists.
• Krückenpolster install für more comfort.
• Take a break: Regelmäßige Sitzpausen help, Überlastungen to avoid.

Forearm crutches and rehabilitation – How they support your recovery optimally

Crutches in the early phase of rehabilitation

After an operation, e.g., with implantation of a Hip prosthesis or Knee prosthesis, crutches help with:

• Relieve the new joint.
• Gradually accustom muscles and tendons to movement.
• To avoid injuries and complications like dislocations.

Ziel:
Frühzeitig sicheres Gehen lernen, um Mobilität und Selbstständigkeit wiederzuerlangen.

Training with physiotherapy

Under the guidance of a therapist, patients learn:

• Richtiges Gehen: Schritt für Schritt wieder Belastung aufbauen.
• Gleichgewicht und Koordination: Spezielle Übungen verbessern Stabilität.
• Muskelkräftigung: Gezieltes Training schützt das künstliche Gelenk langfristig.

When can crutches be dispensed with?

This depends on:

• Art des Implantats (z. B. Kurzschaftprothese → häufig schnellerer Belastungsaufbau möglich)
• Healing process
• Muscle strength
• Stability while walking

Typische Faustregel:
Krücken mindestens 4–6 Wochen nutzen, bei optimalem Verlauf manchmal kürzer.

FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions about forearm crutches

How long do I have to use crutches?

Answer: Depending on the surgery and healing process, between 4–8 weeks.

Can I drive a car with crutches?

Answer: As soon as you can step on without crutches and have enough mobility – please obtain a doctor's approval beforehand!

What to do with wrist pain?

Answer: Use ergonomic grips and try crutches with shock absorption if necessary.

Are crutches available on prescription?

Answer: Yes, the doctor can issue a prescription. The health insurance usually covers the costs.

Conclusion: Safe mobility with forearm crutches after joint replacement

Forearm crutches are indispensable companions after an operation with a hip prosthesis (hip-TEP), knee prosthesis (knee-TEP) or another artificial joint indispensable companions. They not only help to control the load on the new joint, but also promote a safe and rapid rehabilitation.
With the right technique, an optimal adjustment of the crutches and targeted training, every patient can quickly regain his or her mobility.

Important:

• Use high-quality crutches.
• Use accessories like reflectors or rubber buffers.
• Practice proper walking early on with physiotherapists.
• See forearm crutches as a sign of your recovery, not as an obstacle.

With patience, practice, and the right adjustment, there is nothing to stop an active and self-determined life after joint replacement