Everything our customers wish they'd known sooner about using a walking aid

There’s a version of this you probably know well.

You pick up your crutches or walking stick, you get on with the day, and somewhere around hour three, your hands are sore, your wrist aches, and you're already calculating whether the next thing on your list is actually worth it.

You might not even think of it as a problem anymore. You’ve just… adapted.

But here’s the thing:

Pain from crutches or a walking stick is not something you’re supposed to live with.

Is it normal for crutches or walking sticks to cause pain?

When we surveyed our customers, 81% said they believed pain from a walking aid was normal - something to put up with, not something to question.

That pain often shows up as:

• sore hands from crutches
• wrist pain when using a walking stick
• pressure points that turn into blisters
• ongoing strain that builds up over time

After a while, it fades into the background, and background pain is easy to ignore.

But the truth is, it shouldn’t be happening in the first place.

What happens when you switch to a more comfortable walking aid?

The most common thing people told us after switching wasn’t what they expected.

It wasn’t about the look, it wasn’t even about the weight.

It was this:

The pain stopped.

“No more hand pain.”
“My wrists didn’t hurt anymore.”
“Blisters gone.”

Those weren’t the benefits people were looking for, but they were the ones that surprised them.

As Rosie put it:

“I am so happy to have Cool Crutches, they have been so comfortable and don't cause blisters or pain.”

The right crutches or walking stick should support your body, not create new problems.

How the right walking aid makes everyday life easier

When a walking aid is properly designed for comfort and support, the impact goes beyond just pain relief.

It changes how your body moves and how your day feels.

• 59% of our customers said daily movement felt easier
• 90% said they felt more stable
• Many described it as a subtle but important shift - not dramatic, but noticeable over time

Why does this matter? Because it means little differences like you stop planning your day around discomfort, you walk a bit further, you stay out a bit longer and overall? You think less about every step.

Dory described it like this:

“These crutches have given my life back on days my legs don't want to work, and comfort on the days they do.”

The part people don’t talk about is confidence and identity

There’s another side to using a walking aid that rarely gets talked about.

Before switching:

• 68% of our customers felt self-conscious
• 46% lacked confidence
• 38% felt embarrassed
• Only 2% felt their walking aid reflected who they were

And it makes sense, your walking aid is visible - whether it's a walking stick or crutches people notice it. Also, you use it everywhere - at work, out with friends, strangers, in photos.

For many people, it feels clinical. Functional. Something to tolerate but rarely something that feels like you.

Carolyn shared this:

“Having got my Cool Crutches, I feel more confident with them and they are so much lighter and easier to use.”

After switching, 87% said they felt more confident.

And for many, that confidence turned out to matter just as much as the physical comfort.

Are better crutches or walking sticks worth the investment?

It’s a fair question and we know we’re not the cheapest option, we don’t pretend to be.

In fact, 55% of people who haven’t yet bought from us say they think we’re too expensive.

But the experience after switching tells a different story:

• 95% of customers say it’s worth every penny

Because when something is part of your daily life, every single day, even a small improvement compounds.

It affects:

• your energy
• your comfort
• how much you do
• how you feel doing it

As Jason put it:

“Go ahead and treat yourself - how it will make you feel will be worth every single penny.”

Not sure which walking aid is right for you?

Choosing the right crutches or walking stick isn’t always straightforward.

Your condition, your body, how you move, and what your days look like all play a part.

If you're dealing with:

• hand pain from crutches
• wrist pain from a walking stick
• discomfort or instability
• or you're just not sure what's right

👉 Take our short quiz and tell us what you're experiencing

We’ll help you find the walking aid most likely to:

• reduce pain
• improve comfort
• support your daily life

Take the quiz →

You don’t have to put up with discomfort

A lot of people do, often for years. The default is to adjust. Compensate. Push through.

But using crutches or a walking stick shouldn’t mean accepting pain as part of your day.

With the right support, things can feel easier, more comfortable, and more manageable.

And that starts with finding what actually works for you.

👉 Start with the quiz and see what could work better

FAQs About Crutches and Pain

• Are crutches supposed to hurt your hands?
  No! If they are properly fitted, ergonomic crutches should reduce pressure and prevent pain.
  
  
• Why do my wrists hurt when using a walking stick?
  Often due to poor handle design, incorrect height, weight distribution or lack of shock absorption in the rubber tip
  
  
• How can I stop my crutches from hurting?
  Switching to ergonomic handles, better shock absorption, and proper fit can make a significant difference. Shop Cool Crutches.

Enjoyed Reading This? You Might Also Like…

If this blog resonated with you, here are a few other articles we think you’ll find helpful - whether you’re trying to reduce pain from your walking aid, choose the right mobility support, or simply feel more confident using it every day:

• The Science of Comfortable Crutches & Walking Sticks
  Discover what actually makes a mobility aid ergonomic, from handle design to shock absorption, and why it matters for reducing pain and fatigue.

• The Hidden Strain: Managing Wrist Pain From Crutches
  Struggling with sore wrists or hand pain? This guide explains the common causes and practical ways to make using crutches more comfortable.

• How to Make Crutches More Comfortable & Less Tiring
  Simple adjustments and upgrades that can reduce pressure, improve posture and make everyday movement feel easier.

Or, if you’re not sure what mobility aid is best for your body and symptoms, take our free Mobility Aid Quiz to get personalised recommendations.