February 04, 2026Tips

The Hidden Strain: How to Protect Your Wrists When Using Crutches Daily

Using crutches every day can be life-changing for mobility and independence, but it often comes with an overlooked side effect: wrist pain. Many people experience discomfort, inflammation or long-term strain without realising just how much pressure their wrists are under. Understanding how to protect your wrists when using crutches is essential for comfort, safety and long-term joint health.

In this guide, we’ll explore why wrist pain happens, how to reduce strain, and the practical steps you can take to protect your wrists when using crutches daily.

Why Do Crutches Cause Wrist Pain?

Crutches shift a significant amount of body weight through the upper limbs. Instead of your legs absorbing impact, your wrists, hands, elbows and shoulders take on that load.

Common reasons for wrist pain from crutches include:

Excessive pressure through the wrist joint
Poorly designed or hard handles
Incorrect crutch height or positioning
Prolonged or repetitive use without rest
Pre-existing conditions such as arthritis, hypermobility or carpal tunnel syndrome

Over time, this constant pressure can lead to inflammation, nerve irritation, tendon strain and chronic pain.

Make Sure You’re Using the Right Mobility Aid for You

If you’re experiencing wrist pain from crutches or ongoing hand discomfort, it may not just be how you’re using your mobility aid, but which one you’re using. Different conditions, body types and mobility needs place stress on the upper limbs in very different ways.

That’s why we always encourage people to take the Cool Crutches Mobility Aid Quiz. It helps identify whether crutches, a walking stick, or another mobility aid is the best fit for your needs, lifestyle and symptoms. Using the wrong aid (or the wrong style of aid) can significantly increase pressure on your wrists, hands and shoulders over time.

Small Upgrades That Make a Big Difference

Even if crutches are the right choice for you, the design of the handles and grips matters hugely when it comes to wrist protection.

Ergonomic handles on Cool Crutches are moulded to support the natural shape of your hand, helping keep your wrist in a neutral position and reducing strain on the joint. This directly supports anyone looking for wrist support when using crutches.
Soft grip handle covers can be added to both crutches and walking sticks to cushion impact, reduce vibration and ease pressure through the palms. They’re especially helpful for people experiencing hand pain, nerve sensitivity or fatigue from prolonged use.

Combined with correct height adjustment and shock-absorbing ferrules, these features work together to reduce pressure on the wrist holding a walking stick or crutch, making daily mobility more comfortable and sustainable.

If your wrists are telling you something isn’t right, listen to them. Choosing the right mobility aid, and the right features, can be the difference between pushing through pain and moving with confidence.

The Impact of Wrist Pressure on Daily Crutch Users

Whether you use crutches short-term or long-term, the pressure on the wrist holding a walking stick or crutch adds up quickly. For daily users, this can result in:

Aching or burning pain in the wrists
Tingling or numbness in the hands
Reduced grip strength
Swelling or stiffness
Increased fatigue when walking

Without proper wrist support when using crutches, pain can worsen and even limit how long you’re able to stay mobile.

How to Protect Wrists When Using Crutches

1. Check Your Crutch Height and Setup

Incorrect crutch height is one of the biggest contributors to wrist strain.

Your elbow should bend slightly (around 15–20 degrees)
Handles should align roughly with the crease of your wrist when standing upright
Weight should be distributed evenly through your arms, not dumped into your wrists

Proper positioning immediately reduces unnecessary pressure.

2. Prioritise Ergonomic Handles

Hard, flat or poorly shaped handles force the wrist into unnatural angles. This increases joint compression and nerve pressure.

Look for crutches with:

Ergonomic moulded handles
Palm-shaped grips that spread weight evenly
Designs that keep the wrist in a neutral position

This is one of the most effective ways to reduce wrist pain from crutches.

3. Use Wrist Support When Using Crutches

For some people, additional wrist support for crutches can make a huge difference.

Options include:

Neoprene wrist supports or braces
Compression supports for inflammation
Soft grip handle covers that reduce vibration and impact

These supports help stabilise the wrist joint and reduce strain during longer walks.

4. Reduce Impact Through the Crutch Base

Wrist pain isn’t just caused by handles; impact from the ground travels upward through the crutch.

To reduce this:

Replace worn ferrules regularly
Use shock-absorbing or high performance ferrules
Avoid walking with cracked or hardened rubber tips

Less ground shock means less force travelling into your wrists.

5. Strengthen and Stretch Your Wrists

Gentle exercises can help combat stiffness and overuse injuries.

Try:

Wrist circles and stretches
Forearm strengthening with resistance bands
Hand-opening and grip exercises

Always work within your limits and stop if pain increases.

6. Take Breaks and Pace Yourself

Even with the best setup, constant crutch use is demanding.

To combat wrist pain when using crutches:

Take seated breaks when possible
Alternate activities to reduce repetitive strain
Use mobility aids only as long as needed, not longer

Pacing protects your wrists as much as your energy levels.

Walking Sticks & Wrist Pressure: What to Know

It’s not just crutches. Many people experience pressure on the wrist holding a walking stick, especially if the handle isn’t suited to their grip or height.

The same principles apply:

Correct height adjustment
Ergonomic handles
Shock-absorbing tips
Wrist straps to reduce gripping tension

Good design matters for all mobility aids.

When to Seek Professional Advice

If wrist pain persists, worsens, or includes numbness or weakness, it’s important to speak to:

A physiotherapist
An occupational therapist
A mobility specialist

Early intervention can prevent long-term damage.

Crutches should support your mobility, not create new pain. Understanding how to protect wrists when using crutches, choosing the right equipment, and listening to your body can make daily use far more comfortable and sustainable.

By addressing wrist support early, you protect not just your joints, but your independence and confidence too.

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