Crutches are one of the most commonly prescribed mobility aids during recovery from a leg injury, surgery, or medical condition. They help keep weight off the injured leg and allow for movement, but for many, they come with a downside—armpit pain. This discomfort is often one of the most common complaints from crutch users, and while it’s common, it’s far from a necessary part of recovery.
In this blog, we’ll explain what causes armpit pain when using crutches and why it doesn’t make sense to tolerate this discomfort during your healing journey. We’ll also explore how alternatives like the iWALK crutch, clinically proven to provide medical benefits, can help eliminate this pain and make your recovery more comfortable and efficient.
Why Do Crutches Cause Armpit Pain?
The discomfort you feel in your armpits when using crutches is often caused by prolonged pressure on the soft tissue and nerves in the underarm area. Here’s why it happens:
- Pressure on Sensitive Nerves and Muscles
When you use crutches, your armpits bear much of your body’s weight, which causes pressure on sensitive nerves, muscles, and blood vessels. The axillary (armpit) area is home to important structures like the brachial plexus, a network of nerves that controls muscle movements in your arms and hands. When this area is compressed by the crutch pads, it can lead to soreness, numbness, tingling, or sharp pain.
- Improper Use and Overcompensation
Many people instinctively lean too hard on their crutches for support, especially during long periods of use. When your upper body weight shifts to your armpits, it increases the amount of pressure on the area, leading to muscle fatigue and pain. Additionally, the awkward posture that comes from using crutches (leaning forward) can cause strain on the upper body and add to discomfort.
- Friction and Skin Irritation
As crutches are used frequently, the movement of the crutch pads against the skin in the armpit area can cause friction. This can lead to irritation, chafing, or even abrasions, all of which exacerbate the pain. Crutches can often leave users with raw, irritated skin in the armpit region, making the recovery process even more uncomfortable.
Why Tolerating Armpit Pain Doesn’t Make Sense
While armpit pain from crutches is a common issue, it’s essential to understand that enduring this discomfort during your recovery doesn’t make sense. Healing from an injury or surgery is challenging enough without introducing new pain that interferes with your daily life. The goal of using mobility aids is to aid in your recovery, not to add more discomfort to an already painful experience.
Crutches are designed to relieve pressure on your injured leg, but they often cause unnecessary strain and discomfort in the upper body. This additional pain can hinder your progress and delay your recovery. If you’re constantly dealing with painful armpits, it may be affecting your posture, mobility, and overall morale during recovery.
Furthermore, the physical strain placed on your upper body due to crutches can lead to secondary injuries. Poor posture or overloading your arms, shoulders, and back can cause muscle strain or long-term injuries, which can slow your healing journey. The added stress on your healthy leg, which is doing most of the work, can also cause imbalances, leading to further discomfort and potential injury.
The iWALK Crutch: A Better Alternative
Rather than enduring unnecessary armpit pain, consider switching to the iWALK crutch, a clinically proven mobility aid designed to improve your recovery experience. Here’s why the iWALK crutch is a better alternative:
- Hands-Free Mobility
Unlike traditional crutches, the iWALK crutch allows you to walk naturally while keeping your injured leg elevated and protected. Since there’s no pressure on your upper body or armpits, the iWALK eliminates the discomfort and pain typically caused by crutch use. You can use both hands to carry items or perform daily tasks, giving you back a sense of independence and mobility.
- Improved Posture
The iWALK crutch is designed to support a more natural walking posture. With traditional crutches, users often have to lean forward, which can strain the back, shoulders, and armpits. The iWALK promotes an upright position, which reduces strain on the upper body and prevents the awkward posture that causes armpit pain.
- Clinically Proven Benefits
The iWALK crutch isn’t just more comfortable—it also provides real medical benefits. Clinical studies show that the iWALK crutch helps maintain muscle strength in both legs, preventing atrophy in the healthy leg during recovery. It also promotes better circulation and reduces the risk of developing secondary injuries caused by improper posture. By using the iWALK, you can enjoy a more comfortable, efficient recovery while minimizing the risk of further complications.
- Prevention of Secondary Injuries
Using crutches for extended periods can cause secondary injuries to the upper body, including back pain, shoulder strain, and carpal tunnel issues. With the iWALK crutch, you avoid putting unnecessary strain on your arms and shoulders, preventing these additional injuries. The iWALK helps you stay mobile without the discomfort associated with traditional crutches.
Conclusion
Armpit pain from crutches is a common yet unnecessary side effect of traditional mobility aids. Crutches can cause pressure on sensitive nerves and muscles, leading to discomfort, poor posture, and potential secondary injuries. During recovery, it doesn’t make sense to tolerate additional pain that interferes with your healing journey.
The iWALK crutch offers a hands-free, clinically proven alternative that promotes natural walking, improves posture, and reduces strain on your upper body. By switching to the iWALK, you can eliminate armpit pain, enhance your mobility, and speed up your recovery process—all while maintaining comfort and independence.
If you’re tired of dealing with painful armpits and want to improve your recovery experience, consider making the switch to iWALK. Your healing journey doesn’t have to include unnecessary discomfort—choose the iWALK crutch and start walking pain-free today.
