Crutches

Crutches for Support, Stability and Improved Everyday Mobility

Crutches are designed to provide support, balance and confidence for people who need assistance while walking. Whether used during recovery from an injury, after surgery or as a longer-term mobility aid, the right pair of crutches can help reduce pressure on the lower body while supporting safer and more comfortable movement.

At John Preston, we offer a range of crutches from trusted mobility manufacturers. Our collection includes adjustable and supportive options designed to suit different users, helping individuals maintain independence while receiving the stability they need during everyday activities.

Why Choose Crutches?

Crutches provide valuable walking support by helping users maintain balance and reduce weight-bearing on affected areas. Available in different designs and materials, they can be selected to match individual mobility needs, comfort preferences and levels of support required.

Key benefits include:

• Provides additional balance and walking support
• Helps reduce pressure on injured or weakened areas
• Adjustable designs for a personalised fit
• Lightweight options for easier handling
• Suitable for short-term recovery or longer-term use
• Helps improve confidence while walking

Choosing the Right Crutches

Selecting the correct crutches is important to ensure comfort, safety and effective support. The ideal choice depends on your height, strength, mobility requirements and how the crutches will be used.

Important factors to consider include:

• Correct height adjustment
• Weight capacity
• Handle comfort and grip
• Lightweight construction
• Elbow or underarm support requirements
• Suitable use indoors or outdoors

Different types of crutches are available, including adjustable elbow crutches and specialist designs that provide different levels of support and comfort.

Types of Crutches Available

Our range of crutches includes mobility solutions designed for different requirements, including:

• Adjustable elbow crutches for everyday walking support
• Lightweight crutches for easier handling and transport
• Comfortable grip options to reduce strain during use
• Supportive designs for rehabilitation and recovery

Choosing the right crutches can help users move more safely while maintaining confidence and independence.

Why Buy Crutches from John Preston?

With decades of experience supplying specialist mobility equipment across the UK, John Preston is committed to helping customers find reliable products that support everyday independence. Our range of crutches has been selected from trusted manufacturers known for quality, comfort and dependable performance.

Browse our collection of crutches today and discover supportive mobility solutions designed to help you walk with greater stability, confidence and freedom.

Frequently Asked Questions About Crutches

What are crutches?

Crutches are walking aids designed to provide additional support when standing or walking. They are available in different designs and sizes to suit varying mobility requirements, including adjustable, paediatric and bariatric models.

What types of crutches are available?

Common options include forearm or elbow crutches and other specialist designs. Crutches can also be single or double adjustable, allowing different parts of the crutch to be altered to suit the user.

What are elbow crutches?

Elbow crutches, also known as forearm crutches, feature a cuff around the forearm and a handgrip for support. They are widely used as walking aids, although suitability depends on the individual's mobility, strength and support requirements.

What is the difference between elbow crutches and underarm crutches?

Elbow crutches support the user through the hands and forearms, while underarm or axillary crutches extend upwards towards the armpits. The appropriate type depends on the individual user's needs and the advice provided by their healthcare professional.

What are adjustable crutches?

Adjustable crutches allow their height or other dimensions to be changed to better suit the user. Single-adjustable and double-adjustable models are available, with the exact adjustment points depending on the design.

What is the difference between single and double adjustable crutches?

Single adjustable crutches generally provide one main height adjustment. Double adjustable crutches provide an additional adjustment, often allowing the distance between the cuff and handgrip to be altered as well. Check individual product specifications for the exact adjustment available.

How do I choose the correct height for crutches?

Correct crutch height depends on the user's measurements and the type of crutch. Many models include clearly defined adjustment ranges. Follow the manufacturer's fitting instructions and seek professional guidance if you are unsure about the correct setup.

Are children's crutches available?

Yes. Paediatric crutches are designed with dimensions and adjustment ranges suitable for children and smaller users. Appropriate sizing remains important, so selection should be based on the child's individual measurements rather than age alone.

Are bariatric crutches available?

Yes. Bariatric and heavy duty crutches are available for users who require a higher maximum weight capacity. Always check the manufacturer's specified maximum user weight and adjustment range before purchasing.

What is the maximum user weight for crutches?

Maximum user weight varies significantly between models. Standard, paediatric and bariatric crutches can have different capacities, so always check the manufacturer's specifications for the individual product.

Can I use one crutch instead of two?

Whether one or two crutches are appropriate depends on the reason they are being used, the amount of support required and the individual's mobility. Follow advice from a relevant healthcare professional rather than changing the number of crutches without guidance.

Are crutches suitable for long-term use?

Some people use crutches temporarily, while others may use them for longer periods. Suitability depends on individual mobility and clinical requirements. Correct sizing and technique are particularly important for regular use.

What should I look for when buying crutches?

Consider the type of crutch, adjustment range, maximum user weight, handgrip and cuff design, overall product weight and intended use. Correct sizing should be a priority rather than selecting solely by price or appearance.

When should crutch ferrules be replaced?

Ferrules are the rubber tips that contact the ground and can wear over time. They should be inspected regularly and replaced when worn, damaged or no longer providing appropriate contact with the surface. Use replacements compatible with the crutch.

Where can I buy crutches?

John Preston Healthcare supplies crutches for a range of mobility requirements, including adjustable, paediatric and bariatric options. Customers can compare available models online and seek advice when choosing an appropriate walking aid.