Product Review: Elasto-Gel: Crutch pads that make things better when you are down but not out

 

When the word “crutches” comes up in any of my many orthopedic appointments, it usually sends me away screaming. The horror of constant muscle soreness and cramps from gripping the rather uncomfortable handles that came with my standard crutches send a shudder down my spine. Ok, It’s really not that bad but crutches are not fun to use, no matter how short of a time that is until I stumbled upon a product called Elasto-Gel crutch pads. This product has at least made my time on crutches more bearable or as bearable as any joint injury can be really.

So what exactly are they and how does it work? It is a gel pad that wraps around the armpit cushion of each crutch and gel hand grips that slide over the ones already premade for the crutches. To be honest, my husband equated them to the feel of boobs which made me laugh but no matter how you describe the product, it does make them better. We bought a set of them close to 9 years ago and they still work quite well, even after 2 knee surgeries and several ankle injuries requiring the use of my crutches over the years. The product runs around $25 for the arm pads and $15 for the hand grips. It can be bought online or at most medical supply stores.

The company website can be found here: http://elastogel.com/product-catalog/cushionspadding/crutch-mate-crutch-pads

 All in all I would give this product 5 spoons for durability and comfort.

 

Article written by staff writer, Christina Stevens

Christina is married with 3 young children while managing moderate to severe Rheumatoid Arthritis. While technically a stay at home mom, she volunteers as instructor chair for a weekend event with Women in the Outdoors, an amateur radio operator and writer. You can find her on twitter at @ss_sunset or on tumblr at http://www.tumblr.com/tumblelog/ss-sunset

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  • Darlene

    I just had hip surgery on Monday. I bought the elasto-gel for the crutches. In the past 2 days I have noticed how much easier it is to use the crutches than the last time I was on them. I am not as achy at the end of the day as usual. These grips make is so much more comfortable. I will have to be on the crutches for 4-6 weeks. Thanks for sharing about these just in time for me.

  • I have elasto-gel grips on my forearm crutches & they make SUCH a difference! I can’t use my crutches very often, usually I use my wheelchair, but when I do walk, it makes the crutches so much more comfortable. I couldn’t use them for any extended amount of time without the grips. Thank you for sharing your experience and story. Whenever I see someone using crutches w/out grips, I try to tell them about them because of how much of a positiive impact they have had on my ability to use crutches & therefore walk.

  • Christy

    The timing of this post could not be better. I’m getting ready to have major knee surgery next week and will be on crutches for at least six weeks. Any other advice for making crutches a little more tolerable? Thank you!

  • Fiona

    Hi I have these wonderful special handels for arthritis put on my elbow crutches hand gro area and gel shockwave crutch tips to help with impact from crutches which with the new funky crutch bags have made my life on crutches manageable and it’s always nice to get compliments on my funky purple oil skin water proof White poka dote crutch bags if u got to use crutches crutch bags make life so much easyer! Every bit helps.