How Much Do Crutches Cost? A Comprehensive Guide to Crutch Costs

Crutches are vital for lower leg recovery, but how much do they cost?

It depends on the type, quality, and insurance coverage. In this post, we’ll compare different crutches and their prices.

We’ll also help you find the best option, whether a hands-free crutch or a traditional underarm one.

Learn more about crutches and how to get them without breaking the bank.

Types of Crutches and How Much They Cost

In this section, we will explore the most popular types of crutches and their costs: 

Forearm Crutches

Forearm crutches, or elbow or Lofstrand crutches, have a cuff that hugs your forearm just below your elbow. This way, you can spread your weight through your arms instead of hurting your underarms.

If you need crutches for a long time, you might prefer forearm ones, as they are more comfortable and let you move around more easily.

They usually cost a pair from $40 to $150, depending on how good they are and who makes them.

Axillary Crutches

Axillary crutches, or underarm or standard crutches, have a padded top that fits under your armpit while holding a lower handpiece. These are the classic crutches you see in movies and TV shows. 

They are suitable for short-term recovery after an injury or surgery but can get uncomfortable if you use them for too long.

They usually cost between $20 and $100 for a pair, depending on what they are made of and how well they are made.

Gait Trainers

Gait trainers (posterior walkers or posture trainers) support you more than regular walking aids like walkers or rollators; they help you balance and stand up straight while walking.

While they may seem similar at first glance, a gait trainer and a walker have notable distinctions. A gait trainer provides more balance assistance and weight-bearing support than a walker.

Gait trainers suit people with different mobility problems, such as stroke survivors or cerebral palsy. They are typically used when extensive assistance and rehabilitation are needed. In contrast, crutches are often used as temporary mobility aids for short-term injuries or recovery needs.

Gait trainers come in different shapes and sizes, even for kids. They can cost a lot more, from around $200 to over $1,000, depending on how big they are, what they can do, and how you can customize them.

Knee Scooters (Knee Walkers)

While not technically crutches, knee scooters are an alternative for individuals with lower leg injuries. They typically have a padded platform with wheels and handlebars for steering.

Users rest their injured leg on a padded platform, enabling partial or full weight-bearing on the unaffected leg.

Knee Scooters allow users to move around without hopping or swinging their legs. They offer stability and a lower risk of falls.

Knee scooters can range from $100 to $400 for advanced models.

Crutches Cost: The Price Factors like Materials and Features

There are many kinds of crutches for different users, which can vary in shape, size, and material. Cost is an important thing to think about when choosing a crutch, and the price can depend on various factors, so let’s see what other factors affect how much crutches cost.

Materials Used in Construction

The materials that make up your crutches also affect how much they cost. Some common materials are aluminum (light), wood (classic), or carbon fiber (fancy).

Aluminum crutches are usually the cheapest option, but they may not last as long as wood or carbon fiber. Wooden crutches can cost $30 to $100, while carbon fiber costs $200 to over $500.

Additional Features and Accessories

Besides your crutches’ basic shape and materials, other things can make them more expensive. Some examples are:

• Padded Grips: These make your hands more comfortable by easing the pressure; they usually cost about $10-$20 more. 
• Shock Absorbers: These help your joints absorb the shock when you walk; this feature can cost about $50-$100 more, depending on who makes them and how good they are.
• Folding Mechanisms: If you need to carry or store your crutches easily, you can get folding ones at a slightly higher price – usually about $10-$30 more for a pair. 

You should consider what you need and how much you can spend when choosing your crutches.

Purchasing Options

When you want to buy crutches, you have different options to choose from that fit your needs and budget.

You can buy them from medical supply stores, online shops, or pharmacies; each option has its benefits.

Medical Supply Stores

A great place to buy crutches is a medical supply store near you (you can search in the yellow pages). These shops have many kinds of mobility aids, including different crutches.

The staff there know their products well and can help you pick the right pair for your needs. They may also help you fit or adjust your crutches to make them more comfortable and safe.

Online Retailers

To save time, you can buy your crutches from an online shop like Amazon, Walmart, or other websites that sell mobility aids.

Shopping online lets you compare prices and read what other customers think.

Remember that when you order online, you must check the size information well because returning things can be harder than shopping in person.

Pharmacies

You can also get basic underarm crutches from your local pharmacy if you need them fast or like to talk to someone when choosing the right pair.

Pharmacies like Walgreens and CVS may have some crutches, but not as many as medical supply stores or online shops. They can be a good option for those who need their crutches right away.

Renting vs. Buying Crutches

If you only need crutches for a short time, renting them might save you money. Some medical supply stores let you rent the equipment for a while without buying it.

Consider how long you need to recover and any other costs of renting (e.g., deposits) when choosing to rent or buy crutches.

The Bottom Line

The price of crutches can change depending on things like what kind they are, what they are made of, and any accessories.

Underarm crutches usually cost from $20 to $50, while hands-free crutches can cost more than $500. 

If you or someone you love needs help finding cheap medical equipment like crutches, check out Senior Supported. We help people and their families find the resources for better health outcomes.

Read more: Cane vs Crutches.