My crutches hurt so badly?

I used my crutches for the first time today and they were sooooo painful. I had to stop all the time because they were so tiring. when I got home I noticed that I had these red marks on my underarms. The marks are tender and there are about 3 on each underarm. They kind of are round and stretch out a little. I made the crutches 5'10 but I'm 5'7 3/4. I put them on 5'10 because 5'8 was alot more tiring. I want to use the crutches tomorow but I don't want to get anymore marks on my arm.

are you taking the weight through your hands or using your under arm? When you put weight on your underarms then you hurt your arms. If you're not used to using crutches they can hurt your arms pretty bad. When I used to use the old style crutches I couldn't lift my arms over my head for two days after.

Make sure you take the weight though your hands and stretch your arms prior to using. Don't be like me and do it the lazy way.

I prefer fore arm crutches so much more comfortable.

Attatch rags or sponges to the top of the crutches. Anything that can dampen the impact or soften the feeling.

My cousin used rags on hers, and I think it helped.

Try putting a small towel around the part of the crutch that goes under your armpit for more cushion and that should resolve the pain. You can just tie one on.

Omg this has happened to me recently..lol..I'm really bad with crutches lol, but I was told to not rest the crutches on your arms..go to this website http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topi... it tells you how to use them.

I have broken bones in one or the other of my legs on three different occasions. In my experience, there are a few things to know about crutches and underarm pain.

First, wrap a small towel or cloth around the pad. There is no such thing as too much padding and those foam things are horrible.

Second, when you use the crutches don't lean on them. When you are moving, your armpits should never touch the pad. Lock or hold your elbows so that the weight is going onto the palms of your hands. Your hands may hurt for a day or so, but it is much better on your arms, back and body to do it this way.

Third, there is a certain amount of achyness that comes with adjusting to this new physical activity (and it IS physical). There will be some achyness, just as if you had started weight lifting.

Obviously, limiting your movement until your body gets used to crutches is a good idea, but not always possible. Stretch out your arms well in the am and after going all day.

Good luck!

I'd put them back at 5'8 or maybe try 5'9. And then I'd also wrap the armpit area of the crutches up with a washcloth or dishcloth or something like that for padding and tie them on with a bit of yarn or whatever you'd like. That makes it a lot more comfortable :) Crutches kinda suck, but at least you can move with them : / Hope this helps :)

I know EXACTLY what you are talking about. Get some washcloths or dish towels and wrap them around the arm part, then tape them down with masking or duct tape. Your crutches may be too high, even though you think it's more comfortable they other way. The tops should be below your armit. You should have to lean a little bit when you set on them, and your armpits shouldn't touch the tops at all when you are using them.

Lower the crutches, or arrange the handles so the top of the crutches is just below your armpit. Then, wear a shirt with soft material, and maybe an extra layer for padding, and rest the top of the crutch against your ribs when you are using it. No matter what you do, you will get sore somewhere during the first few days you use crutches - you will get used to it in few more days.

It is possible that you are not using the crutches very well or that you are not using them quite right so that they can benefit you without much pain. I also might suggest putting a soft wash cloth or other towel on the top of the pads so that you have less friction between your arms and the crutches. Here are some websites that may help you properly use the crutches so they can be more comfortable
http://www.uihealthcare.com/topics/bones...
http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topi...
http://www.ohiohealth.com/documents/orth...
http://orthopedics.about.com/od/castsfra...
Good luck!

You aren't using them correctly. They should be a couple of inches below your pits and your weight should be in your hands using your forearm muscles. (The same ones that are used in volleyball, so your serve should be quite strong with this "workout")
They should NOT be touching your pits at all! You will develop better upper body and arm strength. You need to lower the crutches a lot more than what you have them set on now. You grip the handles with your hands and use them to support your weight. Carry gloves if your hands get sore from gripping.