What should I wear while using crutches?

Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing that allows you to move easily while using crutches. Avoid long, tight, slippery, or bulky clothing that could catch on crutches or make walking harder.

What shoes should I wear with crutches?

Choose supportive, non-slip shoes with good traction. Avoid flip-flops, unstable sandals, heels, or slippery footwear while using crutches during recovery.

Can clothing make crutches harder to use?

Yes. Loose pant legs, long skirts, slippery fabrics, heavy coats, or clothing that restricts arm movement can make crutch use more awkward and increase frustration during recovery.

How can I carry things while on crutches?

Since crutches limit your hands, many people use a backpack, crossbody bag, fanny pack, or crutch bag to carry essentials like a phone, keys, medication, wallet, and water bottle.

How can I make crutches more comfortable?

Proper crutch fit, padded crutch covers, supportive hand grips, rest breaks, and avoiding excess pressure under the arms can help make crutch use more comfortable.

When should I ask for help using crutches?

Ask your doctor or physical therapist for help if crutches feel unstable, cause severe pain, create numbness or tingling, or make it difficult to move safely.

What to Wear While On Crutches

What Should You Wear While Using Crutches?

When using crutches, wear comfortable, non-restrictive clothing, supportive shoes, and mobility-friendly layers that make it easier to move safely during orthopedic recovery. Avoid clothing that is too loose, slippery footwear, or anything that interferes with balance and mobility.

Recovering on crutches can make even simple daily activities feel difficult. From getting dressed to navigating stairs and staying comfortable throughout the day, clothing choices can have a big impact on your recovery experience.

The right clothing can improve comfort, mobility, safety, and confidence while you heal. Here are practical tips on what to wear while using crutches during orthopedic recovery.

Choose Clothing That Fits Properly When you are on crutches, you do not want to wear clothing that is too tight or constrictive, which would make it harder to move and make you even more hot and sweaty than you already are. You also do not want to wear loose and baggy clothing that could cause you to trip. Find things in your wardrobe that fit properly, not too tight, not too baggy!
Prioritize Comfort During Recovery When you are dealing with crutches and the hazards of being in a non-weight-bearing status, you need to think about comfort above anything else, other than safety, of course! If you have clothing that is not of the utmost comfort, forget those items for now, and focus on being comfortable while you recover. Some pants have a zipper opening which is very helpful when putting/pulling pants on and off for a bulky cast or boot.
Wear Supportive, Stable Footwear It might be strange to pick out just one shoe to wear, but when you have a foot or leg injury, it’s all you need. Choose your shoe with care because with only one foot to get where you need to go, you need to make sure your shoe is comfortable and easy to get off and on, without sliding off unexpectedly. The shoe needs to be supportive, too, so you don’t cause your good foot any more grief than the extra use it’s already getting.
Choose Easy-On Clothing Options It might be rather painful to pull anything over your injured area for a while, so you might want to consider cutting off some of your old pants and making them into shorts, so they do not aggravate the injury. If that’s not your first choice, buy some pants with elastic (such as sweatpants,) so they can easily stretch over your injured leg.
Recovery Products That Improve Comfort Orthopedic recovery can be physically and emotionally exhausting. Products that improve comfort, cleanliness, mobility, and confidence can make daily recovery easier.
CastCoverz! offers:
- cast covers
- walking boot covers
- crutch pads
- brace covers
- orthopedic comfort accessories
designed to help patients recover more comfortably at home.
Alternatives to Traditional Crutches You might feel as though your crutches are the one accessory you can’t get rid of, but that doesn’t have to be the case. There are three great alternatives to help those who struggle with crutches. A Steerable Knee Scooter, the Seated Scooter, and the iWALK3.0 Hands Free Crutch all can help you get around easier, faster, and with more freedom than you can imagine.

With these suggestions, you should be able to choose the perfect clothing items to help you get through the recovery process, with as much comfort and ease as possible. Keep in mind that all of your clothes will be waiting for you when you’re off those crutches. In fact, you’ll feel like you have a whole new wardrobe!

FAQ

What shoes are best while using crutches?

Choose supportive, non-slip shoes with good cushioning and stability.

Should clothing be loose or tight on crutches?

Clothing should fit comfortably without being restrictive or overly loose.

Are sweatpants good while recovering?

Yes. Elastic waistbands and flexible fabrics are often easier to wear during orthopedic recovery.

Medical Disclaimer

RecoveryRx provides educational information and practical recovery support for orthopedic patients and caregivers. Always follow your healthcare provider’s instructions regarding mobility, weight-bearing status, recovery devices, and medical treatment.