My choice for forearm canes/crutches

I'll share my solutions as to crutch choice because I am extremely satisfied, even on a tight budget. The standard issue Drive forearm crutches that Medicare provided were killing my median nerve, and I was losing the ability to type and play viola (my profession). So I had to find another solution. Here is why I chose In-Motion Forearm Crutches (millennialmedical.com):

~Best thing is that their design allows me to stand straight, keep my crutches close to my side, and walk with confidence and no pain from use. I am paralyzed at L3 and wear leg braces. My back still gets tired from weak core muscles, but shoulders, arms, and wrists healed because I got these crutches soon enough.

~Ergonomic handle, uniquely angled for neutral position, made of durable, easy to clean, and slightly grippy material, with hand-specific weight-distributing design--I place my hand and loosely grip it, which is sufficient to use without tiring hand for long excursions. I have some very minor callous on my hands, but these handles are extremely comfortable and safe. My hands are long, and these fit very well unlike any other handle I have tried. With these handles, I don't need gloves except for warmth. And I wear gloves when I hike to avoid the inconvenience/danger of blisters.

~Adjustable height, for changing conditions (hiking)--both leg length and cuff placement can be adjusted in 1" increments.

~Articulated feet (similar to Tornado, but lightweight) allow secure placement at even crazy angles in normal conditions; wet tile and ice are dangerous no matter what tip! The standard rubber tips on my old crutches wore out every month, costing more than $10/pair to replace. In 5 years of heavy use, I am on my third set of In-Motion feet.

~Option of spring-loaded or rigid legs: I have both, and have swing-up ice tips permanently on the rigid ones for winter use; they are easily interchangeable. Spring-loaded legs protect my shoulder for tasks requiring repeated bending or launching myself upward (as in stairs or hiking), and also when losing balance you can plant a crutch with no damage to hand, wrist, or shoulder and not fall down. By nature they lose a bit of mechanical advantage, but I'll take the benefit of protecting my joints for the long haul over this.

~Cuffs have nothing to catch on skin or clothes, and do not make you feel sweaty in hot weather or chilly in cold. They stay on your arm when lifted, and yet are easy to slip into through the split and spring back to shape. There are two sizes, 3" and 4", but will stretch some if you're arms are thick or you are wearing a thick coat. Proper cuff height adjustment makes for better stability. If you would get knocked down and not have time/awareness to plant a crutch, cuffs are designed to come off so you don't break your forearm--this saved me several times in rough crowds. Protection from losing my mobility for this sort of injury--priceless! Under normal use, cuffs stay on just fine. When I did get knocked over, it was not difficult even with my limited hand function (no sensation for secure grip) to get cuffs back in place by knowing the right angle of placement.

~They are heavier than SideStix or Fetterman, but good for up to 350lb user. For the price and durability, the weight is less than the aluminum Drive standard issue I got from Medicare. I have beat mine up in all kinds of weather for now 5 years, and even the color is still intact!

~They look cool! When other crutch users see them, I inevitably wind up adjusting the crutches for them to try and letting them make an order on my cell phone! The immediate improvement of posture and security for an experienced user sells the product. All this for under $120USD/pair. Limited lifetime warranty, but they are designed well and very durable, so I am not concerned.

Yeah, I really should work for Millennial Medical!!!!