Crutches Pain? Why Your Nerves Ache & Medically Approved Next Steps

Using crutches can be a lifesaver after an injury or surgery. They help you move, protect healing bones and joints, and prevent further damage. But for many people, crutches come with an unwelcome side effect: pain, tingling, numbness, or aching in the arms, hands, shoulders, or even the chest wall.

If your nerves ache while using crutches, you're not imagining it. There are real, medically recognized reasons this happens — and clear steps you can take to fix it.

Below, we'll explain why crutches cause nerve pain, what's normal, what's not, and what to do next.

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Why Do Crutches Cause Nerve Pain?

Crutches shift your body weight from your legs to your upper body. That means your:

• Hands
• Wrists
• Elbows
• Shoulders
• Underarm (axilla) region

are suddenly doing much more work than they're used to.

When pressure, friction, or poor positioning compresses a nerve, symptoms can develop. This is called nerve compression or compressive neuropathy.

Common causes include:

1. Incorrect Crutch Height

If crutches are too tall and press into your armpits, they can compress the radial nerve and other structures in the axilla. This condition is sometimes called "crutch palsy."

Symptoms may include:

• Tingling down the arm
• Numbness in the hand
• Weak grip
• Difficulty extending the wrist

Your armpits should never rest directly on the top pads of the crutches. Your weight should go through your hands — not your underarms.

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2. Too Much Pressure Through the Hands

When you rely heavily on your hands for support, you can irritate:

• The median nerve (linked to carpal tunnel symptoms)
• The ulnar nerve (causing tingling in the pinky and ring finger)
• The radial nerve (affecting wrist extension)

Over time, this pressure can lead to:

• Burning sensations
• Pins and needles
• Hand weakness
• Forearm aching

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3. Poor Technique

Many people are never properly trained on how to use crutches. Improper gait or posture increases strain on nerves and muscles.

Common technique mistakes:

• Locking elbows
• Leaning forward excessively
• Shrugging shoulders
• Taking steps that are too long
• Using crutches without supportive footwear

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4. Overuse and Muscle Fatigue

Even with proper form, your upper body may not be conditioned for this level of activity.

Muscle fatigue can:

• Increase inflammation
• Tighten surrounding tissues
• Put indirect pressure on nerves

This often feels like deep aching or burning after prolonged use.

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What Does Nerve Pain From Crutches Feel Like?

Nerve-related pain often feels different from muscle soreness.

You might notice:

• Tingling or "pins and needles"
• Numbness
• Burning sensations
• Electric shock-like pain
• Weakness in the hands or wrists
• Symptoms that worsen with continued crutch use

Muscle soreness tends to feel dull and improves with rest. Nerve symptoms may persist or worsen if compression continues.

If you're experiencing these types of symptoms and want to understand whether they could be nerve-related, try using a free AI-powered Neuropathic Pain symptom checker to help identify what might be causing your discomfort and what steps to take next.

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When Is Crutch Pain Serious?

Most crutches-related discomfort is temporary and improves once the fit or technique is corrected.

However, seek medical care urgently if you experience:

• Sudden arm weakness
• Inability to move your wrist or fingers
• Severe numbness that does not improve
• Loss of hand coordination
• Significant swelling, color changes, or coldness in the arm

These could indicate more significant nerve injury or vascular compromise.

While rare, untreated nerve compression over time can lead to longer-lasting weakness.

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How to Prevent Nerve Pain While Using Crutches

The good news: most crutch-related nerve pain is preventable.

✅ Make Sure Your Crutches Fit Properly

Proper crutch sizing should include:

• 1–2 inches of space between your armpit and the top pad
• Elbows slightly bent (about 15–30 degrees)
• Weight supported through your hands, not your underarms

If you're unsure about fit, ask a healthcare provider or physical therapist to adjust them.

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✅ Improve Your Technique

Correct crutch use involves:

• Keeping shoulders relaxed (not shrugged)
• Engaging your core
• Placing crutches slightly ahead of you, not too far forward
• Moving smoothly rather than hopping aggressively

If possible, request brief gait training from a physical therapist.

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✅ Add Padding or Ergonomic Grips

To reduce hand strain:

• Use padded hand grips
• Wear cushioned gloves
• Consider gel covers

These reduce pressure on small nerves in the hands.

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✅ Strengthen and Stretch

Gentle exercises can help:

Helpful stretches:

• Wrist flexor stretch
• Wrist extensor stretch
• Shoulder rolls

Helpful strengthening:

• Light grip exercises
• Resistance band shoulder work
• Scapular stabilization exercises

Do these only if approved by your healthcare provider.

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✅ Take Breaks

If medically allowed:

• Sit when possible
• Elevate your arms after prolonged use
• Avoid long, continuous periods on crutches

Rest allows irritated nerves to calm down.

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Should You Switch to a Different Mobility Aid?

If crutches continue to cause nerve pain, alternatives may include:

• A knee scooter
• A walker
• A wheelchair (temporary use)
• Forearm crutches instead of underarm crutches

Each device shifts pressure differently. Discuss options with your doctor or physical therapist.

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How Long Does Crutch-Related Nerve Pain Last?

In mild cases:

• Symptoms may improve within days after correcting fit or technique.

In moderate compression:

• Recovery can take weeks.

In more significant nerve injury:

• Healing may take months.

Nerves regenerate slowly — approximately 1 millimeter per day. Early correction is important.

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Treatment for Ongoing Nerve Pain

If symptoms persist, a doctor may recommend:

• Physical therapy
• Anti-inflammatory medications
• Neuropathic pain medications
• Bracing or splinting
• Imaging tests if structural injury is suspected

Early evaluation improves outcomes.

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Don't Ignore Persistent Symptoms

It's common to "push through" discomfort while using crutches. However, persistent numbness or weakness is not something to ignore.

Speak to a doctor if:

• Symptoms last more than a few days despite adjustments
• Pain interferes with sleep
• You notice weakness
• Symptoms worsen instead of improve

While most crutches-related nerve issues are not life-threatening, untreated nerve compression can lead to long-term problems. It's always safer to get evaluated if you're unsure.

If you experience severe weakness, sudden loss of function, chest pain, shortness of breath, or signs of poor circulation, seek immediate medical care.

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The Bottom Line

Crutches are incredibly helpful — but they shift stress onto parts of your body that aren't used to carrying your full weight.

Nerve pain from crutches usually happens because of:

• Improper fit
• Excess pressure under the arms
• Hand strain
• Poor technique
• Overuse

The good news? Most cases improve with simple adjustments.

Make sure your crutches are fitted correctly, use proper technique, protect your hands, and take breaks when possible. If symptoms continue, speak to a healthcare professional to prevent longer-term nerve damage.

And if you're unsure whether what you're feeling is typical soreness or something more nerve-related, you can quickly assess your symptoms using a free Neuropathic Pain checker to get personalized guidance on your next steps.

Your mobility matters — and so does your nerve health.