Can a 75 year old use crutches? Weighing the risks and benefits

Oct 2, 2025 4 min read •

senior care Healthy Aging Mobility

According to the American Academy of Family Physicians, crutches are rarely used by older adults due to the significant upper body strength required. This critical fact highlights the complexity behind the question, 'Can a 75 year old use crutches?' and underscores the need for a careful and individualized assessment.

Quick Summary

While a 75-year-old may possess the ability to use crutches for a short-term, non-weight-bearing injury, it is often not the safest or most practical option due to decreased balance, reduced upper body strength, and a higher risk of falls. A thorough medical evaluation is necessary to determine if crutches are appropriate or if a more stable alternative, like a walker or knee scooter, should be considered instead.

Key Points

Limited Strength: Crutch use requires significant upper body strength, which can be challenging for a 75-year-old with age-related muscle loss.
High Fall Risk: The coordination and balance needed for crutches often diminish with age, leading to a higher risk of dangerous falls.
Safer Alternatives Exist: For most seniors, walkers or knee scooters provide a more stable, secure, and energy-efficient solution.
Medical Conditions Matter: Pre-existing health issues like arthritis or osteoporosis can make crutch use painful, difficult, and risky.
Professional Consultation is Crucial: Always consult with a doctor or physical therapist to determine the safest and most effective mobility aid for individual needs.
Proper Technique is Non-Negotiable: Incorrect crutch usage can lead to secondary injuries, including nerve damage under the arms.
Home Environment Impacts Safety: Navigating a home with crutches can be difficult due to doorways and stairs, making walkers or other devices often a better fit.

Factors Affecting Crutch Use in a 75-Year-Old

The decision of whether a 75-year-old can safely use crutches is not based on age alone, but on a combination of physical health factors. Unlike younger individuals, seniors often experience a natural decline in certain capabilities that are essential for successful crutch use. Understanding these factors is the first step in making an informed decision.

Diminished Upper Body Strength and Endurance

Crutch use places a substantial demand on the arms, shoulders, and core muscles. As people age, muscle mass and strength naturally decrease, a condition known as sarcopenia. For a 75-year-old, relying heavily on their upper body to support their weight can lead to fatigue, pain, and an increased risk of shoulder or wrist injuries. Extended use can be particularly taxing, making crutches impractical for long-term recovery.

Compromised Balance and Coordination

Balance is a critical component of safe crutch use. The process of shifting weight and maneuvering a pair of crutches demands a high level of coordination. Many older adults experience age-related changes in their inner ear, vision, and proprioception (the sense of where your body is in space), which can impair balance. This instability significantly increases the risk of a fall, which can be far more devastating for a senior who may be more susceptible to fractures.

Pre-existing Medical Conditions

Existing health issues common in the senior population can complicate crutch use. Conditions such as arthritis, osteoporosis, or heart disease must be carefully considered. Arthritis can make gripping the crutch handles painful and difficult, while osteoporosis increases the risk of fracture in the event of a fall. Furthermore, the increased metabolic demand of ambulating with crutches could be a strain on someone with cardiopulmonary issues.

Alternatives to Crutches for Older Adults

Given the challenges associated with crutches for many older individuals, several alternatives provide a safer and more stable means of mobility. The best choice depends on the specific injury, the individual's strength, and their home environment.

Walkers

Walkers offer a wide base of support, making them a much more stable option for those with poor balance or general weakness.

Standard Walker: Provides the highest level of stability but requires significant upper body strength to lift and move. It is slow and not ideal for long distances.
Two-Wheeled Walker: Easier to move than a standard walker, as the front wheels allow it to glide. It still requires some upper body strength but is more functional for daily use.
Rollator (Four-Wheeled Walker): A rollator features four wheels, handbrakes, and often a seat. It is the fastest option for those with good balance and allows for rest breaks, though it is the least stable of the walkers.

Knee Scooters

For non-weight-bearing lower leg injuries, a knee scooter is an excellent alternative. It allows the user to rest their injured leg on a padded platform while propelling themselves with their healthy leg. This eliminates the need for upper body strength and significantly reduces the risk of falls associated with traditional crutches.

Canes

A cane is suitable for individuals who need only minimal balance assistance or partial weight-bearing support. However, it offers far less stability than a walker and is not appropriate for non-weight-bearing injuries.

Comparison of Common Mobility Aids for Seniors


Feature	Crutches	Walkers	Knee Scooters
Stability	Low	High	Medium to High
Required Strength	High (upper body)	Low (upper body)	Low (upper body)
Weight Bearing	Can be non-weight bearing	Partial to full	Non-weight bearing (injured leg)
Best For	Short-term, strong user	General weakness, poor balance	Non-weight-bearing leg injuries
Fall Risk	High	Low	Low
Stairs	Possible with training (high risk)	Not suitable	Not suitable

How to Choose the Right Mobility Aid

The most important step is a consultation with a healthcare professional, such as a doctor or physical therapist. They can perform an assessment that includes:

Strength and Balance Evaluation: A physical therapist can test upper and lower body strength, as well as balance, to recommend the safest option.
Home Environment Assessment: The professional will consider the user's living space, including doorways, stairs, and potential hazards, to determine the most practical device.
Specific Medical Needs: The choice of aid will be tailored to the individual's unique health conditions and injury requirements.

For more detailed information on assistive devices for older adults, the American Academy of Family Physicians offers authoritative guidance on the topic.

Conclusion

While a 75-year-old may be able to use crutches in theory, it is rarely the most suitable or safest choice for the average senior. The potential risks—including falls due to decreased strength, balance issues, and fatigue—often outweigh the benefits. Alternatives like walkers and knee scooters provide a much more stable and secure means of mobility for most older adults. The final decision should always be made in consultation with a medical professional who can evaluate the individual's specific circumstances and recommend the best path to recovery and continued independence.

Expert Guidance is Essential

Choosing the right mobility aid is not a one-size-fits-all process, especially for older adults. Seeking guidance from a doctor or physical therapist ensures that the device chosen aligns with the individual's physical abilities and reduces the risk of injury. This expert advice can make the difference between a smooth recovery and a dangerous setback.

Practical Tips for Using an Assistive Device

Get a Proper Fit: Ensure the device is adjusted to the correct height to prevent strain and maximize stability.
Clear Your Path: Remove loose rugs, cords, and clutter from walkways to prevent tripping hazards.
Practice with a Professional: Work with a physical therapist to learn proper techniques for using the device, including getting up and down from chairs safely.
Use Good Footwear: Wear sturdy, non-skid shoes to reduce the risk of slips.
Don't Overdo It: Listen to your body and take breaks when you feel tired. Fatigue can compromise balance and increase fall risk.

Frequently Asked Questions

While a very healthy and active 75-year-old may have a better chance, crutches still pose a higher risk due to natural age-related changes in balance and muscle mass. A medical professional should always evaluate their specific fitness level and circumstances before proceeding.

Forearm crutches (also known as 'Canadian crutches') require less upper body weight-bearing than underarm crutches and are often preferred for long-term use. However, they still demand excellent balance and core strength and may not be suitable for all seniors.

For someone with poor balance, a walker is generally the safest alternative. Standard walkers offer maximum stability, while rollators with seats are ideal for longer distances, providing a place to rest.

Yes, a knee scooter is an excellent option for a non-weight-bearing lower leg injury, provided they have sufficient core balance and a safe environment to maneuver in. It removes the need for upper body strength and significantly reduces fall risk.

Primary risks include falls and fractures due to poor balance and fatigue. Other risks involve nerve damage in the armpits from improper weight-bearing, wrist strain, and potential secondary injuries from an awkward fall.

A physical therapist can assess the individual’s strength, balance, and gait to determine if crutches are safe. If so, they provide essential training on proper technique, including how to walk, stand, and navigate stairs safely, thereby minimizing risks.

Many health insurance plans, including Medicare, often cover the cost of medically necessary durable medical equipment (DME), such as walkers, with a doctor's prescription. Coverage for knee scooters can vary, so it's important to check with your provider.

References

Medical Disclaimer

This content is for informational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider regarding personal health decisions.