ABC Pharmacy Health Guide
A common question from travelers in Hoi An is: “Do you sell crutches and how much do they cost? I’ve sprained my ankle.” If you have twisted or injured your ankle during your trip, crutches may sometimes make short-distance walking easier. However, ankle pain after an injury cannot be confirmed as a simple sprain through a message alone, so it is important to watch for signs that need medical assessment.
Medically Reviewed by the ABC Pharmacy Pharmacist Team
Quick Answer
The adjustable underarm crutches in the customer-provided photo have a handwritten “150.000” marking, which appears to indicate 150,000 VND. Because pharmacy prices and stock can change, and the photo does not confirm whether the marking applies to a pair or an individual crutch, contact ABC Pharmacy Hoi An to confirm the current price, suitable size, and availability before visiting.
Crutches can provide temporary mobility support when putting weight through an injured ankle is painful, but not every ankle sprain requires crutches. If you cannot bear weight or the injury is severe, medical assessment is more important than simply purchasing a walking aid.
Medical Safety Alert
Do not assume that every swollen or painful ankle is only a sprain. Seek prompt medical assessment if the pain or swelling is severe or worsening, you cannot walk more than a few steps, you heard a crack, the ankle looks deformed, or your foot becomes numb, unusually cold, pale or blue. These signs can require assessment for a more significant injury.
Crutches in Hoi An: When Can They Help After an Ankle Injury?
Travel in Hội An often involves plenty of walking, so even a relatively minor ankle injury can make sightseeing, getting back to your hotel, or moving around your accommodation difficult. Crutches are a mobility aid: they can temporarily reduce the amount of weight you place through a painful leg while you recover or while you arrange further assessment.
For many uncomplicated sprains and strains, protection and relative rest are useful early on, followed by gentle movement as pain allows. Crutches should therefore be viewed as temporary support rather than a treatment for the underlying injury.
Adjustable Underarm Crutches
The customer photo shows a pair of height-adjustable axillary, or underarm, crutches with padded underarm supports, hand grips and rubber tips.
The crutches are priced at 170,000 VND per crutch, or 340,000 VND for a pair. Please confirm the current selling price and whether the price applies to the complete pair before purchase.
Suitable for: Temporary mobility support when reduced weight-bearing is appropriate for an injury and the crutches can be adjusted correctly for the user.
Important: Before use, check that the height-adjustment pins are secure, the hand grips are stable and the rubber tips are intact. Ask for assistance if you are unsure how to fit them.
How should underarm crutches fit?
Underarm crutches should not press directly into your armpits. Orthopaedic guidance recommends keeping the top of the crutch approximately 1–2 inches below the armpit, positioning the hand grips around hip level, and keeping the elbows slightly bent. Your body weight should be supported through your hands rather than by leaning into the underarm pads.
Correct adjustment matters because a poorly fitted crutch can be uncomfortable, less stable and harder to use safely—especially on wet or uneven surfaces.
What You Can Do First
- Protect the ankle: Reduce long walks and activities that clearly increase pain during the first couple of days.
- Use cold and elevation: A cold pack wrapped in cloth and elevating the ankle while resting may help with pain and swelling.
- Keep it gently moving: When pain allows, gentle movement can help prevent stiffness. Do not force movements that cause sharp or significant pain.
- Use crutches carefully: Make sure they are adjusted to your height and support your weight through the hand grips rather than your armpits. Take extra care on wet floors, steps and slippery streets.
When to Seek Medical Care
- You cannot put weight on the injured foot or cannot walk more than a few steps.
- Pain, swelling or bruising is severe, continues to increase, or is not improving with initial self-care.
- You heard a crack, the ankle or foot looks misshapen, or you are concerned about a fracture.
- Your foot develops numbness, tingling, unusual coldness, significant color change, or other concerning symptoms.
A pharmacist can provide general first-step guidance and help with suitable pharmacy products, but a pharmacy cannot rule out a fracture or replace medical assessment when warning signs are present.
Why Choose ABC Pharmacy
- Traveler-friendly guidance: ABC Pharmacy Hoi An supports international travelers, tourists and expats who may need help explaining a health or mobility concern in English.
- Medicine safety checks: If you also ask about pain relief or other pharmacy products, a pharmacist can help review active ingredients, allergies and possible duplicate medicines.
- Responsible medicine use: Advice focuses on appropriate self-care and recognizing when a doctor or clinic is more suitable than self-treatment.
- Local pharmacy access: ABC Pharmacy has locations across Hoi An, including Cua Dai, Nguyen Truong To, Hoang Dieu, Dao Duy Tu and Ly Thuong Kiet. See the ABC Pharmacy Hoi An location information.
- Delivery support when available: If walking is difficult, contact the Hoi An team to check current crutch stock and whether delivery can be arranged to your hotel, homestay or residence.
FAQ
How much do crutches cost in Hoi An?
The crutches are priced at 170,000 VND per crutch, or 340,000 VND for a pair. Please contact ABC Pharmacy Hoi An to confirm the current price, whether it is the price for a pair, and current stock.
Do I need crutches for a sprained ankle?
Not everyone with an ankle sprain needs crutches. They may be useful temporarily when walking is painful, but if you cannot bear weight, have severe swelling or pain, or are unsure whether the ankle is fractured, seek medical assessment.
Can ABC Pharmacy deliver crutches to my hotel in Hoi An?
Delivery support may be available depending on current product stock, your location and delivery conditions. Message the Hoi An pharmacy team with your hotel or accommodation location to check availability before ordering.
How should underarm crutches be adjusted?
The top should sit about 1–2 inches below your armpit, with the hand grips near hip level and your elbows slightly bent. Support your weight through your hands rather than resting heavily on your armpits.
Need Pharmacist Help in Vietnam?
If you have injured your ankle while traveling in Hoi An, ABC Pharmacy can help you check crutch availability, communicate with an English-speaking pharmacy team, and access responsible pharmacy guidance. Send a photo or message before visiting so the Hoi An team can check current stock and price.
Medical disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes only and does not replace diagnosis or treatment by a doctor. Always consult a doctor or pharmacist before using antibiotics, corticosteroids, prescription medicines, or if symptoms are severe, persistent, or worsening.
