Crutch is an assistive aid which transfers the weight from legs to the upper body. Canes are similar to crutches, and used as walking aids which redistribute the weight in the body, improve stability, and helps the user maintain balance. Canes have four components – handle, column, shaft, and ferrule. Crutches are able to take more of the body weight than canes. These are used in cases of fracture, arthritis, obesity, walking impairment, developmental disabilities, and balancing problems among others.

Global Canes and Crutches Market Drivers

The global canes and crutches market growth is expected to accelerate during the forecast period, owing to the increasing geriatric population. Senior citizens are likely to suffer from musculoskeletal disorders or other orthopedic conditions which in turn increases the demand for canes and crutches. According to World Health Organization (WHO), between 2015 and 2050, the world’s geriatric population (people over the age of 60) is expected to be increased by 12% to 22%. According to the same source, in 2015, around 900 million people over the age of 60.

Also, approvals of novel designs for canes and crutches from regulatory bodies to the key players are expected to boost the global canes and crutches market growth over the forecast period. For instance, in January 2018, Mobility Designed LLC received an approval from the European Medical Agency for its canes and crutches. The crutch which is made using anti-microbial material has hinged arm that allows free movement of hands which was not possible in conventional crutches.

Furthermore, geographic expansions by the key players is expected to have a positive influence on the global canes and crutches market growth. For instance, in December 2018, GF Health Products, Inc., set up its new global headquarters to Gwinnett County, U.S. It opened an operating and manufacturing facility for its products such as canes, crutches, wheelchair, and other personal aids.

Global Canes and Crutches Market Regional Analysis

North America is expected to hold a dominant position in the global canes and crutches market, owing to factors such as increase in research and development activities by key manufacturers in the region. For instance, in December 2018, a group of researchers from Purdue University, Indiana, U.S. designed a ‘clutch crutch’. It is a hands-free crutch, and its purpose is to eliminate the pain and discomfort caused by forearm crutches.

Global Canes and Crutches Market Restraints

Presence of alternative for canes and crutches is expected to hamper the global canes and crutches market growth. For instance, knee walkers and wheelchairs can be used in place of canes and crutches. A knee walker has wheels which facilitates free movement, and requires no upper body strength. Moreover, it has more stability and is easy to use. Wheelchairs are assistive aids which have wheels attached to the chair. Wheelchairs offer more ease of movement and also prevents the risk of pressure sores. Such alternate products are expected to restrain growth of the global canes and crutches market.

Global Canes and Crutches Market Key Players

Some of the major players operating in the global canes and crutches market include Home Medical Products Inc., Drive DeVilbiss Healthcare, TFI HealthCare, Cardinal Health, Sunrise Medical, Mobility Designed LLC, Nova Medical Products, Besco Medical, Medline Industries Inc. and Ossenberg GmbH.

Global Canes and Crutches Market Taxonomy

The global canes and crutches market is segmented on the basis of product type, distribution channel, and regions.

By Product Type