When people are not allowed to put full weight on their musculoskeletal system after injury or surgery, they need everyday aids such as crutches to support their mobility. Some people also need them permanently because they have limited mobility due to an impairment.
What are crutches?
Crutches and other walking aids help people maintain their independence and cope with everyday life without major restrictions. The term crutches includes various walking or mobility aids for people whose ability to walk is limited by injury, surgery or disability. Without these walking aids, those affected would always be dependent on help, even for short distances. Crutches and other walking aids help people maintain their independence and cope with everyday life without major restrictions. After a short familiarization phase, most people manage to get around quite quickly with the crutches. In contrast to rollators and wheelchairs, crutches are also good for climbing stairs. In addition to the classic walking stick, also known as a cane, there are two main groups of crutches: forearm crutches and underarm crutches. Both are used depending on the indication.
Shapes, types and kinds
There are several types of crutches that vary in length, color, and allowable load weight and can be customized. They are usually made of support tubes of a mixture of light metal and steel, have an ergonomic handle and an arm sleeve at the level of the forearms. The most common form is forearm crutches, where the arms are placed in the arm supports at a 45 degree angle and the hands grip the ergonomic handles. When walking with the crutches, the function of the restricted leg is taken over by the crutch. In addition to this form, there are the underarm crutches, in which a padded support surface is pushed under the armpits to support the body. The whole body can be supported via underarm crutches. They are also suitable when arms or wrists are to be spared, such as in the case of existing joint problems.
Structure and mode of operation
Forearm crutches are designed so that they can be individually adjusted to the body to provide relief. The handle should be at the level of the thigh bone. It is best to have them adjusted by professionals such as physical therapists. The hand grips are usually made of a soft material that must also be secure to grip. The width of the hands should be able to rest comfortably. If there are pressure points, the handles can be wrapped or fingerless, padded cycling gloves can be worn. When walking with crutches, users should lean firmly on the handles with elbows slightly bent; the body weight will then be supported by the hands and the legs will be relieved. For a secure grip on the ground, crutches are equipped with a rubber foot at the bottom to prevent slipping. Underarm crutches should be adjusted so that they do not press too much under the armpits. In order not to bruise the skin, the support surface in armpit is padded with a soft material. The height adjustment of crutches is either stepless via screw fasteners or graduated by spring clips, press studs or clips. The quietest crutches are those with screw closures. The cuff of some crutches is also adjustable. The weight of the crutches depends on the material from which they are made. If the body weight is higher, the crutch must be stable. In most cases, crutches are made of a mixture of steel and light metal. They can be made in different colors.
Medical and health benefits
Crutches and other walking aids are an essential everyday aid for people who have limited mobility after injury, surgery or because of a disability. They are most commonly used for restricted movement of the lower extremities, such as after fractures, injuries or surgery, to relieve strain on the musculoskeletal system, promote healing and prevent the patient from experiencing pain. The musculoskeletal system is thus spared, can recover and slowly become accustomed to loads again. Crutches are also a component of many musculoskeletal rehabilitation measures.To ensure health and medical benefits, however, crutches must be optimally adjusted to the user on the one hand, and the user must also be able to handle them professionally on the other. The selection of a crutch is also decisive. Forearm crutches are primarily suitable for people who have problems with the musculoskeletal system below the waist, for example, when a leg needs to be relieved due to an injury or surgery. For people with higher body weight, stable crutches must ensure a secure hold. The crutches are specified by the manufacturers with maximum load weight and divided into size groups. It makes sense to follow these specifications so as not to jeopardize your own safety. When climbing stairs, one hand should remain on the railing for safety to reduce the risk of injury. The adjustment must also be safe. Therefore, when using adjustable crutches, make sure they are securely fastened and clips or snaps are properly engaged so that the crutches do not adjust while walking and pose a safety risk. When sitting, walkers should always be within easy reach.
