CRUTCHES
As we age, our mobility tends to decrease and moving around can be quite a task. In addition to old age, there are so many other factors that can lead to a reduction in mobility, such as injuries or health issues. There are many products that help people with limited mobility move around freely and independently.
Mobility aids are assistive devices that help senior adults, injured people or people with decreased mobility due to other health issues, carry on their daily routine without being dependent on caretakers. One of these mobility devices is Crutches. A crutch is designed to transfer the body weight from the legs to the upper body, which makes moving around easier. They can be used in pairs or singly, depending on the need. Seniority has curated a wide range of crutches for walking, specially designed to suit your requirements.
INDICATIONS
A crutch is suitable for people with any temporary or permanent physical conditions where the balance, weight bearing, and mobility of the lower extremity (legs) have been compromised. It can be used by people with sufficient upper body strength and coordination. A few examples of situations where a crutch is required are:
• Fractures • Knee/Ankle Surgery • Stroke • Sprained/strained ankle • ACL injury or tear • Loss of use of limb • Impaired balance or strength
BENEFITS OF USING CRUTCHES
A crutch is a very useful mobility aid for people who need slight support to walk. It:
• Reduces weight on one of your legs and broadens the support base, which improves balance and stability • Allows people with disabilities or paralysis the benefits of an upright posture • Allows people to manoeuvre places not accessible through wheelchairs • Increased sense of independence and freedom • Improves circulation as an upright body movement is regained • Suitable for short-term injuries as well as permanent disabilities
TYPES OF CRUTCHES
There are three types of crutches, designed for different types of needs. They are:
1. AXILLARY (UNDERARM) CRUTCHES:
Axillary crutches transfer weight from the legs to arms or shoulders. They are most suited for injuries such as a fracture, paralysis, muscle or nerve damage, sprains or strains or for post-operative recovery after hip, knee or ankle surgeries. This type of crutch is better if you do not have a good body balance and makes it easier for you to balance and coordinate yourself.
Eg: • Adjustable Crutches Aluminium Pair - Vissco
2. LOFSTRAND (FOREARM) CRUTCHES:
Lofstrand crutches, also known as forearm crutches involve placing the user’s arm into a cuff (plastic or metal) and holding a hand grip. This type of crutch is most commonly used by people who are suffering from long-term disabilities.
Eg: • Aluminum Elbow Crutch Walking Stick - Easycare
3. PLATFORM CRUTCHES:
In case of a platform crutch, the user’s hand holds the grip while the forearm rests on a horizontal platform. This type of crutch is not commonly used and is most suitable for people with a weak hand grip because of conditions such as arthritis or cerebral palsy.
USING CRUTCHES
If you are using crutches for the first time, it is important to know how to make it a comfortable experience for yourself. Your doctor, physiotherapist or nurse will show you how to walk using crutches and how to adjust them according to your requirement. First time users should not use a crutch without proper instructions and without knowing the correct way to do so. In extreme cases, the assistance of a trained caretaker is recommended.
To start walking using crutches, slowly shift your weight to your healthy leg and move the crutches in front of you to a point where it is easy to maintain stability. For swing movement, shift your weight from your healthy leg to your arms and swing your body through the crutches. In this case, the crutches will take most of the weight.
A few Do’s and Don’ts:
• Do not support yourself on your armpits. Use the hand grips for support. • While standing, place the crutches a few inches ahead of you. • While you walk, do not try to walk too quickly or cover a long distance with a single step. Keep the crutches close to the body. • While using the crutches on stairs, get someone to assist you. • While going downstairs, place the crutches on the next step below and then step down with the healthier leg. • If you are using a single crutch, place the crutch under the arm opposite to the weaker leg. Move the crutch and the weaker leg forward at the same time and then take a step with the healthier leg. • If you are not comfortable using crutches because of how hard the grips are, you can purchase cushioned covers or pads for the underarm and hand grips.
CRUTCHES AVAILABLE ON SENIORITY.COM
If you are using crutches for the first time, it is important to know how to make it a comfortable experience for yourself. Your doctor, physiotherapist or nurse will show you how to walk using crutches and how to adjust them according to your requirement. First time users should not use a crutch without proper instructions and without knowing the correct way to do so. In extreme cases, the assistance of a trained caretaker is recommended.
1. Arm Crutch Set - Pedder Johnson
Pedder Johnson crutches are designed for people who need help walking due to limited mobility. This underarm crutch is suitable for you if you do not have a good body balance and makes it easier for you to balance and coordinate yourself.
2. Elbow Crutch With Double Folding Handle - Vissco
Vissco crutch is designed with a double folding handle and allows a complete grip to ensure balance. It is made with lightweight aluminium and has rubber foam grips for comfort. Its polymer handle ensures a firm grip while you walk and the plastic moulded handle allows you to adjust the height.
3. Premium Axillary Crutch - Flexmo
Axillary Crutch by Flexmo ensures proper load bearing and is perfectly designed for the disabled, injured and the elderly. It features an anti-slip base which can help you walk on different terrains with ease. The foot is specifically made of high strength steel for high performance and durability and is equipped with military grade rubber to make it slip-resistant.
Karma crutch is made with a stainless-steel pipe and aluminium. It keeps the user in an upright position as they transfer weight from their legs to the upper body. It is suitable for people with short-term injuries or permanent disabilities.
5. Aluminum Elbow Crutch Walking Stick - Easycare
Aluminum Crutches Walking Stick by Easycare helps provide sturdy walking support and exceptional stability. It is ideal for senior adults, handicapped people, and people with other mobility issues. This handy walking stick makes a perfect travel companion. The height of the walking stick can be adjusted from 86 to 117 cm.
Read this article to choose the best Mobility Aids for seniors and individuals with disabilities/injuries.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
1. How to walk with crutches?
Walking with crutches can be a challenging task for first time users as they need to learn how to walk using one leg. Here are a few tips:
• Take small steps and slowly move the crutch ahead of you with each step. • When the weight is not on your healthy leg, try to shift the weight to your upper body to prevent the weight from shifting to the weak leg.
2. How to use elbow crutches?
To use elbow crutches, try to walk as normally as possible with your whole foot touching the floor. The amount of weight you put on your foot will differ depending on what you have been informed by your doctor.
• Place both the crutches one step ahead of you, level with each other. • Place the injured leg on the ground, slightly behind the crutches. • Step through using your unaffected leg while taking some of the weight on your
3. How to use crutches after ACL surgery?
The most important thing after an ACL surgery is to find out from your doctor how much weight you are allowed to put on the operated leg. Place the crutches a few inches ahead of you and slowly place one leg in level with the crutches while trying to shift the weight to your hands. Do not try to cover a long distance in a single step.
4. How to adjust crutches to your height?
Before adjusting the height of your crutches, stand upright with your shoulders relaxed and your arms loosely at your sides. Make sure that the height of the hand grips is at the crease of your wrist when your arms are extended. Then use the button/lever on the crutch to adjust.
5. When to use elbow crutches?
Elbow crutches are helpful in providing full weight bearing when one or both legs have lesser mobility due to nervous disorders, fractures, diseases, other injuries etc.
6. How to walk with non-weight bearing elbow crutches?
Using a non-weight bearing crutch means that you shouldn’t put any weight on your affected/weak leg. Here’s how to walk using elbow crutches:
• Keep the affected leg off the ground by keeping your knee slightly bent. • Place both the crutches one step ahead of you, level with each other. • Move your body forward, between the crutches while supporting your body weight using your hands and healthy leg.
CRUTCHES | PRICE (₹) |
---|---|
Two-In-One Under Arm Crutch Walking Stick - Vissco | 1329.00 |
Adjustable Crutches Aluminium Pair - Vissco | 1675.00 |
Crutch Pair - Karma | 1249.00 |
Elbow Crutch With Insert Pulley - Vissco | 1419.00 |
Premium Axillary Crutch - Flexmo | 3114.00 |
Aluminum Elbow Crutch Walking Stick - Easycare | 699.00 |
Arm Crutch Set - Pedder Johnson | 1827.00 |
Elbow Crutch With Double Folding Handle - Vissco | 1469.00 |
Data last updated on 16/04/2021