Positives
It is a mobility aid
It is important for people with disabilities to be able to use crutches comfortably. Just standing or walking allow for improved bone growth, helping blood circulation, reducing bladder infections and pressure lesions.
Walking with crutches offers psychological advantages that a person can not gain by sitting and using wheeled mobility aids.
Helps people with disabilities to be able to move around freely.
Negatives
Uncomfortable to use and can strain wrists.
Contents
Crutches Features
- Attachable and flexible arm cuff
- Height adjustable elbow rest, with clip adjustment and aluminium tube
- Non slip black natural rubber shock absorbing ferrule
- Height adjustable
- Folding crutches
- Easy grip handles
- Shock absorbing crutches
- Hands free crutches
What are Crutches?
A crutch is a mobility aid that transfers weight from the legs to the upper body. It is often used by people who cannot use their legs to support their weight, for reasons ranging from short-term injuries to lifelong disabilities.
Crutches Design and Build
Materials include:
- Wood
- Metal alloys – most often steel, aluminium alloys and titanium alloys.
- Carbon or glass fibre reinforced composites
- Thermoplastic
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Crutches Features and Setup
Underarm or axillary crutches are used by placing the pad against the ribcage beneath the armpit and holding the grip, which is below and parallel to the pad.
The forearm crutch, which is also commonly known as an elbow crutch has a cuff at the top round the forearm
The Platform crutch is less common and is used by those with poor hand grip due to arthritis, cerebral palsy or other conditions.
Best Type of Crutches for you
There is a vast range available today and we recommend you speak to your local doctor, healthcare officer or contact your local council, who will no doubt be able to put you in touch with someone or department within their organisation.
Crutches Companies/Brands
- Amazon Own Brand
- Healthcare suppliers
- Smart Crutches
- Crutches mobility aids
- Argos
Crutches Prices
These vary from as low as £10 to well over £100 with most in the £30 – £50 bracket. Some may have VAT relief
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Why Buy Crutches
This may be the best way to speed up your recovery and it offers you an easy way to move around the home without having expensive alterations.
Crutches Verdict
When learning to walk on crutches for the first time if may seem a little daunting and in the beginning, everything may be more difficult. However, with practice, most people can quickly gain confidence and learn how to use this walking aid safely
If you have never used a crutch before you should not do so without instructions, and ideally from a trained assistant.
At first, you may find it more comforting to have a friend or family member nearby to help steady you and give you support. There are several walking patterns that may be used with crutches to accelerate the healing of injuries and allow mobility.
The correct pattern should be guided by a health professional. They will also advise on the level of variation on weight-bearing that the affected leg can tolerate.
Walking Technique
When walking with crutches, keep the handles facing forwards and your arms close by your sides.
Walk only in well-lit rooms and install a nightlight along the route between your bedroom and the bathroom. Whilst walking, do not try to move too quickly or to cover too long a distance with each step
When standing from a chair, move to the front of the seat and arrange the crutches handles to form a H Shape. Put one hand on the chair and the other on the handle of the crutches and do not place your arm through the cuff of the crutch. Slide your affected leg forwards and push up into a standing position. Finally, place each hand on the crutches one at a time and separate the crutches in front of you
When using the stairs the general rule is: Going Up – Good leg, bad leg, crutch. Going down crutch, bad leg, good leg.