What Are The Different Types Of Walking Crutches? | Kogland

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Different types of Walking Crutches

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Aug 17, 2021

Walking crutches and their types

Walking crutches are medical aid used for locomotive functions on patients or elders who cannot support the weight of their bodies with their legs. They are walking aid or mobility aid that are used by elders or patients who cannot walk and the weight of the body is supported by the upper body with the help of crutches. Crutches are usually used to assist your legs like after surgery or when you get old and limbs become weak. Crutches are of help only if your legs are a little weak or in pain. 

There are different types of walking crutches available in the market and it is important to choose the right one. The incorrect crutches can lead to crutch palsy which can damage the nerves beneath the arms and also result in weak forearm muscles, wrists, and hands. The correct fitting crutches can help reduce complications and provide safety. Let us take a look at different kinds of crutches available in the market and their use. 

Types of walking crutches:

1. Underarm crutches

Underarm crutches are also called axillary crutches. Underarm crutch or axillary crutches are usually used by patients or people who can bear the weight of one leg. It is usually used after a short-term injury and is made up of either wood, aluminum, or titanium. The weights are distributed on either pad under the armpit. You must be able to bend the elbow at an angle of 30 degrees while using an underarm crutch.  The balance of the body is one of the key elements in choosing the right crutch. An underarm crutch or axillary crutch is a better option if you don’t have a good balance in the body. However underarm crutches are likely to restrict your movements and may not be a feasible option while performing more risk-related movements such as climbing stairs. Underarm crutches can also be of help to people with low upper body strength.  Underarm crutches exert more pressure on the sides of the body that even the ergonomic design or soft padding may not be of help on long-term use. On long term use of underarm crutches may lead to abrasions, soreness, and even a condition called cerebral palsy.

2. Forearm crutches:

A forearm crutch is also called a lofstrand crutch or an elbow crutch.  A forearm crutch is made up of aluminum or titanium with a cuff around the wrist, forearm, and elbow area. They are made in different colors. The forearm crutch enables the patients to bend at around 15 degrees to 30 degrees. In the forearm crutch, the weights are distributed to both arms. It is usually small in size and light build. For tasks that involve more risks like climbing up and down the stairs, forearm crutches are a better option than an underarm crutch. You are expected to have good strength in arms and core muscles since forearm crutches distribute weights to both hands. You can strengthen your upper body with strength training and other resistance exercises. However, you can walk easier with a good posture using a forearm crutch. A forearm crutch helps you stand tall and straight and maintain a good posture than an underarm crutch.  Since the forearm crutches distribute weight equally to both hands, it reduces the risk of side effects or injuries on our body. They are one of the best crutches for long-term use.

3. Gutter crutches:

Gutter crutches are most commonly used by rheumatoid patients. The forearms of gutter crutches are soft padded and very comfortable. Gutter crutches distribute weight equally and maintain balance. These crutches are mainly designed for arthritis patients or patients with impaired grip. The handgrip is adjustable and the handle rotates through 360 degrees.

4. Hands-free crutches:

Hands-free crutches are known as knee crutches. Due to the adverse effects of underarm crutches, a lot of people opt hands-free crutch. It is mainly used for support for lower leg surgeries and injuries. Some of the knee walkers act as leg extensions and make movement easy and comfortable. Some of the hands-free crutches have a knee pad and have straps to the thigh that provide more support and stability to the user. A wheeled knee walker is another type of hands-free crutch. It comes with a set of wheels and is easy to move around without much physical strain. 

 There are different types of walking crutches available in the market. The incorrect crutches can create a lot of tension and pain on your nerves and muscles and thereby lead to more injuries and pain. Make sure you educate yourself properly about all varieties of crutches available in the market before you buy them.

 

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