crutches

If people are not allowed to use their musculoskeletal system to the full after injuries or operations, they need everyday aids such as crutches. Some people also need them permanently because their mobility is restricted by an impairment.

What are crutches?

The term crutches includes various walking or mobility aids for people whose ability to walk is restricted due to injuries, operations or disabilities. Without these walking aids, those affected would always need help, even with short distances.

Crutches and other walking aids help you to maintain your own independence and to cope with everyday life without major restrictions. After a short period of getting used to it, most people manage to get around with crutches very quickly. In contrast to rollators and wheelchairs, crutches can also be used to climb stairs.

In addition to the classic walking stick, which is also known as a crutch, there are essentially two large groups of crutches: forearm crutches and armpit crutches. Both are used depending on the indication.

Shapes, types & types

There are different types of crutches that differ in length, color and permissible load weight and can be individually adapted. They usually consist of support tubes made of a mixture of light metal and steel, have an ergonomic handle and an arm cuff at the level of the forearms.

The most commonly used form are forearm crutches, in which the arms are placed in the armrests at an angle of 45 degrees 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 armpit crutches, in which a padded support surface is pushed under the armpits to support the body. The whole body can be supported with armpit crutches. They are also suitable when arms or wrists are to be spared, for example with existing joint problems.

Structure & functionality

Forearm crutches are designed in such a way that they can be individually adapted to the body in order to have a relief. The handle should be level with your thighbone. Ideally, they should be hired by professionals such as physical therapists.

The handles are usually made of a soft material that must also be secure to grip. The hands should be able to rest comfortably in width. If there are pressure points, the handles can be wrapped or fingerless, padded cycling gloves worn.

When using crutches, users should lean firmly on the handles with their elbows slightly bent, the body weight will then be carried by the hands and the legs will be relieved.

For a safe grip on the ground, crutches are equipped with a rubber foot at the bottom, which prevents slipping. Armpit crutches should be adjusted so that they don't press too much under the armpits. So that the skin is not squashed, the support surface in the armpit is padded with a soft material.

The height adjustment of crutches is either stepless with screw fasteners or graduated with spring clips, push buttons or clips. Crutches with screw caps are the quietest. On some crutches, the cuff is also adjustable.

The weight of the crutches depends on the material from which they are made. If the body is heavier, the crutch must be stable. In most cases, crutches are made from a mixture of steel and light metal. They can be made in different colors.

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Medical & health benefits

Crutches and other walking aids are indispensable everyday aids for people who are unable to walk after injuries, operations or because of a disability. They are most often used when the movement of the lower extremities is restricted, e.g. B. after bone fractures, injuries or operations to relieve the musculoskeletal system, promote healing and protect the patient from pain. The musculoskeletal system is spared, can recover and slowly get used to stress again.

Crutches are also part of many rehabilitation measures for the musculoskeletal system. To ensure the health and medical benefits, crutches must, on the one hand, be optimally adjusted to the user, and on the other hand, the user must also be able to handle them properly.

The selection of a crutch is also crucial. Forearm crutches are primarily suitable for people who have problems with the musculoskeletal system below the waist, e.g. B. a leg should be relieved due to an injury or surgery. For people with a higher body weight, stable crutches must ensure a secure hold. The crutches are specified by the manufacturers with the maximum load weight and are divided into size groups. It makes sense to follow this information so as not to endanger your own safety.

When climbing stairs, one hand should remain on the railing for safety in order to reduce the risk of injury. The setting must also be secure. With adjustable crutches, care should be taken to ensure that they are firmly attached and that clips or press studs are properly engaged so that the crutches do not move while walking and pose a safety risk. When sitting, the walking aids should always be within reach.