Lean on Me: A Comprehensive Look at Crutches

Understanding Your Mobility Aid: What You Need to Know About Crutches

A crutch is a mobility aid that transfers weight from your legs to your upper body, helping you walk when you can't put full weight on an injured limb.

Quick Facts About Crutches:

• Purpose: Support mobility during recovery from injuries or surgery
• Main Types: Underarm (axillary) and forearm (Lofstrand) crutches
• Weight Transfer: Moves body weight from legs to arms and upper body
• Usage: Temporary for most injuries, long-term for some disabilities
• Fitting: Must be properly adjusted to prevent nerve damage

Over 100 million pairs of crutches are produced annually, making them a common medical device. For a sprained ankle, broken bone, or post-surgery healing, understanding how crutches work makes recovery more manageable.

Crutches have existed for millennia, with evidence dating to ancient Egypt. While modern designs are more comfortable, the principle of providing stable support while your body heals remains the same.

Successful use depends on proper fitting, correct technique, and following medical advice on weight-bearing. Used correctly, crutches help you stay active and independent during recovery.

Choosing Your Support: Types of Crutches

When your doctor prescribes crutches, you'll find several options designed for different needs and recovery timelines. Choosing the right type is like picking the right tool for the job.

What are the main types of crutches?

There are four main types of crutches, each serving different situations.

Axillary crutches are the traditional underarm style, best for short-term injuries. They feature a padded top, a handgrip, and rubber tips. It's crucial to put weight on your hands, not the armpits, to avoid nerve damage.

Forearm crutches (Lofstrand crutches) have a cuff that wraps around your forearm. They offer more freedom of movement and are ideal for long-term support. They are a popular choice in Europe for both short and long-term use.

Platform crutches are for users who cannot bear weight on their hands or wrists, perhaps due to arthritis. A platform supports the forearm, secured with straps, and a handgrip provides stability.

Leg support crutches are newer, hands-free devices that support an injured leg at the knee or shin. They are excellent for foot or ankle injuries but not for hip or thigh problems.

What materials are used to make a crutch?

The material of your crutch affects its weight, durability, and cost.

Wood is the classic, affordable, and sturdy choice often seen in hospitals. However, it can be heavier and less adjustable than modern alternatives.

Aluminum is a popular middle ground. These metal crutches are lightweight, strong, easy to adjust, and rust-resistant.

Carbon fiber composites are a high-tech option. They are incredibly light and strong, often with ergonomic shapes for comfort, but they come at a higher cost.

Thermoplastics are synthetic materials used for comfortable grips and durable padding in modern designs.

All crutches use rubber for the tips to prevent slipping and for grips and padding to improve comfort. Your choice of material often depends on the duration of use and insurance coverage.

How to Use Your Crutch Correctly

Using crutches correctly is vital for protecting yourself from further injury and ensuring comfort during recovery. Always follow your doctor's specific instructions on how much weight you can put on your injured leg.

Getting the Perfect Fit

A proper fit is crucial to prevent nerve damage, discomfort, and falls. A physical therapist or healthcare provider can help ensure a perfect fit.

For underarm crutches, the top pad should be about two finger-widths below your armpit. Your weight must go through the handgrips, not your armpits. When holding the grips, your elbows should have a slight bend (15 to 30 degrees).

For forearm crutches, the cuff should sit about an inch or two below your elbow, providing snug support without cutting off circulation. The same slight elbow bend is needed when holding the grip.

Understanding Weight-Bearing Status

Your doctor will classify how much weight your injured leg can handle.

• Non-weight-bearing (NWB): No weight at all on the injured leg.
• Toe-touch weight-bearing (TTWB): Lightly touch your toes to the ground for balance only.
• Partial weight-bearing (PWB): Put a specific percentage of your weight (e.g., 25% or 50%) on the leg.
• Weight-bearing as tolerated (WBAT): Put as much weight as is comfortable without increasing pain.

Adhering to these guidelines is essential for proper healing.

Mastering Basic Movements

To stand up, scoot to the chair's edge, hold both crutches in the hand opposite your injury, and push up with your strong leg and free hand. To sit, reverse the process. The most common walking pattern is the three-point gait: move both crutches and your injured leg forward together, then swing your good leg through. Other patterns, like the slower but more stable four-point gait, may be used depending on your needs. Proper gait patterns significantly reduce the risk of falls, as shown in research on the Mechanics of Ambulation.

Conquering Stairs Safely

Stairs can seem intimidating, but a simple rule helps: "Up with the good, down with the bad." This means you lead with your strong leg going up and your injured leg (and crutches) going down.

If a handrail is available, use it. Hold the rail with one hand and tuck both crutches under your other arm. Going up, step with your good leg first, then bring your injured leg and crutches up. Going down, place your crutches on the lower step, followed by your injured leg, then your good leg.

If you feel unsafe, sitting and scooting up or down the stairs is a safe and acceptable alternative. Your safety is the top priority.

Staying Safe and Comfortable

Using crutches safely and comfortably is key to a smooth recovery. Most complications are preventable with the right precautions.

Common Risks and How to Avoid Them

Crutch paralysis (palsy) is a serious risk from pressure on armpit nerves. Never lean on your armpits; all your weight should go through your hands on the handgrips. Sore armpits are a sign of improper use.

Hand and wrist pain can occur from the increased weight-bearing. Proper handgrip adjustment and extra padding or gel covers can reduce pressure.

Blisters from friction can be prevented with soft padding on contact points and wearing comfortable clothing.

Fall prevention is crucial. Be cautious on wet or uneven surfaces. Regularly check the rubber tips on your crutches for wear, as they are essential for preventing slips.

Tips for Making Crutch Use More Comfortable

Several adjustments can make using crutches more manageable.

• Padded grips and underarm cushions can significantly reduce pressure and friction.
• Supportive, low-heeled shoes with good traction are essential for stability.
• A backpack or fanny pack is useful for carrying items, keeping your hands free.
• Create a safe home environment by removing tripping hazards like throw rugs and securing cords.
• Stay hydrated and well-nourished, as using crutches is physically demanding.
• Listen to your body and take breaks when you feel tired or sore. Overexertion increases the risk of falls and strain.

Beyond the Basics: History and Alternatives

Understanding the history of the crutch and knowing the alternatives can help ensure you're using the best mobility aid for your needs.

A Brief History of the Crutch

The crutch has a long history, with evidence of use in ancient Egypt. For centuries, the design was a simple wooden support. The 20th century brought key innovations that made them the sophisticated tools they are today.

In 1917, Emile Schlick patented the first commercially produced crutch, making them widely available. Later, A.R. Lofstrand Jr. developed height-adjustable crutches, allowing for a customized fit. Polio survivor Thomas Fetterman invented modern forearm crutches out of personal necessity. Today, designs continue to evolve with ergonomic grips and shock-absorbing materials to improve the user experience. You can explore these developments in resources like Innovative Crutch Designs: More Gain, Much Less Pain.

When to Consider Alternatives

While crutches are effective, they aren't always the ideal solution. Other mobility aids might be more suitable depending on your injury and lifestyle.

• Knee scooters (or knee walkers) are excellent for injuries below the knee. They allow you to rest your injured leg on a padded platform, reducing upper body strain and freeing up your hands.
• Walkers offer a broad, stable base, making them ideal for those with balance issues or significant weakness who need more stability than crutches provide.
• Wheelchairs provide total support for major injuries or when you need to travel longer distances without bearing any weight on your legs.
• Hands-free crutches strap to your upper leg, leaving your hands completely free for daily tasks. They work well for below-the-knee injuries.

Consult your doctor or physical therapist to determine the best mobility aid for your specific needs and recovery stage.

Frequently Asked Questions about Crutches

Here are answers to some common questions about using crutches.

How long will I need to use crutches?

The time you'll need crutches depends entirely on your specific injury and healing process. For minor sprains, you might use them for 2-4 weeks. Broken bones typically require about six weeks or more of support. Serious injuries like torn ligaments can mean several months on crutches. Your doctor will provide a timeline based on your healing. It's crucial to follow their instructions and not stop using them too early.

Can using crutches build muscle?

Yes, using crutches strengthens your upper body. Your arms (triceps, biceps), shoulders, and core muscles will get a workout from supporting your weight and maintaining balance. However, this is a side effect, not a workout plan. Improper technique can lead to strain or injury, so focus on correct form.

Should I use one or two crutches?

Most injuries require two crutches initially for maximum stability and support. As you heal, your doctor or physical therapist may clear you to use a single crutch for minimal support or balance assistance. If using one crutch, hold it on the side opposite your injured leg. This provides better balance and mimics a natural walking motion. Never switch from two crutches to one without medical approval.

Conclusion

Adjusting to life on crutches can be challenging, but they are essential partners in your healing, designed to keep you mobile while your body recovers. The keys to success are proper fitting, correct technique (weight on hands, not armpits), and strictly following your doctor's weight-bearing instructions.

Master the basics, prioritize safety by checking your equipment and clearing your home of hazards, and listen to your body to prevent new pains. Crutches should support your healing, not create new problems.

At ProMed DME, we understand that recovery is about getting back to the life you love. We provide quality crutches, braces, and other mobility aids to support your healing journey. With free shipping, a dedicated nurse on staff, and our experience working with insurance plans, we make it easier for you to focus on what matters most: getting better.

Find the right mobility solution for you and take that first confident step toward recovery.