During the rehabilitation period for injuries or operations on the lower limbs, correctly selected aids affect. Therefore, it is very important to know how to choose crutches in order to distribute the load as evenly as possible between the shoulder girdle and arms, and remove it from the lower extremities.
Types of crutches
There are two types of crutches - elbow crutches and axillary crutches.
- Axillary crutches are very stable and are intended for those who are unable to lean on their feet and move independently. With the help of axillary crutches, the weight from the lower extremities is transferred to the arms and shoulder girdle. Thus, crutches completely unload the leg, so that the patient has the opportunity to walk without leaning on it. Underarm crutches should not be worn for more than 2 years, as this may adversely affect the functioning of the shoulder joint in the future. In this regard, after the appointed time, the patient needs to change such auxiliaryfunds for the elbow.
- Elbow crutches, or “Canadians” as they are also called, are suitable for those who can support their weight with their hands and have the ability to lean on the affected leg. The design of this model of crutches implies support on the arm and forearm. Such crutches, unlike underarm crutches, can be worn all the time.
Axillary crutches
This type of crutch consists of two bars, which are then connected into one. The tip with which the support is equipped is made of durable and non-slip material. So that when walking the armpit is not injured, the upper part of the support is equipped with a special pad. You need to hold the crutch by the cross bar for the hand.
How to choose underarm crutches
How to choose axillary crutches according to the height of an adult? The doctor should explain this to the patient in detail even before the start of the rehabilitation period.
The main thing to look for when choosing is the level of the bar and the distance from the tip to the armpit support.
The patient should stand up straight, after putting on the shoes that he wears most often. The crutch should be placed at a distance of 20-25 centimeters from the foot. In this case, the distance from the armpit to the support should not exceed 5 cm. The arm should be placed on the crossbar, bending it slightly at the elbow, while the angle should be 30º.
If the patient does not havethe ability to stand without support, then in this case you need to know how to choose the shoulder crutches in height. To do this, subtract 40 cm from the patient's total height. But it is also worth remembering that crutches selected in this way will need to be additionally adjusted to the one who will wear them.
Benefits of underarm crutches
The benefits of axillary supports help the patient to ease walking during the rehabilitation period:
- They are stable, which allows the patient to stand quite firmly on his feet and maintain balance. In addition, when properly selected and adjusted, underarm crutches provide ease of movement.
- While walking with such an aid, a person has the opportunity to relax by hanging on them and relaxing their arms.
Disadvantages of underarm crutches
Axillary crutches have only two, but very significant drawbacks:
- In supports of this design, patients are not able to walk for a long time, as well as go up and down stairs.
- Incorrect adjustment of the crutch can lead to pinching of the neurovascular canal of the shoulder joint and lymph, which can lead to temporary loss of sensation in the arm.
Elbow crutches
The design consists of a strap, at one end of which there is a special supporting cuff, in the middlethere is a handle that serves as a support for the hand. The tip of the crutch is made of durable material.
How to choose elbow crutches
How to choose crutches under the elbow? This should be done correctly, only in this way the rehabilitation period will proceed without any complications.
Special attention when choosing an arm crutch should be given to the armrest and handle. The crutch must be tried on and walked around with it. To do this, put your hand into the cuff and grab the handle. In the correct position, the arm will be half-bent at the elbow joint, while the angle should be 20º. In order to once again verify the correctness of the choice, the patient needs to stand next to the crutch, lowering his hands freely, while the level of the handle should fall exactly on the wrist.
To determine the correct level of the armrest, you need to know how to choose crutches by size:
- For heights between 170 and 180 centimeters, the gap between the elbow and the cuff should be 5-8 cm.
- If the patient's height is over 180 cm, then the distance from the cuff to the elbow should be exactly 10 centimeters.
Pros of choosing elbow crutches
Before choosing crutches with support under the elbow, it is necessary to understand the essence of this design, thanks to which walking with crutches is greatly simplified:
- Elbow crutches are quite compact, making them easy to store and transport when needed.
- With this design, patients not only have the opportunitytake long walks outdoors, but also go up and down stairs.
- It is very convenient to use elbow crutches as an additional support, but only if the patient can lean on both legs.
Disadvantages of elbow designs
How to choose elbow crutches? There are a number of disadvantages that you need to familiarize yourself with in advance:
- Crutches of this design are not suitable for people with a weak shoulder girdle who can rely on only one leg.
- With the support of such a device, it is difficult to balance and maintain balance, so they are not suitable for the elderly and weak people.
- Obese patients should not use crutches with elbow support, as the design of such supports may not support excess weight.
- Elbow crutches are not used for amputations of one or both lower limbs.
Important aspects to consider when choosing
Before you pick up crutches, you need to familiarize yourself with some aspects that will help you make the right choice:
- In the case when it is difficult for the patient to maintain balance on crutches, it is recommended to use designs with a pyramidal tip. These tips are quite strong and more stable.
- Axillary crutch supports should be soft and comfortable.
- The height of the bars on crutches must be adjustable.
- On average, a crutch weighs one and a half kilograms, butfor overweight people, reinforced and more stable structures are suitable, but they weigh about 4 kilograms. Such a weight of crutches can lead to rapid fatigue of the patient. In this regard, people with a large weight are recommended to use a walker instead of crutches.
- Patients with an average weight and physique should preferably purchase crutches that are made of wood or light alloy materials.
- If the patient needs to travel somewhere often, it is better to use collapsible support structures.
How to learn to walk on crutches
The doctor should tell patients not only how to fit crutches, but also familiarize them with the basic rules of use.
Before you start learning to walk, crutches need to be carefully adjusted. Training is best started indoors, and only after confidence and resilience have been built can one go outside.
When using underarm crutches, the weight should be distributed on the arms, and not on the armpits, as this can only damage them.
When using elbow crutches, make sure that the handle always looks forward, and the support cuff should tightly cover the arm, but not squeeze it.
- If both legs are injured while walking, first the crutch is placed on the ground, and then the leg that is with it. After the leg is firmly fixed, you need to repeat the same with the second side. This method provides good stability, but the walking speedwhile being very low. If you learn to walk with support from two points at once, then this can significantly increase the speed of movement. To do this, you need to put the right crutch and the left leg at the same time, then repeat the same with the left crutch and the right limb.
- If only one leg is injured while walking, you should try to keep your back and head straight, without leaning forward or backward. The crutches must be moved simultaneously forward at a distance of 25-30 centimeters, while not forgetting to deflect them slightly to the sides. When the crutches are firmly fixed on the ground, you need to transfer all the weight to the hands, thereby throwing the body forward.
- To properly sit with crutches, you need to get as close as possible to the seat and turn your back to it. Crutches should be placed on the affected leg, then lean on them and on a he althy limb and sit down in one jerk.
- In order to climb stairs, you should take crutches in one hand, and hold on to the railing with the other. During the ascent, crutches must be placed on the same step on which the legs are located. After that, leaning on the handrail and crutches, with one jerk put your he althy leg one step higher, and only then move the crutches higher.
- When descending, crutches should be placed on a step below the one on which the legs are located and only after that, first move the sore leg, and then the he althy one. During the descent, do not lower the crutches lower than one step, as this may cause the person to lose balance and fall. In addition, it is not recommended to move directly toa few steps down. This, too, can lead to loss of balance and a fall.
Helpful tips
Before picking up crutches, you need to consult a specialist who can give the patient a few recommendations for use:
- In the winter season, it is recommended to purchase a special tip with a spike. This will help you move smoothly on slippery roads. However, it is important to remember that in order to maintain balance as much as possible, you need to walk slowly and in small steps. In addition, the tips should be regularly inspected and replaced with new ones if necessary.
- Adjustable crutches should be checked for security before each outdoor activity.
- If you are unable to balance while using the underarm crutches, you can bring them closer to your chest.
- For the elderly, multi-point crutches are the best option.
Properly selected crutches will not only help to successfully pass the rehabilitation period, but will also make the patient's life much easier.
