Crutches are one of the oldest inventions of mankind. The first mention of them, found on the walls of the Egyptian pyramids, dates back to 2830 BC. e. However, the official inventor, who guessed to patent the shape of the crutches, was Emil Schlick, who in 1917 put them into wide production, making the products available to medical institutions and individuals. Since then, the shape of this device has undergone a small number of changes.
Modern people still rely on two sticks connected downwards to help move around in case of injury. Only minor details are improved.
When crutches are prescribed
This medical device is prescribed by a doctor:
- for violations of the functions of the musculoskeletal system;
- if necessary, support for patients due to illness;
- for the period of rehabilitation after a limb injury, surgery, fractures;
- in the presence of physiological abnormalities.
Types of crutches
There are several types of crutches. Dividethey, depending on the place of support, are on the armpits and with support under the elbow, called Canadians. The choice of one or another type of crutches depends on the individual characteristics of the patient and the reasons why he had to stand on them. Their material may also be different. There are wooden, plastic and aluminum crutches. Plastic and aluminum counterparts are stronger than wood, which are designed for a maximum weight of 100 kilograms.
Choosing the right crutches
If it so happened that you have to stand on crutches, then the choice of this vehicle should be approached as carefully and responsibly as possible. The fact that they are visually slightly different does not mean that you should buy the first ones that come across. After all, they will become an integral part of your life for a certain time. The wrong choice of crutches is fraught with very unpleasant consequences:
- rubbing;
- pinched nerves;
- damage to muscle or bone tissue;
- shoulder inflammation;
- improper redistribution of the load, aggravating the patient's condition.
Both the axillary crutch and the canadian must take into account the individual parameters of the patient and the nature of the injury. Then they will be able not only to facilitate walking, but also to speed up the process of rehabilitation and return to the ranks of he althy people. Before choosing axillary or canadian crutches, you should consult a doctor who will give all the necessary recommendations.
Axillary type of crutches:Features
This type of crutch promotes even weight transfer when moving on the shoulders. It is prescribed for people with weakened arm muscles and those who are overweight. Having a comfortable stable support, they are most suitable for use immediately after injury or damage. However, the axillary crutch should not be used continuously for more than 2 years, as this can lead to serious disorders in the shoulder girdle.
Aluminum underarm crutches
Aluminum lightweight anti-corrosion alloy makes the products durable and easy to use. Axillary aluminum crutches are able to withstand weight up to 140 kilograms. The height of the crutch itself and the height of the handle can be adjusted. Universal options thanks to the double adjustment system can be used by both a seven-year-old child and an adult up to 1 meter 90 centimeters tall.
The weight of such specimens is from 1 to 2 kilograms. The price varies from 1000 to 1500 rubles. Reinforced metal crutches can support weights up to 220 kilograms, but they themselves weigh a lot, and a wheelchair will be the best alternative to them.
Wooden axillary crutches
Made from both solid wood and glued veneer. The top protective layer is nitro-lacquer. Modern axillary wooden crutches have multi-level fixation, soft axillary pads and handles, and a lightweight design, which makes them slightly heavier than aluminum crutches. At the request of the patient can be equippedanti-ice system. Height adjustable with clips. Axillary crutches, the price of which starts at 500 rubles, can be purchased both in specialized stores and in pharmacies. They have a load capacity of 100 kilograms.
At "Avito" axillary crutches are presented in the widest range, both new and used. Here you can buy any accessories (if necessary, replace them). There are options for travel enthusiasts. These crutches fold in half. Their price will be within 2 thousand rubles.
Crutch sizing
When choosing an axillary crutch, you should pay attention to the height from the floor to the axillary bar and the position of the handle. In this case, it is desirable that the patient was in a standing position and was shod in his usual shoes. Otherwise, when choosing suitable crutches, 40 centimeters are subtracted from the height of the patient. However, this choice excludes taking into account the individual characteristics of the patient, which can lead to some discomfort during use. If the patient is able to stand, then he should lean on a he althy leg, stand relaxed with his arms down. The crutch should be at the chest at a distance of 20 centimeters away from the foot. The upper roller should be located 4 centimeters below the armpit. After adjusting the height of the crutch, you can proceed to adjust the handle. The crutch remains in the same position, the arms are lowered, the wrist rest should be at the level of the wrist line. This isindicates the correct installation of the handle.
When you first walk, you need to listen to personal feelings. Excessive pressure in the armpits indicates that the crutch is long and the height should be reduced, but if the body weight is strongly transferred to the arms and the shoulders are relaxed, then, on the contrary, the height should be increased.
Useful tips for beginners
It is not easy to get used to such a vehicle right away. The position of the crutches should be constantly monitored, which should be at least 10 centimeters in front of the foot. To make it easier to maintain balance, you should press the support racks closer to your chest, while your back should be as even as possible. Not easy with crutches and changing position. In order to get up from a chair, both crutches must be placed on the side where there is damage, grabbed by the hand from the inside and rise. When walking, both crutches move simultaneously on average 30 centimeters forward. A he althy leg should be put on the heel. When moving with crutches up the stairs, you should take them in one hand, hold on to the railing with your other hand. When lifting, crutches are placed on the same step where you are standing. The weight is evenly distributed between both hands, and the he althy leg is transferred one step up. Do not forget to monitor the condition of the spikes. They must not be erased. Otherwise, there is a danger of slipping on parquet or floor tiles.
Axillary crutch is indispensable for injuries, injuries and other diseases of onefrom the lower limbs. Facilitates the process of walking, evenly distributing weight and increasing the radius of support, provides more comfortable conditions when moving.
