Crutches

What Is the History of Crutches?

People have fashioned support devices to hold themselves up when they become ill or injured since antiquity. Since 2830 BC, support devices have been used. On the entrance to an Egyptian tomb is a carving showing a figure leaning on a crutch-like staff.

Crutch design has evolved from the basic "T" used by Tiny Tim in A Christmas Carol to lightweight aluminum braces with ice-gripping tips or energy-storing tips that function as shock absorbers and are slip resistant.

The use of crutches has remained useful for lower-limb injuries such as a broken leg, sprained ankle, knee injury, and other injuries, as well as after surgery on the leg, knee, ankle, or foot to decrease discomfort, reduce recovery time, and assist walking. You will usually have to use crutches for a while after getting a cast on your leg or foot. Those with disabilities that make walking difficult, such as amputees, can also use crutches.

What Is the Function of Crutches?

You must reduce the weight load on one leg and improve your balance and stability by using a crutch.
Additionally, the support should assist upright movement and transmit sensory cues through the hands.
With a crutch, people with paralysis or other disabilities can enjoy the benefits of upright posture and can move into places they cannot go in a wheelchair.
When a person is unable to walk or if they are able to walk only very slowly, they will need to use crutches.
Anyone who has pain or an injury in their legs or feet, weak muscles, or an unstable gait may benefit from crutches.
Getting your body moving upright increases circulation, helps kidney and lung functions, and prevents calcium loss from your bones.
You move up using your upper body instead of your legs with crutches.
To use them effectively, you must have sufficient arm strength, balance, and coordination.

What Are the Different Types of Crutches?

Getting the Right Fit for Crutches

The most common types of crutches are axillary (underarm), forearm (Lofstrand), platform, strutter, and leg support. All should be custom fitted properly to help reduce movement problems. Crutches are made in all sizes, for adults and children.

Axillary crutch: This is the most common type. Wooden or aluminum models can be adjusted easily to your overall height and hand height. In the stationary position, the top of the crutch should extend from a point the width of two to three fingers below the armpit (axilla) to a point on the floor 15 cm-20 cm (6 in-8 in) outside your foot. Your hand should rest at a level that allows you to flex your elbow at about 30°. If you are unable to stand, simply subtract 16 inches from your height to determine the crutch length you need.
Forearm crutch (also known as the Lofstrand crutch, or elbow crutch): This crutch should allow you to flex your elbow 15°-30°. The increased flexion allows your arm to bear greater weight. The crutch should contact the floor 5 cm-10 cm (2 in-4 in) outside and 15 cm (6 in) in front of your foot. The cuff on the crutch should sit 2.5 cm-4 cm (1 in-1.5 in) below the back of the elbow. Some forearm crutches are ergonomic, designed for more comfort and reduced chance of injury. This type of crutch is common in Europe, however in the U.S. generally only people with lifelong disabilities such as polio use this type of crutch.
Platform crutch: Also known as a triceps crutch, this crutch should contact roughly 5 cm (2 in) below the skinfold of the armpit. The lower cuff should lie 1 cm-4 cm (0.5 in-1.5 in) below the back of the elbow to avoid bony contact on the arm yet provide stability.
Strutter crutch: This crutch is a type of underarm crutch that has larger crutch tips that remain flat on the floor. This allows for improved weight distribution and more even walking gait.
A leg support crutch is similar to a knee scooter in that the affected leg is strapped into a frame that is on wheels. Leg support crutches are especially useful after below-the-knee surgery or when one leg is affected only.

These types of crutches are also available in folding varieties, where the crutches can be folded in half, making them easier to store.

How to Use Crutches

You will first be shown how to adjust your crutches so that they are at the right height for you by your doctor, nurse, or physical therapist. Unless a patient has used crutches before, they should not do so without instructions and, ideally, a trained assistant. Step by step, shift your weight to the leg that is healthy so that you can begin walking with crutches. Keep the crutches in front of you at a point where you can maintain stability. Swing your body through the crutches as you transfer your weight from your healthy leg to your arms. Again, maintain stability and shift your weight to the healthy leg. Then, move the crutches forward again.

The swing phase of walking with crutches causes your wrist to receive from one to three times your body weight -- a load your upper body was not designed to withstand.