Crutches are a form of medical device that are generally used by individuals who can't walk properly or have extreme difficulty and pain while walking. Crutches are meant to perform two major functions: reducing the weight load on one of the legs of the person, and helping in broadening the support base that helps in maintaining a stable and upright position. Crutches are of great use to people who have foot or leg pain, have weak muscles or an unstable gait, helping them in walking without difficulty.
Types of Crutches
Many forms of crutches are used worldwide. Some of the most common types include forearm crutches, axillary or underarm crutches and knee support crutches, among others.
Axillary or Underarm Crutches
Axillary crutches are the most commonly used form of crutches in countries such as the United States and India. Axillary crutches are generally made up of wood or aluminum, in such a manner that they can be easily adjusted according to the height of the person using them. These crutches are generally used by people who suffer from temporary disabilities or injuries. Axillary crutches generally have padding just beneath the armpits, helping the individual to hold them easily and tightly without difficulty.
Forearm Crutches
Forearm crutches are the most common form of crutches used by individuals suffering from permanent disabilities. Forearm crutches are designed in a way that the person using them can slip his arm into the cuff and thus hold the grip tightly. The cuff is generally made using either plastic or metal such as aluminum and can be half or full circular in shape, with a V-shaped opening on the front from where the arm can be slid into the crutch.
Knee Support Crutches
Knee support crutches are a form of crutches that are generally used by patients suffering from disabilities or injuries below the knee region. These crutches generally have a platform or a supporting region where the knee can be placed, thus reducing the pressure on the knee. Knee support crutches also help in reducing upper thigh atrophies, as most of the patient's weight is supported by the thighs. This is unlike other crutches, in which the weight is evenly distributed between one thigh and one arm. These crutches have another advantage: They allow both arms to remain free, enabling patients to use their hands for other purposes.
Other Forms of Crutches
Two common types generally used include strutter and platform crutches. Strutter crutches are a modified form of the axillary or underarm crutches that have a larger base and sole as compared to the underarm forms, thus helping in the equal distribution of the body weight among the arms and the legs.
Platform crutches are a form of crutches generally used by people who have a loose grip due to diseases such as arthritis or cerebral palsy. In these crutches, the arm is usually strapped in a particular position and the hands are made to rest on the grip in a particular angle so as to reduce pressure on the arms.
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