Crutches are walking aids that increase a person’s stability and relieve the weight from the lower limbs to the upper limbs.
In this article, we will discuss the common types of crutches, how to use them, and their specific roles.
Types of crutches
These are major subgroups of crutches.
Axillary crutches
These are called axillary crutches because they are placed in the axilla. The axilla which is a fancy name for the underarm or armpit.
This is however a misnomer because the crutches are placed about 5cm below the axilla.
The crutches should be positioned about 5 cm below the axilla, with the elbow flexed about 15 degrees. They are normally adjustable in height. Both the overall height and hand grip height can be adjusted.
One of the common issues with axillary crutches is a temporary nerve injury also called a palsy which develops after the nerves that pass through the axillary area in the upper limb are compressed.
The radial nerve is what’s most commonly implicated. Report this to your doctor as soon as it happens to have the crutches adjusted.
Do you need to see a paediatric orthopaedic surgeon?
Forearm crutches
Forearm crutches are also known as elbow crutches or lofstrand crutches. Their design includes a single upright, a forearm cuff, and a hand grip.
With these crutches, you insert the arm into a cuff and hold the grip. The height of the forearm crutches is indicated from the hand grip to the floor.
Gutter crutches
These are modified forearm crutches. These also called adjustable arthritic crutches or forearm support crutches.
These are additional type of crutches, which is composed of padded forearm support made up of metal, a strap and an adjustable handpiece with a rubber ferrule (stopper).
The design includes an axillary bar, a hand piece and double uprights joined distally by a single leg.
They are highly suitable for older people who are unable to maintain balance and put the body weight on the conventional supports. These crutches can also be used for patients who are on partial weight bearing like Rheumatoid disease.
In conclusion, crutches are walking aids that provide extra support. Commonly, you will come across the axillary crutches, the elbow crutches and the Gutter crutches all of which are prescribed depending on the underlying condition.
