Making Sure Crutches ‘Fit’ For Purpose!

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Making Sure Crutches Fit For Purpose!
If you find yourself needing crutches following
injury or an operation, make sure you adjust
them to size. Ensuring these mobility aids are
not too long or short is important in order they
are safe to do the job intended. The steps needed
for this depend on the type of crutches you
have. Adjusting Axilla Crutches to Size
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It is critical that crutches are set to the
correct size for your height. Most have
adjustable pin-clips to adjust the length. If you
are using Axilla crutches, the single vertical
shaft at the foot is adjustable. Axilla models
are similar in style to the old-fashion 'pirate
versions. That is to say they have a horizontal
pad at the top, which fits under the user's
armpit. They also feature a second, lower pad,
where the hand grips. Some models of Axilla
crutches do not have an adjustment for the
distance between the higher 'armpit pad' and the
lower hand grip pad. Others allow the lower
handgrip to be set at different heights. This
latter design is much better for the comfort of
the user. To size correctly, let your hands hang
naturally by your sides. The level of the lower
pad should be about the height of your wrist. If
you then grip the lower pad with your hands, your
elbow should have a slight bend in it. With your
hand resting on the lower pad, a small gap of
around a couple of inches should remain between
the armpit and the upper pad. When using this
style of elbow crutches, it is important to avoid
slumping your upper body so that its weight
bears down through the armpits onto the top pad.
If too much pressure focuses on this area of the
body, it can lead to nerve damage. This may
result in a loss of sensation and strength in the
arms, hands and fingers.
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Modern crutches, including Axillas, are almost
all made using aluminium tubing. This metal is
both lightweight and rigid, ideal for use in the
manufacture of mobility aids. It is
also non-corrosive, so it is not prone to rusting
in the elements. Its weight means that it is
easy to maneuver, even for those with reduced
strength. Adjusting Forearm Crutches
Another popular style of elbow crutches are
forearm models. These have a cuff at the
very top, which fits around the users forearm.
They then have two sections of tube, which meet
at the handle, around hip height.
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Some models of forearm elbow crutches are single
adjustable. This usually means the only
adjustment is to the length of the lower
vertical shaft. This can be set to a particular
height by using a pin-clip, similar to those
found on axilla crutches. Other forearm crutches
are double adjustable. With these you can set
the length of the bottom shaft as in the examples
above, but you can also adjust the length of the
upper shaft. This is the length of tubing between
the arm cuff and the handle. These double
adjustable models can therefore be more
precisely set to size for the dimensions of the
individual. Make sure the cuff is set too high
as this could make it dig-in to the upper
arm. Permanent User Crutches
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customerservice_at_essentialaids.com One drawback
with adjustment mechanisms is that the crutches
can produce clicking and squeaking noises when in
use. For people using them a lot, this can be an
irritation. To get around it, permanent user
crutches are available. Rather than having the
multiple pin-clips, these require cutting to the
desired length. This is another benefit of
aluminium. While its tubing is lightweight and
strong, it is also easy to cut with a common
hacksaw. Once the shaft is at the correct length,
the rubber foot, or ferrule, fits to the
bottom of the tube. Hand Comfort Most forearm
crutches tend to have a standard horizontal
handle at hip height. These however can cause
pain by digging into the users hand. To combat
this problem, ergonomic handled models are
available. These have wide grips with shaped
contours, sympathetic to the hand. This design
spreads weight more evening through the palms
and forearms, reducing discomfort. These crutches
are popular with people using them for sustained
periods.
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