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Walking Aids: Standard Crutch, Forearm Crutches, Wood Crutch And Aluminum Crutches
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Published: June 18, 2007
Falling from a tree or tripping down stairs can leave a person with more than just a bruised ego – the result could include a broken foot, ankle, or leg. If a leg or foot injury does occur from these or any other accident, a walking aid is necessary to take pressure off the injured body part.
Crutches are one of the most commonly used walking aids.
Crutches are a helpful option to increase comfort, reduce recovery time, and assist walking. The purpose of the walking aid is to reduce weight load on the injured leg. They accomplish this feat by shifting the force of standing from the lower limbs to the upper body. To walk and stand properly with this kind of walking aid, a person needs arm strength and coordination. Standard crutches also help in establishing balance and stability by widening an individual's support base. Crutches are walking aids that provide the perks of a wheelchair, but allow the person to stand upright and maneuver more easily.
The main two types of crutches are standard and forearm. Standard crutches can come in either aluminum or wood. Wood crutches are very similar to aluminum crutches; the only difference between the two is that aluminum crutches weigh less. Wood crutches used to be the standard, but the aluminum ones have greatly increased in popularity.
It's important to find crutches that fit properly. According to the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons, the top of the crutch should measure at two inches below the armpit and allow the elbow to bend when using the handgrip. The total walking aid length should equal the distance from the armpit to about 6 inches in front of the foot. It's also important to find crutches that will fully support an individual's weight. Last of all, it's important to consider the comfort of the underarm cushion before purchasing a pair of crutches. Crutches come in many different sizes, so finding ones that fit should be possible. Prices for this type of walking aid can range anywhere from $20 to $90, depending on the quality of the crutches. Most basic aluminum crutches cost between $30 and $40.
Forearm crutches differ from standard crutches in that they have cuffs, which the person's arm goes through. Also, these crutches do not sit just below the arm pit, although they do have handgrips, like standard crutches. The style of this walking aid benefits people with permanent disabilities; forearm crutches are generally easier to use and are more durable. As with standard crutches, forearm crutches are available in different sizes and weight capacities. Wood and aluminum types of this walking aid exist. The aluminum ones are more durable and expensive than standard crutches, usually costing between $70 and $100. Prices go up, for any type of walking aid, if it is custom-made.
The American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons recommends a few rules to follow when using crutches, especially standard crutches. The tips of the crutches should be capped with rubber tips in order to cause friction and increase stability. Well-fitting, low-heeled shoes should be worn, and the person should avoid slippery surfaces, especially in icy or snowy conditions. It is also necessary to look straight ahead, not down, while using this walking aid. The most important tip to remember is to never support the body on the armpits; the handgrips should be held for support.
Crutches have come along way from the original basic T-shape. This walking aid can now be custom made to accommodate a person's height and weight. It is also increasingly manufactured in a lightweight aluminum, allowing for greater mobility. Thanks to standard and forearm crutches, people with temporary or permanent disabilities have the ability to go anywhere they wish.
Sources:
"Crutches: A 'How-To' Guide." FootPhysicians.com. 2006. American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons. 11 June 2007.
http://www.footphysicians.com/footankleinfo/crut ches.htm
"Crutches in Accessibility Equipment." BizRate. 2007. Shopzilla, Inc. 12 June 2007. http://www.bizrate.com/accessibilityequipment/prod ucts__keyword--crutches.html
Gleason, Dawn. "Choosing the Right Walking Aid: Part 2 – Crutches." Affordable Med Supplies, Inc. 20 Jan. 2007. Ebay.com. 11 June 2007.
http://reviews.ebay.com/Choosing-the-Right-Walki ng-Aid-Part-2-Crutches_W0QQugidZ10000000000701910< />Hartmann, Michael. "Crutches." eMedicineHealth. 10 Aug. 2005. WebMD. 11 June 2007.
http://www.emedicinehealth.com/crutches/article_ em.htm
Related Articles
Crutches are a helpful option to increase comfort, reduce recovery time, and assist walking. The purpose of the walking aid is to reduce weight load on the injured leg. They accomplish this feat by shifting the force of standing from the lower limbs to the upper body. To walk and stand properly with this kind of walking aid, a person needs arm strength and coordination. Standard crutches also help in establishing balance and stability by widening an individual's support base. Crutches are walking aids that provide the perks of a wheelchair, but allow the person to stand upright and maneuver more easily.
The main two types of crutches are standard and forearm. Standard crutches can come in either aluminum or wood. Wood crutches are very similar to aluminum crutches; the only difference between the two is that aluminum crutches weigh less. Wood crutches used to be the standard, but the aluminum ones have greatly increased in popularity.
It's important to find crutches that fit properly. According to the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons, the top of the crutch should measure at two inches below the armpit and allow the elbow to bend when using the handgrip. The total walking aid length should equal the distance from the armpit to about 6 inches in front of the foot. It's also important to find crutches that will fully support an individual's weight. Last of all, it's important to consider the comfort of the underarm cushion before purchasing a pair of crutches. Crutches come in many different sizes, so finding ones that fit should be possible. Prices for this type of walking aid can range anywhere from $20 to $90, depending on the quality of the crutches. Most basic aluminum crutches cost between $30 and $40.
Forearm crutches differ from standard crutches in that they have cuffs, which the person's arm goes through. Also, these crutches do not sit just below the arm pit, although they do have handgrips, like standard crutches. The style of this walking aid benefits people with permanent disabilities; forearm crutches are generally easier to use and are more durable. As with standard crutches, forearm crutches are available in different sizes and weight capacities. Wood and aluminum types of this walking aid exist. The aluminum ones are more durable and expensive than standard crutches, usually costing between $70 and $100. Prices go up, for any type of walking aid, if it is custom-made.
The American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons recommends a few rules to follow when using crutches, especially standard crutches. The tips of the crutches should be capped with rubber tips in order to cause friction and increase stability. Well-fitting, low-heeled shoes should be worn, and the person should avoid slippery surfaces, especially in icy or snowy conditions. It is also necessary to look straight ahead, not down, while using this walking aid. The most important tip to remember is to never support the body on the armpits; the handgrips should be held for support.
Crutches have come along way from the original basic T-shape. This walking aid can now be custom made to accommodate a person's height and weight. It is also increasingly manufactured in a lightweight aluminum, allowing for greater mobility. Thanks to standard and forearm crutches, people with temporary or permanent disabilities have the ability to go anywhere they wish.
Sources:
"Crutches: A 'How-To' Guide." FootPhysicians.com. 2006. American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons. 11 June 2007.
http://www.footphysicians.com/footankleinfo/crut ches.htm
"Crutches in Accessibility Equipment." BizRate. 2007. Shopzilla, Inc. 12 June 2007. http://www.bizrate.com/accessibilityequipment/prod ucts__keyword--crutches.html
Gleason, Dawn. "Choosing the Right Walking Aid: Part 2 – Crutches." Affordable Med Supplies, Inc. 20 Jan. 2007. Ebay.com. 11 June 2007.
http://reviews.ebay.com/Choosing-the-Right-Walki ng-Aid-Part-2-Crutches_W0QQugidZ10000000000701910< />Hartmann, Michael. "Crutches." eMedicineHealth. 10 Aug. 2005. WebMD. 11 June 2007.
http://www.emedicinehealth.com/crutches/article_ em.htm
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