Most people only think of disability as congenital conditions that people grapple with. However, there are times when you might be disabled permanently or temporarily. Disabilities that affect your mobility are some of the most common problems worldwide. Other than congenital deformities that might cause disabilities, accidents and some medical conditions can affect your movement.
However, the disability should not limit your daily activities. There are different types of mobility equipment for the disabled, and they can help you live life to the fullest. A walking crutch is one of the most basic mobility aids. This is primarily designed for people with injuries below their waist, such as fractures, sprains or nerve issues. Here are the types of mobility crutches:
Platform Crutches
These are meant for people who are unable to bear weight on their wrists, such as those with cerebral palsy or arthritis. Platform crutches include padding to enhance the user’s comfort in their upper extremities. These crutches are usually recommended to people who should use crutches for an extended period.
Forearm Crutches
These are designed for those with weakness in both legs. Most forearm crutches include a platform for extra support and safety. They are partial weight-bearing crutches. As a result, they are not usually ideal for senior citizens. Using a forearm crutch requires you to slip your arms into cuffs and then grasp the crutch’s grip. The cuffs are usually plastic or metallic and have an opening to allow the user’s arms to slip out.
Underarm Crutches
These are generally used for temporary disabilities or injuries. When using underarm crutches, you will place the crutch’s pads beneath your armpits and hold the grips. Underarm crutches are the most commonly used since they need less upper arm strength and training. Also, they are cheaper compared to other options. The two primary aspects that should influence your choice are the crutch’s height and the distance between the handgrip and your underarm.
Strutter Crutches
These are a variant of underarm crutches. They are designed to reduce some of the issues associated with conventional underarm crutches, including blood clots, aneurysms, nerve damage, and artery stenosis. Strutter crutches are height adjustable and feature a shoulder strap for extra support.
Leg Support Crutches
These are meant for those with a disability or injury that only affects one of their legs. The crutches are strapped onto the injured leg. The support frame of the crutch transfers the user’s lower limb weight to the knee and thighs. Leg support crutches eliminate most of the hand issues associated with other crutches. However, they cannot be used for pelvis, thigh and hip injuries.
Most people will pick the first crutch that they see in a mobility aids store since they assume that the products are completely the same. However, the wrong type of crutch will cause more harm to your body rather than aid in mobility. Your strength, posture, and comfort are some of the elements that will influence your choice. You should get expert input to ensure that you make the right decision.
