A crutch is a medical device used to reduce the load on the lower limbs and improve coordination by increasing support or transferring mass to the upper region of the body or arm. Various types of such devices are produced. For a longer rehabilitation period, it is preferable to use a crutch with support under the elbow. For the manufacture of standard crutches, light wood or aluminum is used.
Types of designs. Crutches resting on the forearm
For their manufacture, aluminum is used. Devices are equipped with a rack, an emphasis clip and the handle. Despite the fact that these structures do not provide a sufficient amount of lateral support, they have small dimensions and are most functional in the process of climbing stairs. They can be used together with orthopedic devices.
Crutches with axillary support
These designs are mainly used in early rehabilitation after surgical interventions or injuries, and also, if necessary, provide the patient with a constant firm emphasis. Experts do not recommend the use of this type of structure for more than two years. This is primarily due to the fact that constant pressure on the armpits can provoke a clinical manifestation of such a pathology as neuropathy. The main symptom of the disease in this case is numbness of the hands. In addition, prolonged emphasis when using devices of this type can cause deforming osteoarthritis of the shoulder joint. In this regard, if necessary, in a long rehabilitation period after relieving the condition, if possible, switch to lightweight structures.
How to choose devices at the initial stage of rehabilitation
When choosing a design, two parameters are primarily taken into account: attention should be paid to the total height from the tip to the stop and the height of the crossbar itself for the support. In some cases, the adaptation is necessary for bedridden patients. To determine the required length of the structure, 40 cm is taken from the patient’s growth. Ideally, the design is chosen directly for the patient, while the shoes should be ordinary. Putting a crutch along the body, resting it, you should try on. The distance between the foot and the lower part of the crutch should be 15-20 cm, while between the emphasis and the depression, the presence of about 4-5 cm is necessary. To ensure the correct position of the wrist rest, the patient should lower his arm freely, then bend it to 30 degrees, and compress it into a fist . If you extend your arm forward, the bar should be at the level of your wrist. After setting up one crutch, the same manipulations are carried out with the second. At first use, the patient should pay attention to their feelings. If soreness or pain occurs in the armpits, the length of the crutches should be reduced. If the body weight is distributed mainly to the hands, then you should change the adjustment in the direction of increase.
"Canadians"
A crutch with support under the elbow is a fairly light and convenient design. The device has an optimal weight and size, which makes it convenient to use. The crutch with support under the elbow is equipped with a support cuff and a handle. The positions of these elements should be correctly adjusted. When trying on, the lower part of the device is pushed back at a distance of fifteen centimeters from the foot. The forearm is inserted into the cuff, the grip should be grasped with a brush. When bending the arm, the angle should be 15-20 about . In this position, the optimal distribution of the load on the brush is ensured. If the cuff is 5-7 centimeters from the sharpest point of the elbow, the adjustment is correct. This distance is optimal for people with a height of about 170 cm. For higher it should be about 10 centimeters. 4-5 cm is the optimal value for growth of 150 cm. In this case, a crutch with support under the elbow is considered to be selected correctly.