Crutches are one of the oldest inventions of mankind. The first mention of them, found on the walls of the Egyptian pyramids, dates back to 2830 BC. e. However, the official inventor, who had guessed to patent the shape of crutches, was Emil Schlick, who in 1917 put them into widespread production, making products accessible to medical institutions and individuals. Since then, the shape of this device has undergone a small number of changes.
Modern people still rely on two sticks, connected downward, helping to move around with an injury. Only minor details are improved.
When crutches are prescribed
This medical device is prescribed by a doctor:
- with violations of the musculoskeletal system;
- if necessary, support for patients due to illness;
- for the period of rehabilitation after limb injury, surgery, fractures;
- in the presence of physiological abnormalities.
Types of Crutches
There are several types of crutches. They are divided, depending on the place of support, into the axillary and with support under the elbow, called the canadian. The choice of a particular type of crutches depends on the individual characteristics of the patient and the reasons why he had to stand on them. They may also have different material. There are wooden, plastic and aluminum crutches. Plastic and aluminum analogues are stronger than wooden ones, which are designed for a maximum weight of 100 kilograms.
Choosing the right crutches
If it so happened that you have to stand on crutches, then the choice of this vehicle should be approached as carefully and responsibly as possible. The fact that they are visually slightly different does not mean that you need to buy the first ones you get. After all, for a certain time they will become an integral part of your life. The wrong choice of crutches is fraught with very unpleasant consequences:
- scuffs;
- pinched nerves;
- damage to muscle or bone tissue;
- inflammation of the shoulder joint;
- improper redistribution of load, exacerbating the patient's condition.
Both the axillary crutch and the Canadian should take into account the individual parameters of the patient and the nature of the injury. Then they can not only ease walking, but also accelerate the process of rehabilitation and return to the ranks of healthy people. Before picking up axillary crutches or canadies, you should consult a doctor who will give all the necessary recommendations.
Axillary view of crutches: features
This type of crutches promotes uniform weight transfer when moving to the shoulders. It is prescribed to people with weakened arm muscles and those who are overweight. Having a convenient stable support, they are most suitable for use immediately after injury or damage. However, an axillary crutch should not be used continuously for more than 2 years, as this can lead to serious violations in the shoulder girdle.
Aluminum axillary crutches
Aluminum lightweight anti-corrosion alloy makes the products durable and easy to use. Axillary aluminum crutches can withstand weight up to 140 kilograms. They can be adjusted according to the height of the crutch and the height of the handle. Thanks to the double adjustment system, universal options can be used by both a seven-year-old child and an adult up to 1 meter 90 centimeters tall.
The weight of such instances is from 1 to 2 kilograms. The price varies from 1000 to 1500 rubles. Reinforced metal crutches withstand weight up to 220 kilograms, but they themselves weigh a lot, and the best alternative to them would be
a wheelchair.Wooden axillary crutches
They are made both from solid wood and from glued veneer. The top protective layer is nitro-varnish. Modern axillary wooden crutches have a multilevel fixation, soft axillary pads and handles and a lightweight design, which makes them slightly heavier than aluminum. At the request of the patient, they can be equipped with an anti-ice system. Height is adjustable with clamps. Axillary crutches, the price of which starts at 500 rubles, can be purchased both in specialized stores and pharmacies. They have an allowable load of 100 kilograms.
On Avito axillary crutches are presented in the widest assortment of both new and used ones. Here you can purchase any accessories (if necessary, replace them). There are options for travel lovers. Such crutches fold in half. Their price will be within 2 thousand rubles.
Crutch size selection
When choosing an axillary crutch, attention should be paid to the height from the floor to the axillary bar and the position of the handle. In this case, it is desirable that the patient was in a standing position and was shod in his usual shoes. Otherwise, when choosing suitable crutches, 40 centimeters are taken away from the height of the patient. However, this choice excludes the consideration of the individual characteristics of the patient, which can lead to some discomfort during use. If the patient is able to stand, then he should lean on a healthy leg, stand relaxed with his arms down. In this case, the crutch should be located near the chest at a distance of 20 centimeters away from the foot. The upper roller should be located 4 centimeters below the armpit. After adjusting the height of the crutch, you can begin to adjust the handle. The crutch remains in the same position, the arms fall, the wrist rest should be at the level of the wrist line. This indicates the correct installation of the handle.
At the first walk, you need to listen to personal feelings. Excessive pressure in the armpits indicates that the crutch is long and the height must be reduced, if the body weight is strongly transferred to the hands and the shoulders are relaxed, then, on the contrary, increase the height.
Useful tips for beginners
Getting used to such a vehicle is not easy at once. You should constantly monitor the position of crutches, which should be at least 10 centimeters in front of the foot. To make it easier to maintain balance, you should press the support posts to your chest more firmly, while the back should be as even as possible. It is not easy with crutches and change position. In order to get out of the chair, both crutches must be placed from the side where there is damage, grab the hand from the inside and rise. When walking, both crutches move simultaneously on average 30 centimeters forward. A healthy leg should be placed on the heel. When moving with crutches on the stairs, you should take them in one hand, hold the railing with your other hand. When lifting, crutches are placed on the same step where you are standing. Weight is evenly distributed between the two hands, and a healthy leg is carried one step up. Do not forget to monitor the condition of the skirts. They should not be erased. Otherwise, there is a danger of slipping on the floor or floor tiles.
Axillary crutch is indispensable for injuries, injuries and other diseases of one of the lower extremities. It facilitates the walking process, evenly distributing weight and increasing the radius of support, provides more comfortable conditions for movement.