Crutches

A device that facilitates movement in case of illness or injury to the legs or spine. Crutches allow you to transfer the load from a sore leg (or spine) to your arms. There are two types of crutches: with support for the hand and armpits and with support for the hand and forearm (picture).

Crutches of the first type are of a collapsible design, which allows you to change their height depending on the patient’s height. These crutches are made from hard wood or metal. They consist of two figured racks with a crossbar (support) for the armpits on top and a handle for the hand, secured with a bolt in special holes in the middle part of the racks; it can be moved vertically. The armpit is lined with felt and leather. At the bottom, the shaped posts are connected to the support post with two bolts. At the end of the stand there is a rubber tip with a ribbed surface to prevent slipping.

The height of the crutches is set by moving the support post and securing it at the desired level, so that in a straightened position you can lean on the crutches with your hand and armpit while slightly bending your arm at the elbow joint. Crutches should not be too high or low: crutches that are too high rub the skin and can damage the nerves and blood vessels of the axillary area; low crutches create instability when moving, because the entire weight of the body is transferred to the hands, which leads to rapid fatigue.

Crutches with support for the hand and forearm are non-separable; they are usually made of metal strictly according to size. They have a fixed horizontal support for the hand and at the upper end an oval metal plate - an armrest. The latter should be at the level of the upper third of the forearm. The armrest and wrist rest are covered in leather. This type of crutches is suitable for physically strong people with well-developed arm muscles. A doctor or physical therapy instructor introduces patients to the rules for using crutches.

Crutches: use, production and varieties

Crutches are medical devices used to support a person with reduced mobility or a leg injury. They consist of two main parts: a vertical rod and an arm support. The vertical rod can be made of aluminum, steel or wood, and the arm support can be made of rubber or plastic.

The use of crutches may be necessary to treat a variety of illnesses or injuries, such as fractures, sprains, rheumatoid arthritis, paralysis, and other conditions that may impair leg mobility.

There are many types of crutches, which differ in shape, material of manufacture and method of use. Some of the most common types of crutches include metal crutches, elbow crutches, adjustable length elbow crutches, and others.

The production of crutches is carried out by many pharmaceutical companies around the world. Some of the crutch manufacturers mentioned in the description include Acorn (United States of America), Aversus (Russia), Amrus Enterprises (United States of America), Atlanta (United States of America), Mega-Optim (Russia), Omni (United States of America) and Project-SE (Russia).

Crutches may be recommended by your doctor as temporary support for mobility issues or as permanent support for chronic conditions. They can also be used as a means of rehabilitation after injury or surgery.

Although crutches are an important means of support for mobility impairment, their use may be limited by certain factors. For example, they may be uncomfortable to wear, cause discomfort or cause damage to the skin on your hands. In such cases, the doctor may recommend other means of support, such as canes or power wheelchairs.

In conclusion, crutches are an important means of support in cases of mobility impairment or in the treatment of certain diseases. Although their use may have some limitations, they can greatly help improve the quality of life for people who have experienced mobility impairment or other conditions that have resulted in the loss of normal leg mobility.