Crutches

Understanding Crutches: Features and Types

Choosing the right crutches is crucial for effective support and comfort. Understanding the different types and their features will help you make an informed decision when you want to buy crutches for your specific situation.

Types of Crutches

• Axillary (Underarm) Crutches: These are the most common type, providing support by resting under the armpit and relying on handgrips for weight-bearing. They are often used for short-term recovery.
• Forearm (Elbow/Canadian) Crutches: Featuring a cuff that encircles the forearm and a handgrip, these crutches offer more control and are preferred for long-term use or when upper body strength is good. Our Forearm Crutch with Foldable Cuff is an excellent example of this type, combining stability with portability.
• Gutter Crutches (Platform Crutches): Less common, these crutches feature a padded forearm support and are used when weight cannot be placed through the hands, or for conditions like severe arthritis.

Key Features to Consider

When you're looking for crutches for sale, consider these features for optimal comfort and function:

• Adjustability: Ensure the crutches are easily adjustable in height to match your stature. Proper fitting is paramount for preventing discomfort and maximising stability.
• Grips and Padding: Ergonomically designed handgrips and comfortable padding (for underarm or forearm cuffs) significantly reduce pressure and prevent soreness, especially during prolonged use.
• Material: Modern crutches are often made from lightweight yet strong materials like aluminum or carbon fiber, making them easier to maneuver without compromising durability.
• Weight Capacity: Check the maximum user weight to ensure the crutches can safely support you.
• Portability: Features like foldable cuffs or collapsible designs, such as those found on our Forearm Crutch with Foldable Cuff, are invaluable for storage and travel.
• Tips/Ferrules: High-quality, non-slip rubber tips at the base of the crutches provide crucial traction on various surfaces, enhancing safety.

How to Choose the Right Crutches for Your Needs

Selecting the ideal pair of crutches depends on your injury, recovery stage, upper body strength, and lifestyle. As Medpoint, we're committed to helping you find the perfect mobility solution right here in Ireland.

1. Consult a Professional: Always seek advice from a healthcare professional, such as a doctor or physiotherapist, to determine the most appropriate type of crutch and how to fit them correctly.
2. Assess Your Injury and Weight-Bearing Status: For non-weight-bearing injuries, axillary crutches might be initially recommended. For partial weight-bearing or long-term support, forearm crutches offer greater independence and maneuverability.
3. Consider Your Upper Body Strength: Forearm crutches require more upper body strength and coordination than axillary crutches.
4. Think About Long-Term vs. Short-Term Use: For extended recovery periods, investing in comfortable, durable forearm crutches that offer better posture and less strain is often beneficial.
5. Lifestyle and Environment: If you need to navigate stairs frequently or travel, features like foldable designs and robust tips are essential.

Benefits of Using Crutches for Your Lifestyle

Crutches offer a crucial means of support, empowering you to maintain independence and facilitate healing.

• Injury Support and Healing: Crutches effectively offload weight from an injured or recovering limb, promoting faster healing and preventing further damage.
• Enhanced Mobility: They enable individuals to move around safely and confidently, whether at home, work, or during rehabilitation exercises.
• Improved Balance and Stability: Crutches provide an extended base of support, significantly reducing the risk of falls for those with impaired balance.
• Increased Independence: By providing the necessary support, crutches help users maintain their daily routines and reduce reliance on others for mobility.
• Versatility: With various types and adjustable features, crutches can be adapted to suit different stages of recovery and individual needs.

For those needing additional support beyond crutches, explore our range of walking stick options, or consider a rollator walker for more stability and convenience. For broader mobility challenges, our comprehensive selection of mobility aids includes solutions like a Zimmer frame and various wheelchairs. Medpoint is dedicated to providing quality mobility solutions across Ireland.

Frequently Asked Questions about Crutches

What are the three types of crutches?
The three main types of crutches are axillary (underarm) crutches, forearm (elbow/Canadian) crutches, and gutter (platform) crutches. Each type offers different levels of support and is suited for specific needs and conditions.

What are crutches used for?
Crutches are primarily used to assist individuals with lower extremity injuries, disabilities, or post-surgical recovery by transferring body weight from the legs to the arms and torso. They help promote healing, enhance mobility, and provide stability.

Can you buy crutches at a pharmacy?
Yes, you can often buy crutches at larger pharmacies or medical supply stores. Many online retailers also offer a wide selection of crutches for purchase, providing convenience and often a broader range of options.

What conditions require crutches?
Crutches are commonly required for conditions such as fractures (e.g., ankle, leg, foot), sprains, post-operative recovery (e.g., knee surgery, hip replacement), neurological impairments affecting lower limb strength or balance, and other temporary or permanent conditions that limit weight-bearing on one or both legs.

How to survive 6 weeks non-weight-bearing?
Surviving 6 weeks non-weight-bearing involves a combination of careful planning, adapting your home environment, and diligently following medical advice. This includes mastering proper crutch usage, managing daily tasks (like showering, dressing), ensuring you have comfortable seating and rest areas, planning meals, and having a support system in place. Consulting with a physiotherapist for specific exercises and strategies is highly recommended.