Ultimate Guide to Crutches: Types, Uses, and How to Prevent Axillary Crutches Slipping Off Edges
Crutches are a common medical device used to aid individuals with mobility issues.
Whether recovering from an injury or managing a chronic condition, crutches provide support and stability when walking.
However, it's crucial to use crutches properly to avoid further injuries or discomfort.
In this article, we'll explore the three main types of crutches and their respective advantages and disadvantages. Additionally, we'll introduce a brand that offers an accessory to prevent axillary crutches from slipping from a variety of edges.
Types of Crutches
Crutches are designed to provide support and balance to individuals with mobility issues. There are three main types of crutches:
Axillary Crutches: Axillary crutches, also known as armpit crutches, are the most common type of crutch. They are made of lightweight aluminum and are placed under the arms, with a pad resting against the ribcage. Axillary crutches require the use of the upper body, including the arms, shoulders, and chest, to support the body weight. They offer excellent stability but can be uncomfortable with prolonged use.
Forearm Crutches: Forearm crutches, also known as elbow crutches, are designed to provide support to the forearms, allowing the user to maintain a more natural posture. These crutches are made of lightweight aluminum or wood and offer excellent mobility and control. However, they require more coordination and balance than axillary crutches.
Platform Crutches: Platform crutches, also known as triceps crutches, are designed for individuals with weak grip strength or limited hand mobility. These crutches feature a platform where the user can rest their forearms, which provides stability and reduces wrist strain. Platform crutches offer excellent support but can be difficult to maneuver in tight spaces.
Each type of crutch has its advantages and disadvantages, and the choice will depend on the user's mobility needs, level of coordination, and physical limitations.
In the next section, we'll explore the benefits of axillary crutches in more detail.
Axillary Crutches
What are axillary crutches and how are they used?
Axillary crutches are the most common type of crutch, consisting of a lightweight aluminum frame with a pad that rests against the ribcage. The user places the crutches under their arms and leans forward to support their body weight.
Benefits of Axillary Crutches
Axillary crutches provide excellent stability and are ideal for individuals with weak leg muscles or injuries. They are also relatively inexpensive, with a price range of $10 to $100, depending on the material and brand.
Some popular brands in the market include Drive Medical, Medline, and Carex.
Using Axillary Crutches
To use axillary crutches properly, patients must adjust the height of the crutches to ensure the top of the crutches is about 1-2 inches below the armpits. They should also stand up straight and keep their elbows slightly bent while using the crutches.
It's important to use proper technique to avoid discomfort or further injury. Patients should avoid placing weight on the underarm pads and instead use their hands and arms to support their body weight.
See also: 8 Ways To Make Life Easier On Crutches
One common issue with axillary crutches is that they can slip on edges like countertops or tables, which can be dangerous leaving a patient with only one crutch or sometimes no crutches at all! In the next section, we'll introduce a brand that offers an accessory to prevent axillary crutches from slipping on edges.
Preventing Axillary Crutches Slipping From Resting On Edges
Axillary crutches are a popular type of crutch used by patients who require mobility assistance. It is estimated that 7 million people each year are on crutches. One of the common issues that people experience with axillary crutches when they sit down and rest crutches against a table, chair, or countertop the crutches slip off of the edges they’re resting against, causing an embarrassing commotion, and ultimately a safety hazard. This slipping can occur when the metal, or wooden arms of the crutches come into contact with a countertop edge and if they aren’t balanced perfectly or something bumps them, they go crashing to the floor.
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To address this issue, many brands have developed accessories that can prevent axillary crutches from slipping - but none that solve the issue of crutches sliding off of edges when the crutches aren’t in use. One such accessory is offered by our brand, Crutch Grip Strips, which is designed to provide a secure grip on the edges and prevent the crutches from sliding off and onto the floor.
The benefits of using Crutch Grip Strips include increased safety and increased confidence knowing that when you rest your crutches against an edge, they will stay put and not end up on the floor.
Our accessory works by providing a non-slip surface that grips the edge, preventing the crutches from sliding off. The accessory is easy to attach to the crutches, and it is compatible with all axillary crutches on the market.
To use our Crutch Grip Strips with axillary crutches, simply follow these instructions:
Application instructions:
Apply strips to same crutch side, one strip per crutch leg
Start placement of strip typically 25”-27” from the bottom of the crutch
Remove adhesive backing
Continue to press strip onto crutch up towards the armpit pad
Repeat on opposite leg, same surface side of the crutch.
Trim strip if needed with scissors or utility knife.
Both legs need the strip installed to create the surface tension needed to resist slides.
Once attached, the crutches can be used as normal, and the accessory will provide extra stability on smooth surfaces.
Overall, using an accessory like our brand's offering can help to make using axillary crutches safer and more comfortable for patients. By preventing slipping on edges, patients can have greater confidence and independence when using their crutches.
In conclusion, crutches are an important tool for people with injuries or medical conditions that affect their mobility. Axillary crutches are the most commonly used type of crutch, but other types of crutches may be more appropriate for some individuals depending on their specific needs.
It's important to use crutches properly and safely to avoid further injury. Always consult with a medical professional and follow proper techniques when using crutches. Consider using Crutch Grip Strips accessory for a more secure use of axillary crutches.