Forearm Crutches: Helping People Move and Stay Active

Have you ever seen someone walking with special sticks that go up to their elbows? Those are called forearm crutches. They’re tools that help people walk when they have trouble moving on their own. Let’s learn all about forearm crutches, how they work, and why they’re so important for many people.

What Are Forearm Crutches?

Forearm crutches are mobility aids. That means they help people move around. They look like long sticks with:

• A handle to hold onto
• A cuff that goes around the forearm (the part of your arm between your elbow and wrist)
• A tip at the bottom that touches the ground

People use forearm crutches to help them walk when their legs are weak or hurt. These crutches help spread a person’s weight between their arms and legs, making it easier to move around.

How Are Forearm Crutches Different from Other Crutches?

There are a few types of crutches:

1. Forearm crutches: These go from your hand to your elbow.
2. Underarm crutches: These go from under your armpit to the ground.
3. Platform crutches: These have a special platform to rest your forearm on.

Forearm crutches are often better than underarm crutches because:

• They’re easier to use for a long time
• They don’t put pressure under your arms, which can be uncomfortable
• They give you more control when you walk

Who Uses Forearm Crutches?

Many different people use forearm crutches:

• People recovering from leg injuries
• People with conditions that make their legs weak
• People with balance problems
• Some people with cerebral palsy
• Some people with multiple sclerosis

Forearm crutches can be used for a short time (like when recovering from a broken leg) or for many years.

How Do Forearm Crutches Work?

Forearm crutches help people walk by:

1. Supporting body weight: They take some weight off your legs.
2. Improving balance: They give you more points of contact with the ground.
3. Increasing stability: They help you feel more steady when you walk.

When someone uses forearm crutches, they move them forward and then step between them. This creates a pattern of movement that helps them walk safely.

Parts of a Forearm Crutch

Let’s look at the different parts of a forearm crutch:

1. Cuff: This is the part that goes around your forearm. It helps support your weight.
2. Handle: This is where you grip the crutch. It’s usually adjustable to fit different hand sizes.
3. Shaft: This is the long part of the crutch. It can often be adjusted to different heights.
4. Tip: This is the part that touches the ground. It’s usually made of rubber to prevent slipping.

How to Use Forearm Crutches

Using forearm crutches takes practice. Here are the basic steps:

1. Adjust the crutches to the right height. Your elbow should be slightly bent when you hold the handles.
2. Put your arms through the cuffs and hold the handles.
3. Move both crutches forward about a step’s length.
4. Step forward with your weaker or injured leg.
5. Lean on the crutches and step through with your stronger leg.
6. Repeat this pattern to keep moving forward.

Remember, it’s important to learn how to use forearm crutches from a doctor or physical therapist. They can show you the right way to use them for your specific needs.

Benefits of Forearm Crutches

Forearm crutches have many benefits:

1. Independence: They help people move around on their own.
2. Exercise: Using crutches can be good exercise for your arms and upper body.
3. Versatility: They work well on different types of ground, even stairs.
4. Comfort: They’re often more comfortable than underarm crutches for long-term use.
5. Posture: They can help people maintain better posture while walking.

Challenges of Using Forearm Crutches

While forearm crutches are helpful, they can also be challenging:

1. Learning curve: It takes time and practice to use them well.
2. Arm strength: You need strong arms to use them effectively.
3. Hands are busy: It’s hard to carry things while using crutches.
4. Fatigue: Using crutches can make your arms and shoulders tired.
5. Skin irritation: The cuffs might rub against your skin and cause sores.

Choosing the Right Forearm Crutches

If you need forearm crutches, it’s important to choose the right ones:

• Size: Make sure they can be adjusted to your height.
• Weight: Lighter crutches are easier to use, but they need to be strong enough to support you.
• Grip: Choose handles that feel comfortable in your hands.
• Cuff: The cuff should fit your arm well without being too tight.
• Tips: Look for non-slip tips for better safety.

Always talk to a doctor or physical therapist before choosing crutches. They can help you find the best ones for your needs.

Caring for Your Forearm Crutches

To keep your crutches working well:

1. Check the tips often and replace them if they’re worn out.
2. Clean the handles and cuffs regularly with soap and water.
3. Tighten any loose screws or bolts.
4. If any part breaks, get it fixed or replaced right away.

Accessories for Forearm Crutches

There are things you can add to your crutches to make them better:

• Gel covers for the handles to make them more comfortable
• Bags that attach to the crutches to carry small items
• Lights to help you see in the dark
• Ice grips for the tips to use in snowy or icy weather

Forearm Crutches in Different Settings

Forearm crutches can be used in many places:

• At home: They help people move around their house safely.
• At work: Many people use crutches while doing their jobs.
• In school: Students might use crutches to get around campus.
• For sports: Some athletes use special crutches for adaptive sports.

New Technologies in Forearm Crutches

Scientists and engineers are always trying to make crutches better:

• Some new crutches have shock absorbers to make walking smoother.
• There are crutches that can fold up to be more portable.
• Some high-tech crutches have sensors to help people walk better.

Conclusion

Forearm crutches are amazing tools that help many people stay active and independent. They take some practice to use, but they can make a big difference in people’s lives. Whether someone needs crutches for a short time while they heal or for many years, these devices help them keep moving. If you ever need to use forearm crutches, remember that they’re there to help you. With the right crutches and some practice, you can keep doing many of the things you love to do.

Forearm crutches:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8381660/ – This is a study comparing axillary and forearm crutches.