Making Sure Crutches ‘Fit’ For Purpose!

If you find yourself needing crutches following injury or an operation, make sure you adjust them to size. Ensuring these mobility aids are not too long or short is important in order they are safe to do the job intended. The steps needed for this depend on the type of crutches you have.

Adjusting Axilla Crutches to Size

It is critical that crutches are set to the correct size for your height. Most have adjustable pin-clips to adjust the length.

If you are using Axilla crutches, the single vertical shaft at the foot is adjustable. Axilla models are similar in style to the old-fashion 'pirate’ versions. That is to say they have a horizontal pad at the top, which fits under the user's armpit. They also feature a second, lower pad, where the hand grips.

Some models of Axilla crutches do not have an adjustment for the distance between the higher 'armpit pad' and the lower hand grip pad. Others allow the lower handgrip to be set at different heights. This latter design is much better for the comfort of the user.

To size correctly, let your hands hang naturally by your sides. The level of the lower pad should be about the height of your wrist.

If you then grip the lower pad with your hands, your elbow should have a slight bend in it. With your hand resting on the lower pad, a small gap of around a couple of inches should remain between the armpit and the upper pad.

When using this style of elbow crutches, it is important to avoid slumping your upper body so that its weight bears down through the armpits onto the top pad. If too much pressure focuses on this area of the body, it can lead to nerve damage. This may result in a loss of sensation and strength in the arms, hands and fingers.

Modern crutches, including Axillas, are almost all made using aluminium tubing. This metal is both lightweight and rigid, ideal for use in the manufacture of mobility aids. It is also non-corrosive, so it is not prone to rusting in the elements. Its weight means that it is easy to maneuver, even for those with reduced strength.

Adjusting Forearm Crutches

Another popular style of elbow crutches are ‘forearm’ models. These have a ‘cuff’ at the very top, which fits around the user’s forearm. They then have two sections of tube, which meet at the handle, around hip height.

Some models of forearm elbow crutches are ‘single adjustable’. This usually means the only adjustment is to the length of the lower vertical shaft. This can be set to a particular height by using a pin-clip, similar to those found on axilla crutches.

Other forearm crutches are ‘double adjustable’. With these you can set the length of the bottom shaft as in the examples above, but you can also adjust the length of the upper shaft. This is the length of tubing between the arm cuff and the handle.

These double adjustable models can therefore be more precisely set to size for the dimensions of the individual. Make sure the cuff is set too high as this could make it dig-in to the upper arm.

Permanent User Crutches

One drawback with adjustment mechanisms is that the crutches can produce clicking and squeaking noises when in use. For people using them a lot, this can be an irritation. To get around it, ‘permanent user crutches’ are available. Rather than having the multiple pin-clips, these require cutting to the desired length.

This is another benefit of aluminium. While its tubing is lightweight and strong, it is also easy to cut with a common hacksaw. Once the shaft is at the correct length, the rubber foot, or ‘ferrule’, fits to the bottom of the tube.

Hand Comfort

Most forearm crutches tend to have a standard horizontal handle at hip height. These however can cause pain by digging into the user’s hand. To combat this problem, ergonomic handled models are available. These have wide grips with shaped contours, sympathetic to the hand.

This design spreads weight more evening through the palms and forearms, reducing discomfort. These crutches are popular with people using them for sustained periods.