Every day, countless people around the world depend on crutches for mobility due to injuries, surgeries, or disabilities. While crutches are designed to assist in walking and provide support, they can cause discomfort or even pain around the armpit region. This issue can negatively impact one’s quality of life and even deter many from using crutches properly, putting themselves at risk for additional injury.
Fortunately, making small adjustments to your crutches can ensure comfort, minimize armpit pain, and promote hassle-free mobility for both short-term and long-term use.
In this blog post, we will share practical advice on how to set up and use your crutches for optimal performance, explain padding solutions to eliminate irritation, and discuss proper positioning to avoid unnecessary pressure on the armpits. So, let’s get started on making your crutches a source of support, not pain.
I. Importance of Correct Crutch Fitting and Positioning
Before diving into padding solutions for your armpit woes, let’s consider the basics: proper crutch fitting and positioning. One of the main reasons for armpit pain while on crutches is a poor fit or improper setup. By making sure your crutches are correctly adjusted and positioned, you reduce the likelihood of discomfort and enhance their overall functionality.
1. Choosing the Right Crutch Size and Height Adjustment
Start by selecting the appropriate crutch size, which should be based on your height and body type. Most crutches have height markings printed on the side to help you find the right size. To adjust the crutch height, follow these steps:
- Stand up straight, in a relaxed position with your shoes on.
- Place the crutch tip about 6 inches away from the side of your foot and 2 inches in front (forming an inverted “V” shape with your foot).
- Adjust the crutch height so that the top of the crutch pad is roughly 1-2 inches below your armpit while leaving a small gap between the pad and your armpit.
2. Positioning the Crutch Pad to Avoid Armpit Pressure
To ensure the right position, your armpit should be slightly elevated above the crutch padding. A common misconception is that your entire body weight should rest heavily on the armpit pad, which can lead to nerve damage and increased discomfort. Instead, your weight should be primarily supported by your hands with minimal to no pressure on the armpits.
3. Proper Weight Distribution on Hands vs. Armpits
When standing still with crutches, your arms should be slightly bent at the elbow, and your hands should grip the handgrips firmly. Your weight should be distributed upon the palms of your hands when you move or walk. This reliance on your arms and hands is essential to alleviate pressure on the pads under your armpits and reduce potential discomfort. With some practice, you’ll become more comfortable with this weight distribution.
II. Adding Padding and Cushioning
Once you’ve established the correct fitting and positioning of your crutches, you can look into padding and cushioning options to further improve your comfort level and prevent armpit pain. There are various padding materials and methods you can employ to achieve a more comfortable experience while on crutches.
1. Types of Crutch Padding Materials
When it comes to choosing the right padding material for your crutch, consider the following options:
- Foam Padding: Lightweight and widely available, foam padding can be easily wrapped around the handgrips and crutch pad to provide the necessary cushioning for your armpits.
- Gel Pads: These pads provide gentle cushioning and can be placed over the crutch pad. They are made from soft, flexible materials that conform to the shape of your body, offering greater comfort and distribution of pressure.
- Sheepskin Padding: While slightly more expensive, sheepskin padding is a luxurious option that offers extra cushioning and breathability to prevent armpit pain. It can be easily attached to the crutch pad or handgrips.
2. How to Secure Padding to the Crutch
When it comes to attaching the padding to the crutch pad or handgrip, you can follow these simple steps:
- Thoroughly clean and dry the crutch pad and handgrips.
- Wrap the padding material around the crutch pad or handgrip, making sure it is evenly distributed.
- Secure the padding with a strong adhesive or a specialized hook and loop fastening system, such as Velcro.
- Check the padding periodically to ensure it remains securely attached, replacing it when necessary.
3. Additional Padding Options for Handgrips
In addition to cushioning your armpits, it’s essential to consider the comfort of your hands and wrists while using crutches. Explore the following options to add extra padding to your handgrips:
Ergonomic Handgrips:
These specially designed handgrips offer improved cushioning and hand support, reducing the likelihood of fatigue and wrist strain.
Gel Handgrip Covers:
Available in various sizes, gel handgrip covers enhance the cushioning on the existing handgrips of your crutches, improving hand comfort during extended use.
Foam Tubing:
An inexpensive alternative is applying foam tubing around the handgrips, providing added cushioning and preventing hand and wrist fatigue.
You can mix and match these padding options to find the perfect combination to completely alleviate armpit pain and create a comfortable crutch experience. With easy adjustments and the implementation of proper positioning and padding, your crutches can become a reliable support system, enabling you to focus on recovery and mobility.
III. Enhancing Techniques and Troubleshooting Challenges
After discussing the importance of correct crutch fitting, positioning, and the addition of padding and cushioning in our previous sections, we’re now delving into clear-cut guidance on how to enhance your crutch technique for optimal comfort and mobility. Moreover, we’ll offer practical solutions to deal with common crutch-associated challenges that, if left unaddressed, may diminish your user-experience and even lead to potential health complications.
IV. Enhancing Crutch Technique
Mastering crutch technique is crucial to making crutches less painful and more supportive. Here we’ll discuss how to use crutches properly, manage different terrains, and ensure your comfort and safety at all times.
1. Using Crutches Correctly to Avoid Armpit Pressure
While most people grasp the basics of using crutches quickly, tips for proper usage can significantly reduce pressure on your armpits:
- Correct Posture: Stand tall with your shoulders back and abdomen tucked in which helps in proper weight distribution.
- Engage Your Upper Body: Reduce stress on your armpit by using your hands, arms, and chest muscles to control and propel the crutches.
2. Proper Walking Techniques
Proper walking techniques can prevent against undue pressure on your armpits. Here are some steps to adopt perfect walking on flat surfaces:
- Start by placing crutches about one foot ahead of you, while ensuring weight distribution on your handgrips.
- Swing your body forward between crutches, effectively using your upper body to absorb the pressure.
- Repeat this process, always keeping careful control of your crutches to avoid falling or slipping.
3. Tips for Navigating Stairs and Uneven Surfaces
Navigating stairs can be tricky, and uneven surfaces pose a particular challenge. Here’s how to manage these situations safely:
- UP stairs: Always remember “good goes up”. Thus, step up with your uninjured foot first, then pull up the crutches.
- DOWN stairs: The rule of thumb is “bad goes down”. Lower the crutches to the next step first, then step down with your injured leg.
For uneven surfaces, always examine the path ahead and plan your movement. Take small steps, and use the crutch on the side of your good leg for support if necessary.
Even with proper fittings, cushions, and improved crutch techniques, you may encounter some standard challenges when using crutches. Let’s address them:
4. Dealing with Sweaty Armpits and Irritation
Sweat and friction can lead to skin irritation. A few solutions to manage this issue include:
- Proper hygiene: A regular cleansing routine helps minimize sweat and skin rashes.
- Antiperspirant: Application before bed and in the morning can significantly reduce sweating.
- Breathable clothing: Wear sweat-absorbent and breathable clothing to keep your skin dry.
5. Preventing Hand and Wrist Discomfort
Spending long hours on crutches can lead to hand and wrist discomfort. Here are ways to prevent it:
- Proper positioning: Your wrists should align with the handgrips to prevent strain.
- Regular breaks: Take frequent breaks during long distance walks to relax your hands.
- Hand strengthening exercises: Regular exercises can help strengthen your fingers, hands, and wrists.
6. Adjusting for Long-term Use
Long-term crutch use requires further adjustments to reduce discomfort:
- Exercise: Upper body exercises can help build strength for sustained use of crutches.
- Regular inspections: Check for wear and tear and replace parts as necessary. Make sure padding and grips remain functional.
Remember, your comfort and well-being are top priorities. Despite the hurdles you might encounter while using crutches, be assured these tips are designed to help you navigate miles with ease and support your recovery journey.
V. Exploring Alternative Supportive Aid Options and Rehabilitation Exercises
In our previous parts, we’ve explored diverse strategies to utilize traditional underarm crutches more effectively – from the right fitting and padding to perfecting techniques and troubleshooting common crutch-related challenges. Now, let’s explore alternatives to traditional crutches that can provide mobility, ease of use, and comfort – particularly when long-term usage is required. Moreover, we’ll delve into beneficial exercises designed to aid rehabilitation while using mobility aids.
VI. Exploring Alternatives to Traditional Crutches
Crutches aren’t the only solution to mobility challenges during a recovery period. Several alternative devices can provide equally efficient, if not superior, support, especially for long-term use.
1. Forearm Crutches
Also known as elbow crutches, forearm crutches distribute the body weight across a broader area, reducing pressure on the armpits. They are equipped with a cuff that encircles the forearm and a handgrip for support.
2. Hands-Free Crutches
Hands-free crutches are beneficial when you need to use your hands while moving around. They enable better maneuverability and balance by attaching the crutch to your affected limb, freeing your hands for regular tasks.
3. Knee Scooters
A knee scooter, or knee walker, is apt for lower leg injuries. It allows you to rest your injured leg on a comfortable platform while propelling yourself with the uninjured leg. One significant advantage of a knee scooter is the increased stability it provides due to its four-wheel design.
4. Wheelchairs
Wheelchairs are multifaceted mobility aids ideal for anyone with lower limb fracture or severe mobility issue. They can be either manual, pushed along by the user or an assistant or powered electrically.
5. Walkers
Walkers, or Zimmer frames, provide excellent stability and are particularly helpful for those with balance issues. However, they are slower than crutches and require more effort to use.
Each option has its advantages and drawbacks. Therefore, the best alternative will depend on your specific needs, condition, and recovery timeline. Be sure to consult with your healthcare provider before making the decision to switch.
VII. Rehabilitation and Exercises
While using crutches or alternative mobility aids, it’s crucial to engage in appropriate exercises that promote strength, mobility, and overall recovery.
1. Upper Body Strength Exercises
Since crutch mobility demands upper body strength, focusing on exercises that enhance your arm, shoulder, and chest muscles is beneficial. Some exercises include:
Push-ups:
A fantastic way to build arm and chest muscles. If full push-ups are too challenging, consider modified versions, like wall push-ups.
Resistance Band Exercises:
These can provide a comprehensive upper body workout. There are a variety of exercises you can perform targeting different muscle groups utilizing resistance bands.
2. Balance and Flexibility Exercises
Coordination and balance are necessary for smooth crutch navigation. Therefore, incorporating balance-centered exercises can be helpful. Some exercises are:
Leg Lifts:
They can help improve strength and balance.
Heel-to-Toe Walk:
This is a simple exercise where you walk in a straight line placing your heel directly in front of the toes of your other foot.
3. Injury-Specific Exercises
Your healthcare provider can recommend specific exercises tailored to your injury. For example, ankle strengthening exercises for an ankle injury or knee exercises for a knee issue.
Remember to consult with your healthcare provider or a physical therapist before starting any exercise routine to ensure you’re exercising correctly and safely.
Conclusion
Being on crutches or any mobility aid is understandably challenging. Still, with the right expectations, adjustments, and improvements in your practices, you can turn this recovery period into a smoother, more comfortable journey. Whether you choose to stick to traditional crutches or to explore alternative options, we hope that this blog series has equipped you with the knowledge and tips to make your mobility aid work best for you. Remember, every small stride is progress on your road to recovery.
Interested in making your crutch experience more comfortable for your arms? Find out how in our article, ‘How to Make Crutches More Comfortable on Your Arms.‘
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