As part of our advocacy, #OneAccesibility, we will share information about differently able and profile one location with accessible trails. Look out every week for this enlightening post.
Crutches
According to Medical Dictionary crutches are “artificial supports, made of wood or metal, used by those who need aid in walking because of injury, disease, or birth defect.”
Crutches are walking aids which support ordinarily cannot use their legs as a result of temporary or permanent disabilities.
Brief History
One of the assistive devices that have helped millions of persons with disabilities over the years is the crutch. Crutches date back to 1500 BC but the first patented crutch was designed in 1917 by Emile Schlick. A few years later A. R Lofstrand created adjustable crutches. In 1950, the forearm crutches were invented by Thomas Fetterman.
My friend, John, who inspired me to develop concern for disability used crutches all through high school. I remember vividly how he manoeuvred with the device which assisted his movement through the classrooms, walkways, restrooms and vehicles. It was amazing how John could sit on one of his crutches when waiting for us to catch-up or if he needed to rest a bit. It wasn’t perfect though it gave him a sense of camaraderie standing at the same height as the rest of us, despite his mobility challenge.
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There were times I tried to simulate his movements using the crutches. This apparatus in particular had adjustable settings for different lengths. It was made of aluminium or metal. As he added more weight and height, new crutches were ordered or customized to help support him comfortably. My friend prefers crutches to wheelchairs because of barriers found all over our built environment. It is easier to get over a step with crutches than on wheelchair, yet it puts more weight on the arms. As one gets older or heavier, crutches may even become unsafe.
Types of Crutches
Over time, crutches have undergone improvements from mere wood to adjustable customized designs. Old designs were basically T-shaped wood sticks with the top placed under the arm. Some of the wooden crutches later had soft padding to make the underarm sitting more comfortable. The V-shaped crutches were an improvement from the T-shaped format, introducing more balance at the arm and metals at the lower part.
As mobility challenges differ, so are different crutches developed to assist various forms of disabilities. It could be temporary or permanent.
The two major categories of crutches underarm and forearm (lofstrand). Some popular ones include axillary, Lofstrand and Elbow crutches. Other styles like strutters and hands-free crutches are regarded as non-traditional crutches.
John prefers the forearm design. The hand grip gives him more ability to control his movement.
Challenges
Crutches can pose some challenges if not correctly made or used. It is therefore important they are made with the right measurement to suit each patient. Users should also adjust the device accurately. Long use of this assistive device can also leave some marks.
Underarm pain, wrist pain, blisters, crutch palsy or paralysis are the most common side effects of long term usage.
Like John said, “my crutches have failed me several times and I had to stay at home to get it fixed before leaving the house.” Despite the minor drawbacks, crutches are still as useful as they were back in the 1800s, especially for disabled persons living around inaccessible areas.
Do you have a question, suggestion or contribution, feel free to leave a comment.
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