Types of Walking Crutches

Anyone who has ever broken a foot or had a bad ankle sprain knows what a crutch is and how it can help assist in walking. People all over the world use crutches to help aid in walking when a lower limb injury or disease has limited their mobility. There are a few types of walking crutches available to assist during an injury or disease.

Axillary

• These are the most recognized crutches in the medical world and the most common. Axillary crutches are made out aluminum or wood. The design of these crutches involves a rod or bar that fits underneath the axilla, or underarm. This type of crutch is intended for a person who needs short-term assistance with walking. These crutches typically accommodate an individual with a foot or leg injury. Users should have a strong upper body and good balance.

Forearm or Lofstrand

• These crutches have an arm cuff that attaches to the forearm but does not give forearm support. These crutches do not have an axillary bar for support. The user of these crutches should have training from a doctor and become familiar with the forearm design before using them. A person who relies on these crutches needs continual support with walking. Strong upper body and arm strength is needed along with excellent coordination to use these crutches.

Platform

• Platform crutches will support the forearms of the users. This reinforcement is for people who cannot sustain weight on the hands and wrists. Many people who use platform crutches have arthritis. Less upper body strength is needed for operation because much of the weight is absorbed in the forearms. If there is an issue with an arm being injured, one platform and one axillary crutch can be used on each arm.

Crutch-Walking Gait

• The walking gait is the walking style that the crutch user performs. It is determined by the user's type of injury or condition. These styles are taught by a physician or a physical therapist. The number of points or method describes the motion or stability points. There are five types of walking gaits. The gaits are called the two-point gait, the three-point gait, the four-point, swing-to gait, and the swing-through gait.