MEDICAL SUPPLY CRUTCHES 

 

Medical supply crutches are mobility aids that are designed to give support to a disabled person while the person is standing. This mobility aid provides balance and stability to a physically challenged individual.

Since antiquity, humans have fashioned support devices to hold themselves up when they became sick or injured. Evidence of use of such devices: dates back to 2830 B.C. A carving on the entrance of an Egyptian tomb depicts a figure leaning on a crutch like staff. Crutch design has evolved from the basic "T" used by tiny Tim in a Christmas carol, to aluminum braces with ice-gripping tips or energy storing tips that function as shock absorbers.

These are usually used for lower-limb injuries. They remain useful today to decrease discomfort, reduce recovery time, and assist walking. Basically, a crutch does two things—reduce weight load on one of your legs and broaden your support base to improve your balance and stability. The support also should assist upright movement and transmit sensory cues through the hands. A crutch allows people with paralysis the benefits of upright posture, and lets them maneuver in places they cannot go with a wheelchair.

In this regard, a crutch becomes necessary when a person cannot walk, or walks with extreme difficulty. Any person with leg or foot pain or injury, weak muscles, or an unstable gait may benefit from using a crutch or medical supply crutches. medical supply crutches shift the force of upright movement from your legs to your upper body. Regaining upright body movement aids circulation, assists kidney and lung functions, and helps prevent calcium loss from your bones.

There are 3 basic types of medical supply crutches: axillary (underarm), forearm, and platform. All 3 should be fitted properly to help reduce movement problems. It is also equally important to have sufficient arm strength, balance, and coordination to use them effectively.