Mishaps can happen anytime and anywhere, no matter how much you practice safety measures. It just happens when you least expect it, sometimes at your workplace, on the streets, and even at home. In fact, according to United States National Security Council, approximately 53.6% of injuries happen at home. 

Crutches are the most common mobility aid for patients recovering from foot and leg injuries. These aids are designed to transfer more pressure and body weight to the torso and arms rather than the foot and legs. They are convenient, affordable, and easily accessible for everyone. 

Different level of injuries requires specific medication and recovery aids. Your doctor may or may not advise using walking aids like crutches. In this article, we will discuss more the injuries that require the use of crutches. 

Broken and Sprained Ankle or Foot

Sprained ankle or foot happened when one or more of our ligaments stretched too far from the usual. Sometimes it happens due to trips and falls. However, it causes too much pain, swelling, and immobility, which prevents you from doing your routine. Your doctor may put you under a cast or recommend the use of forearm crutches or canes for a week or two until the pain and swelling passed. 

Meanwhile, a broken ankle or foot is a severe injury, and Your doctor may not advise you to use crutches if the bones haven’t healed completely. Your doctor may recommend having follow-up x-rays and checkups before allowing the use of these aids.

Stress Fractures

These are tiny cracks on the bone that are caused by repetitive trauma. They usually occur on the foot, heel, and lower parts of the body. Few stress fractures need surgery and cast for recovery. A doctor can give anti-inflammatory medicines to remove the swelling and pain you feel during your recovery period. Protective footwear is also an option to reduce the stress on the heel and foot. Also, you may use a crutch to reduce pressure weight on foot while doing minimal activities such as standing or walking.  

Achilles tendon Ruptures

Achilles tendon injury is a severe accident that needs surgery. It will take a few months before you can fully walk or perform activities. You need to wear a cast for at least six weeks and a regular checkup to ensure a faster recovery. However, you should consult your doctor first on what walking aids suits you. They may recommend knee walkers, cane, or crutches, depending on the level of injury you have. 

Knee Dislocation or Injury

Recovery and treatment for knee injuries vary depending on the knee caps, tissue, and cartilage damage. Sometimes, surgeries are advised due to excruciating pain, immobility, and swelling—recovery focuses on removing the knee’s pressure and weight. Thus, canes and crutches are advised to take the weight off the knee. Axillary crutches are excellent aids to help you stand and walk without exerting effort or movement to your knees. 

Hip Dislocation

Hip dislocations happen when a high impact and large force affects your hip area. They are familiar with football and skiing athletes. If you fall from a high area or slipped with considerable force, your hips may be dislocated. Treatment includes relocating the hip bone, physical therapy comes next, and strengthening the muscles using crutches and other walking aids. Complete recovery usually takes three to four months, depending on the patient’s response to treatments. 

Anterior Cruciate Ligaments (ACL) Injuries

ACL injuries are very common to athletes and active people. These injuries are severe and could lead to knee injuries in the future. Since they are severe injuries, recovery time could be more than seven months depending on the patient’s healing. The recovery process includes the usage of crutches and knee brace two to three weeks after surgery to support and weigh-off the patient. It helps prevents blood clots that trigger knee injuries in the future. 

Pulled Muscles

If you can feel very severe pain in your legs, foot, or lower part of your body, crutches can be used as support. However, you cannot use these aids right after the injury because you need to rest your legs. You have to wait for two to three days or when your doctor advises you to do so. Meanwhile, you can use ice packs and take medicine to reduce the pain and swelling. 

Types of Crutches

There are three common types of crutches available in the medical market. They vary depending on how patients would use them. Here are the commonly purchased crutches at Avacare Medical. 

  • Axillary Crutches

Axillary crutches are used for short-term purposes such as patients recovering from mild fractures, muscle pain, and minor accidents. These crutches are the most common aids you can see everywhere. On average, they weigh 200 pounds and can be adjusted according to the patient’s comfort. 

  • Forearm Crutches

Forearm Crutches are for long-term use. Patients who suffer from permanent disabilities such as polio. They are also known as elbow crutches, Canadian crutches, and Lofstrand Crutches. They can also be adjusted and customized according to patients’ preferences.

  • Bariatric Crutches 

Bariatric Crutches are precisely the same as the standard crutches in the market. However, they are specifically designed to accommodate up to 450 pounds. 

You can purchase crutches without a prescription. However, doing so may limit you to the specific type of walking aid you need. It is still advisable to consult your doctor whenever you have second thoughts. If you need a replacement or you’re looking for a complete set of crutches, Avacare Medical can save your day! Reach out to us via [email protected] or visit our website for more information.