Adult Crutches / Crutches for Tall Adults

Aren’t Forearm Crutches for Kids?

Many people may think of children when they first hear of wrist crutches, but the truth is that these were originally developed by an adult, for adults. The invention of the Lofstrand crutch design was one of the first commercially produced forearm crutches in Canada. The person who invented it, who was actually a polio survivor, intended it for its own use; to improve his overall mobility and eliminate the pain and discomfort he was suffering from while using a regular pair of crutches. 

Over the years, forearm crutches gained popularity due to the extensive amount of benefits they offer. They’ve been used to help children suffering from musculoskeletal disorders and immunodeficiencies, such as cerebral palsy and muscular dystrophy. They helped children regain a sense of normalcy in their daily lives. But what about adults? Well, actually, in recent years, more and more adults are in need of adult crutches of both axillary and forearm types. 

Forearm Crutches for Adults

Axillary crutches are hard on seniors and those who have trouble holding themselves up with their hands. Underarm crutches require a lot more physical strength and stamina to use, and many elderly people, as well as those with debilitating mobility disorders, aren’t able to use them very comfortably. Lofstrand crutches were made to accommodate the elderly and those who need additional support and stability, but they work best among those still able to help themselves get around a little bit. 

These crutches are able to assist adults in regaining some of their physical strength over time without suffering from excessive fatigue. These crutches have been known to require more upper body strength, but they can help more than they hurt. There is no possibility of underarm or axillary dysfunction with forearm crutches. 

Axillary Crutches for Grownups

Most axillary crutches have moderate to high weight capacities, ranging from 175 to 650 pounds. While they may be uncomfortable for some users who require long-term crutch use, they remain an excellent choice for short term injuries where users need to keep their weight off of one leg. In the event that a person needs to repair or recover from injuries to both legs, one may want to consider buying a wheelchair instead, but axillary crutches can sometimes be used if the individual can bear minimal weight on the injured limbs. 

Crutches for Taller Adults

Crutches are adjustable for one simple reason – manufacturers know that different people are of various heights. The average base height of many crutches is meant to fit users who are approximately 5 feet 3 inches to 5 feet 8 inches. Crutches that are for tall adults are meant to accommodate users who are taller than 6 feet 2 inches. Some models are available to be adjusted so high that they can help users who stand as high as 7 feet tall. 

Crutches for Short People

For elderly users who can handle axillary crutches, and for those who are shorter, smaller crutches are available at medical supply stores. Here at AvaCare Medical, we can accommodate even users who are less than 54 inches tall. These shorter crutches are adjustable, and can be an excellent choice for children who are older and teenagers, too. These options are also widely utilized by adults, as well, since they can allow shorter people to benefit from their design. Most users who use short crutches can use them comfortably at their shortest base height; this enables the crutches to still be adjusted for those who may be a little bit taller. 

How to Choose the Right Adult Crutches

When choosing adult crutches, there are several points to consider before making a purchase. One needs to choose the best crutches for their specific needs, and depending on what those needs are and how long the crutches will be used, the user will be best equipped to make the right decision on the brand, model, and type of crutches that are needed. Some of these things that need to be looked into are:

Weight Capacity

The weight capacity of a crutch is the most important thing that a person needs to know before they choose a specific set of crutches. A user must select a set of crutches that they can properly bear weight on without causing themselves any problems or further injury. In order to achieve the proper balance and mobility, the user’s weight and anything they carry should total a weight well below the stated capacity of the crutches. Many further unnecessary injuries often are caused by those who lose their balance and end up bearing weight on their injured leg or foot when they shouldn’t have.

How Long Will the Need for Crutches Be?

Users should consult their doctors about this point in order to find out what type of crutch they need. If a user is going to require a more long-term solution, or if they only need about 50% of additional trunk support, then they may want to consider adult forearm crutches. Otherwise, if stability is the primary concern, or if they need crutches that accommodate easier balance and use, then axillary adult crutches may be the right answer. Figuring out how long a person needs the crutches can be a large determining factor. Over time, axillary crutches may cause nerve issues or damage to the axilla (underarm). If there is a long-term need for crutches, then one may want to consider forearm crutches as well.

Where Will These Crutches Be Used?

Depending on the amount of weight-bearing and in what settings a person expects to walk most often, they may want to consider the differences between the two types as well. If a person will likely traverse uneven surfaces or even stairs often, they may want to consider choosing forearm crutches. One should keep in mind, however, that forearm crutches do require more physical strength. With the right practice and procedures, one can easily get up and down the stairs when using these crutches.

At AvaCare Medical, we can provide you with the proper adult crutches to suit your mobility needs! If you have any questions or would like more information, our customer care representatives are here to take care of you. All you have to do is give us a call today at 1-877-813-7799 or send an email and we’ll address any questions or concerns you may have. We’d love to assist you with your order today!