Axillary Crutches

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Under-the-arm crutches, known technically as axillary crutches, provide patients with a degree of prolonged mobility by transferring weight bearing, normally performed by the legs, ankles, and/or feet to the arms, hands, and shoulders.  Crutches are generally inexpensive, require very little training to use, and do not depend on a great deal of upper body strength.

As in all home medical equipment, proper adjustment is essential to achieve maximum benefit from the product.  The individual who provides the crutches is experienced in adjusting them properly to your height.  Although some minor adjustment may become necessary, the right adjustment the first time will prevent the possibility of injury resulting from incorrect height adjustment or improper connections.

Note the following in regard to adjusting crutches:

1.      Adjust the overall height of the crutches first.  Stand as erect as possible (if you can), look straight ahead, and allow your arms to hang relaxed at your side.  Place the tips of the crutches 6 to 8 inches in front of and to the side of your toes.  Adjust the height to where the underarm pad is approximately one inch below the underarm, and tighten the adjustment mechanism securely.

2.      Set the handgrip at a height from the floor that incurs a slight 20 to 30 degree bend at the elbows when you are standing upright.  Again, stand as erect as possible, look straight ahead, and allow your arms to hang relaxed at your side as someone else adjusts the handgrip height.  In this position, the grips should be set just above the wrists for the initial set up.

Note:

• If you cannot safety stand unaided, do not attempt to do so.  Approximate the height until such time as a more accurate fitting can be accomplished.
• Make certain the adjustment mechanism is securely locked.

Crutches are most frequently used to relieve all weight bearing on one leg.  There are several methods or “crutch gaits” that can be used, and your physician or therapist has recommended the one that is right for you.  Described below is the common “three-point” or “assisted hop” gait:

1.      Begin by standing with your weight evenly distributed between your unaffected leg and the two crutches.  Bend the knee of your affected leg slightly so that it does not touch the floor.

2.      Shift your weight momentarily to the strong leg and bring the crutches forward several inches.  Then shift the weight to the crutches and swing the unaffected leg forward until it is even with the crutches.  (With practice, you can bring the leg several inches forward of the crutches for faster ambulation.)

Do not attempt to negotiate stairs using crutches without the consent of your physician or therapist.

1.      If there is a safety rail or banister, place both crutches in the hand opposite the rail, grasp the rail and hop up to the first step with unaffected leg.  Bring the crutches to the same step, and repeat the procedure as necessary.

2.      For stairs with no rail, have the crutches in the normal position and face the stairs squarely.  Put all your weight on the crutches and hop up onto the step with the unaffected leg, then bring the crutches up to the same step.

3.      When descending stairs, place the crutches on the next down step first, and then bring the unaffected leg down.

Note:

• It is important to achieve a good sense of stability and balance when walking with crutches.
• First time users should have another responsible person present for assistance if necessary.
• Take relatively short steps.  Over striding can cause a loss of balance and subsequent falls.
• Inspect the rubber tips on the leg(s) frequently and replace worn or damaged tips promptly.
• Inspect the underarm pads handgrips and replace as needed.
• Check the height adjustment locking mechanisms regularly.