Crutch
Crutches are stick-like medical tools that a in the event that one's leg or legs may be injured or unable to support weight. Several different types exist:
- Under-arm
- These are the most common type in the United States, and are used most often by people with temporary disability or injury. These are used by placing the pads under the armpits and grabbing the grip.
- Forearm
- These are the most common type in Europe, but used in the US almost exclusively by people with permanent disabilities. These are used by slipping the arm into a cuff and grabbing the grip.
- Platform
- These are less common and used by those with poor grip. The arm rests on a horizontal platform and is strapped in place.
Information on Usage
Several different gait patterns are possible, and the user chooses which one to use depending on the reason the crutches are needed. For example, a person with a leg injury generally lifts the injured leg, places both crutches in front of himself, and then swings his uninjured leg to meet the crutches. Other gates are used when both legs are equally affected by some disability.
External links
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