I’ll Be Your Crutch

I’ll Be Your Crutch

When you are injured and have a hard time staying mobile, certain types of support devices can be used to help move you along.  Support device use dates back to 2830 BC. A common type of support device that is used in the podiatric world is crutches. Crutches are a T shaped, lightweight aluminum brace that helps you walk or take weight off of an injured ankle, foot, or leg. They absorb shock and are slip resistant and act like a second foot when yours is not doing so great.

For lower-limb injuries such as a broken leg, broken ankle, sprained ankle, knee injuries, and other injuries, as well as after surgery on the leg, knee, ankle, or foot, crutches remain useful today to decrease discomfort, reduce recovery time, and assist walking. Often when you get a cast put on your leg or foot, you will be required to use crutches for a period of time. Crutches may also be used by amputees, and people with other disabilities that make walking difficult.

How Do Crutches Work?

A crutch is responsible for doing two things: reducing the weight load on one of your legs and broadening your support base to improve your balance and stability. A crutch allows people with paralysis or other disabilities the benefits of upright posture and lets them maneuver in places they cannot go with a wheelchair.

A crutch is 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 crutches. A podiatrist will let you know if crutches are necessarily based on your injury and its severity.

Crutches shift the force of upright movement from your legs to your upper body. You must have sufficient arm strength, balance, and coordination to use them effectively. If they are not used the right way, they can injure you.

Breaking a foot or ankle, or undergoing a surgery can be scary, especially if it affects your mobility. Luckily, crutches are available to assist you when you need to get around. If you need a set of crutches or instructions on how to properly use them, call our office. Call Dr. Alan J. Discont and Dr. Krahn of Family Foot & Ankle Care, PC located in Chandler, Arizona. Call 480-732-0033 or make an appointment online today. Don’t let a broken foot keep you from moving around.