Crutches seem like the simplest medical equipment but are the most useful and affordable mobility aids for adults and the elderly, who find it difficult to stand up or walk or are at a greater risk of falling. We keep receiving queries from customers who buy crutches in Dubai. Today, we have compiled those questions and tried to answer them in the simplest way to help readers and buyers alike.

#1. How do crutches help walk safely?

Crutches shift the weight from the legs to the upper body part like the shoulder and hands and help users with problems in their lower limbs to move forward with little discomfort. Looking at the structure of crutches for a knee injury, crutches for the disabled, or crutches for broken legs, you can easily understand the benefits. Crutches also help people to reduce the pain in their back or hip areas. Hence, they are also branded as crutches for back pain.

#2. In what conditions, should one go for crutches?

Crutches help you with mobility and recovery in health conditions as follows:

a) Ankle Sprain

b) Broken Foot/Broken Ankle

c) Broken Toe

d) Knee Dislocation

e) Knee Injury

f) Hip Replacement

g) Muscle Strain

#3. What are the common types of crutches?

There are three types of crutches; Axilla crutches, Elbow crutches, and Gutter crutches.

a) Axilla or underarm crutches: Axilla is an area that lies underneath the glenohumeral joint, at the junction of the upper limb and the thorax. The upper end of the underarm crutch rests approximately 5 cm below the axilla. The design includes an axilla bar, a handpiece and double uprights joined distally by a single leg. These are generally adjustable or folding crutches with height-adjustment functions.

b) Elbow crutches: The design of the crutches for walking includes a single upright, a forearm cuff, and a handgrip. The height of the forearm crutches is measured from the handgrip to the floor. The height adjustment is possible in most of the crutches with elbow support.

c) Gutter crutches: They are also known as adjustable arthritic crutches or forearm support crutches. They have padded forearm support made up of metal, a strap, and an adjustable handpiece with a rubber ferrule. These crutches aid in the mobility of patients with injuries to the lower limbs or Rheumatoid disease.

#4. Who needs axillary crutches?

Axillary crutches or underarm crutches provide support to a patient with one leg not in a condition to bear the body weight. These crutches are commonly used for short-term purposes such as while the patient is recovering from injuries or is weak from surgery.

#5. How to walk with crutches?

For beginners, it could be challenging. They need to learn how to walk using one leg. Here are a few tips:

a) Take small steps and slowly move the crutch ahead of you with each step.

b) When the weight is not on your healthy leg, try to shift the weight to your upper body to prevent the weight from shifting to the weak leg.

#6. How to use elbow crutches?

To walk using an elbow crutch, try to walk as normally as possible. Let your foot touch the ground. The amount of weight you put on your foot will differ depending on what you have been informed by your doctor.

a) Place both the crutches one step ahead of you, level with each other.

b) Keep the injured leg on the ground, a few inches behind the crutches.

c) Move forward using your healthy leg while taking some of the weight on your hands and some on your injured leg

#7. How much do elbow crutches cost in the UAE?

Generally, a pair of elbow crutches in Dubai or other parts of UAE cost between AED80.00 and AED90.00. Never mind paying a bit more for extra padding or comfort features provided with crutches for older adults.

#8. What are the reliable brands for buying crutches?

Ani Rehab, FDI, Herdegen, Rehamo, Smart Crutch, and Sun-Shine are the popular brands that manufacture crutches. Luckily, at Sehaaoline, we have products from all so that you can shop from your favourite brand.

#9. What are the important things to mind while buying the best crutches?

Frame material, padding, grip, weight capacity, and design are the most important factors to compare products and buy the right one. Aluminum and its alloy are widely used for the frame as they are lightweight. The amalgamation of the metal with other elements contributes to its tensile strength. Aluminum is a lightweight metal and so the user doesn’t have to put any subtle effort to lift or move it while walking. It’s also an anti-corrosive material and protects the crutch against rust.

#10. How far should you walk on crutches?

There is no minimum or maximum limit on the distance. Keep your step length within 18-inches to avoid any risk. Keep in mind your injury and strength. Never push yourself too hard. It may worsen your injuries or cause new ones.

#11. Cane or crutches – which is a better option?

When the injured area is below the knee – crutches are the best, whereas a cane is appropriate for permanent leg injuries and above-the-knee or hip-related discomfort or problems.

#12. Is it okay to use just one crutch?

It depends upon the health problem. When there is a minor problem with balance, some muscle weakness, injury, or pain in one leg – a single crutch is okay. Hold the crutch in the hand on the side opposite to the injured leg. Step forward with the recovering leg moving the crutch forward with it at the same time.  

Pay attention to the prescription. If you are not supposed to put any weight on your injured foot, ankle or leg, buy a pair of crutches, or use a wheelchair.

#13. When should I stop using crutches?

When you can walk without a limp, you can stop the use of crutches. However, before abandoning the use of crutches, consult with your doctor. Never take a risk with your health.

Hope you found this frequently asked question post on crutches useful. If you have further queries, comment in the box. We’ll be glad to answer them at the earliest.