Crutch Care: Keeping Your Mobility Aids in Top Shape

Understanding Your Mobility Support: A Guide to Crutch Care

Crutches are indispensable tools for individuals recovering from injury or managing mobility issues. They provide crucial support, allowing you to maintain a degree of independence during your healing process. However, like any piece of equipment, crutches require proper care and maintenance to ensure they function effectively and safely. Neglecting your crutches can lead to discomfort, inefficient support, and even potential accidents. This guide will delve into the best practices for caring for your mobility aids, ensuring they serve you well throughout your recovery.

The Two Main Types of Crutches

Before we discuss care, it's helpful to understand the primary types of crutches you might encounter. The two most common are:

• Underarm Crutches (Axillary Crutches): These are the most frequently used type. They feature a padded top that rests under the armpit and a handgrip. The distance between the handgrip and the top is adjustable, along with the overall length of the crutch. They are designed to bear weight through the hands and arms, with the underarm pad providing stability.
• Forearm Crutches (Lofstrand Crutches or Elbow Crutches): These crutches have a cuff that encircles the forearm and a handgrip. The majority of the weight is borne by the hands and wrists, with the forearm cuff providing support. They are often favoured for longer-term use as they reduce the risk of nerve damage (neuropraxia) to the radial nerve, which can occur with prolonged pressure from underarm crutches.

Understanding which type you have will influence some aspects of their care and adjustment.

Why Proper Crutch Maintenance Matters

Caring for your crutches isn't just about aesthetics; it's fundamentally about safety and effectiveness. Well-maintained crutches provide:

• Optimal Support: Properly adjusted and intact crutches distribute weight correctly, reducing strain on your injured limb and your upper body.
• Reduced Risk of Slipping: Worn-out or damaged rubber tips can significantly increase the risk of slipping, especially on smooth surfaces.
• Comfort: Well-padded grips and correctly adjusted height prevent unnecessary discomfort and potential secondary injuries like blisters or chafing.
• Longevity: Regular cleaning and inspection can extend the lifespan of your crutches, saving you the cost and hassle of frequent replacements.

Routine Cleaning: Keeping Them Hygienic

Your crutches are with you wherever you go, picking up dirt, grime, and potentially germs. Regular cleaning is essential.

What You'll Need:

• Mild soap or detergent
• Warm water
• Soft cloths or sponges
• A toothbrush (for crevices)
• A drying cloth

Cleaning Process:

1. Preparation: Remove any loose debris with a dry cloth.
2. Washing: Dampen a soft cloth with warm water and a small amount of mild soap. Gently wipe down the entire crutch, including the handgrips, underarm pads (if applicable), shafts, and rubber tips. Avoid soaking the crutches, especially if they have wooden components or intricate mechanisms.
3. Stubborn Grime: For hard-to-reach areas or stubborn dirt, use a toothbrush dampened with soapy water.
4. Rinsing: Wipe down the crutches with a clean cloth dampened with plain water to remove any soap residue.
5. Drying: Thoroughly dry all parts of the crutches with a clean, dry cloth. Ensure they are completely dry before use, especially the rubber tips, to prevent slipping.

Inspection: Checking for Wear and Tear

Regularly inspecting your crutches can help you identify potential problems before they become serious.

Key Areas to Inspect:

• Rubber Tips: This is arguably the most critical component. Check the rubber tips at the bottom of each crutch for signs of wear, such as flattening, cracking, or becoming overly smooth. If they appear worn, they must be replaced.
• Handgrips: Ensure the handgrips are secure, not cracked, and provide a comfortable, non-slip surface.
• Underarm Pads (if applicable): Check for tears, excessive compression, or damage to the padding. Damaged pads can cause discomfort and skin irritation.
• Shafts: Inspect the main body of the crutches for any dents, bends, or cracks, particularly in metal crutches. Wooden crutches should be checked for splinters or cracks.
• Adjustment Mechanisms: If your crutches have adjustable height settings (usually secured by pins), ensure these mechanisms are working correctly and that the pins are fully inserted and secure.

When to Replace Parts or Crutches:

• Worn or damaged rubber tips.
• Cracked or loose handgrips.
• Torn or flattened underarm pads.
• Any visible damage to the shafts (bends, cracks, significant dents).
• Malfunctioning or insecure adjustment mechanisms.

Adjusting Your Crutches for Optimal Fit

The correct adjustment of your crutches is paramount for effective weight distribution and to prevent secondary injuries. Incorrectly sized crutches can lead to shoulder pain, back pain, and inefficient gait.

Underarm Crutches Adjustment:

1. Height: With the crutch placed on the floor, the top of the underarm pad should be about 1-2 inches (2.5-5 cm) below your armpit.
2. Handgrip Position: When standing upright with the crutches beside you, the handgrip should align with your wrist crease when your arm is hanging naturally by your side. When you grasp the handgrip, your elbow should have a slight bend (around 15-20 degrees).

Forearm Crutches Adjustment:

1. Cuff Position: The cuff should typically be positioned about 1-2 inches (2.5-5 cm) below the bend of your elbow.
2. Handgrip Position: Similar to underarm crutches, the handgrip should align with your wrist crease when your arm is hanging naturally, allowing for a slight bend in the elbow when gripping.

Important Note: It's always best to have a healthcare professional (like a physiotherapist or occupational therapist) check and confirm the correct adjustment of your crutches, especially when you first receive them or if you experience discomfort.

Storage: Protecting Your Investment

Proper storage helps prevent damage and keeps your crutches readily accessible.

• Upright Storage: Store crutches in an upright position, ideally in a stand or leaning against a wall in a stable location where they won't be easily knocked over. Ensure the rubber tips are on a dry surface.
• Avoid Extreme Conditions: Do not store crutches in areas with extreme temperatures or high humidity, as this can degrade materials like rubber and padding over time.
• Keep Them Clean: Store them in a clean area to minimize the need for frequent, intensive cleaning.

Replacing Worn Parts: A Crucial Step

As mentioned, the rubber tips are the most common part to wear out. Fortunately, they are usually replaceable.

How to Replace Rubber Tips:

1. Purchase Replacements: Ensure you buy replacement tips specifically designed for crutches and that they match the diameter of your crutch shafts.
2. Remove Old Tips: Firmly grasp the old rubber tip and pull it off the bottom of the crutch shaft. You might need to twist or use a bit of force. If it's very stuck, you could try gently prying with a flathead screwdriver, being careful not to damage the shaft.
3. Clean the Shaft End: Wipe the end of the crutch shaft to ensure it's clean and free of debris.
4. Attach New Tips: Align the new rubber tip with the end of the shaft and push it on firmly. Ensure it's seated securely and evenly.

Similarly, if handgrips or underarm pads become significantly worn or damaged, they can often be replaced. Consult your healthcare provider or the supplier of your crutches for advice on obtaining replacement parts.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: How often should I clean my crutches?

A1: It's a good practice to wipe them down daily with a dry cloth and perform a more thorough cleaning with soap and water at least once a week, or more often if they become visibly dirty.

Q2: My crutches squeak. What should I do?

A2: Squeaking often occurs when parts rub together. Ensure all adjustment pins are fully inserted and secure. Sometimes, a very small amount of silicone lubricant applied to the pivot points (if any) or where parts join can help, but use sparingly and check compatibility with your crutch material. Ensure rubber tips are dry.

Q3: Can I use my crutches outdoors on rough surfaces?

A3: While crutches are designed for general use, very rough or uneven terrain can increase wear on the rubber tips and potentially compromise stability. Always proceed with caution and ensure your footing is secure. Some specialised tips are available for different terrains.

Q4: Why do I need two crutches?

A4: Using two crutches allows for a more natural posture and distributes weight more evenly, reducing the workload on your arms and shoulders compared to using a single crutch or walking stick. This helps in maintaining better balance and stability, allowing you to take steps that are as normal as possible without putting weight on the injured limb. Your entire body weight should be supported by the crutches.

By following these simple yet effective maintenance and care tips, you can ensure your crutches remain a reliable and safe component of your recovery journey, providing the essential support you need to move forward.

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