Lightweight Crutches / Lightweight Elbow Crutches

What Are Lightweight Crutches Made Of?

Aluminum and sturdy medical-grade plastic are the most common material chosen for construction of lightweight crutches. Aluminum offers many great benefits that make it not only lightweight, but durable, and able to withstand the elements better than other metal alloys. Further, the low cost of manufacturing this material often makes lightweight elbow crutches and lightweight axillalightweight forearm crutchesry crutches that are constructed from these materials more affordable than other materials as well. 

Benefits of Lightweight Crutches

Sometimes users may not be able to lift even 10 pounds. Elderly seniors and those with cerebral palsy or other conditions may not be able to constantly lift heavy crutches, and therefore require a lighter alternative. Such individuals often prefer to use the best lightweight forearm crutches available, so that they can experience excellent mobility assistance, and, ergo, faster and smoother walking. Other benefits and features that a user can get by using these ultra-lightweight crutches are: 

Adjustability for Multiple Heights

Every person on this planet has unique needs, and crutch manufacturers know this just as well as we do. They therefore design crutches that can accommodate users of various heights. By simply adjusting the user-friendly height settings, most people can adjust a standard set of crutches so that it’s the perfect height for them. 

Increased Maneuverability and Strength

By using lightweight aluminum crutches, a person can build more physical upper body strength. Some elderly folks may have trouble with balance, but if they need just a little bit of added support, they can benefit from using forearm or elbow crutches. The enhanced ability to move and fortify muscle mass when used properly has earned crutches a good reputation among those who are recovering from an injury. 

As people get older, they also need to ensure that they can move around on their uninjured leg; otherwise they will experience more muscle atrophy. With crutches, patients who suffer from a leg injury can often bear partial weight on injured legs if need be, or they can stay off of the leg completely while still getting around on their uninjured leg. These practices can help the person’s muscles from becoming atrophied. Long-term users who are using a lightweight walking forearm crutch are often do have control over the rest of their bodies, and the increased stamina that crutches provide can help them maximize their physical capabilities. This principle holds true even if they may not be able to keep from losing mobility in their legs. 

Faster Recovery is Possible with Crutches

Most doctors tell people to keep weight off of bones that are strained, sprained, or broken. This is because it takes about a month for most bones to properly heal, and sometimes up to two months to fully heal so they can be used again. Axillary and forearm crutches make it easier for users to keep weight off of injured limbs, and this results in faster or more normal recovery times. In some cases, the type of crutches provided not only gives the user immediate comfort, but also reduces the length of recovery time by helping them heal faster. This is of course as long as the crutches are being used according to the manufacturer’s guidelines and with sufficient consistency. 

Do Crutches Increase Distance Travelled over time?

One thing that many people don’t realize is that the average distance a person travels is about 5 miles per hour. With crutches, naturally, the process is slower than that, but they often are able to travel faster and smoother than they would with other walking aids such as a cane or a walker. The average speed that a person can travel on crutches is about 3.5 miles per hour, and some users who have mastered lightweight walking forearm crutches are able to move even faster than that. 

Proper Ways to Find the Right Crutches

There are many things a person should do when they’re looking to buy the best lightweight crutches on the market. What many users oftentimes fail to do, however, is choose the right set of crutches for themselves. That’s why AvaCare Medical does everything for its customers to ensure that they know what to look for when they’re trying to find the right model set. To measure crutches, one needs to do the following: 

For Axillary Crutches

In order to fit properly for axillary crutches, make sure that the top of the armpit pad is in the right place under the arms. This will ensure maximum balance and stability while the user is setting up their crutches and while they’re walking. In order to properly fit themselves, a user needs to: 

1. Wear their everyday shoes, and then try to make it to a standing position.
2. Ensure that the axillary pad (top pad) is directly under the armpit; about an inch below it.
3. Adjust the crutch until this is achieved so that the handgrip is at the wrist when the hands are hanging straight down. This lets the user bend their elbows about 15 degrees when they’re trying to use the crutches to walk.

For Forearm Crutches

Forearm cushions are quite similar to axillary crutches, but they provide a different level of support, stability, and mobility. In order to use forearm elbow crutches that are lightweight, a user needs to begin the process of mastering their use. Lightweight forearm crutches are often more comfortable to long-term users, which is why they are used more often. The way to set up for forearm crutch use is as follows: 

1. As always, start by wearing walking shoes and try to achieve a “standing upright” position, keeping the spine straight.
2. Bend the elbow so that the wrist is level with the hip joint, and then begin the measurement.
3. Measure the distance at 3 inches down from the elbow, then add that length to the distance from the wrist to the floor; this is the proper length that the crutch cuffs needs to be.
4. To choose the right cuff, one needs to measure the widest part of their arm and choose the crutches based on these measurements.

Of course, be sure to choose a pair of crutches that are of the appropriate weight capacity.

Here at AvaCare Medical, we want you to have the best possible experience while ordering your lightweight crutches or lightweight forearm crutches. If you need any assistance, contact our customer care representatives – that’s what they’re here for. It’s our commitment to satisfy every one of our customers. All you have to do is call us at 1-877-813-7799 today!