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"Take these crutches and keep off your leg." were the doctors instructions. It sounded easy enough until you tried to use them. They may be awkward, painful, or unstable crutches just do not fit your life, lifestyle, and livelihood. But you do not have to be condemned to crutches. There are options.

Underarm Crutches

You're probably already using the standard axillary underarm crutches. They have been around for more than 3,000 years. The first recorded reference was found in Egyptian hieroglyphics. Anyone would recognize the pictures on the walls, as they have changed little in form or function. Even when crutches are properly used and adjusted correctly they can cause under arm pain, dermatitis, shoulder wrist and elbow injury, and numbness of the arm for up to 12 months. Also, many report falling while using crutches.

Modified Crutches

Variations of the most common underarm crutch have been introduced over the last 50 years. These are forearm crutches or tricep crutches. the most ergonomic crutch recently introduced is the Millenial Crutch. While these variations are improvements, the basic function still requires both upper body strength and dictates the use of both arms to compensate for the lost use of the one foot or leg.

Hands Free Crutches

As its name implies, the Hands free Crutch frees up your hands and upper body. Originally designed in Canada in 2002 the I WALK FREE Hands Free Crutch consists of a padded knee platform attached to an aluminum beam. The device is secured to the patient thigh by two quick release padded straps and to the patient's calf with one padded quick release strap. Like a knee scooter or knee walker, the patient's weight is transferred through the knee on to the knee platform. Unlike a knee scooter it provides the patient with unmatched mobility. It can be used indoors or outdoors, on stairs, and even in the shower. Patients have reported using it everywhere from on a plane to in the ocean surf. Activities range from daily living to completing the Army 10 Mile Race. Overseas it is used as an alternative to a permanent prosthesis for below the knee amputees. I all areas it has proved very durable and reliable in the toughest of conditions. As beneficial as the Hands Free Crutch can be, it is not for every patients as coordination, balance, and overall physical fitness is required.

Walking Leg Brace

A prosthetic brace known as a the Freedom Leg, fits snugly around the thigh transfers the patients weight down carbon fiber beams beams on both sides of the leg to a cross member under the foot. This device was first introduced in the fall of 2009 and is currently being tested for effectiveness and to better determine the range of patients that could benefit from such a device.

Knee Scooter

Also known a s knee walker, it is a wheeled cart like device where the patient unloads the affected lower limb by transferring their weight through a padded knee platform. Designs vary greatly between 3 and 4 wheeled models, those that turn like a bicycle and those that must be lifted to turn. Features vary greatly as to stability, functionality, and durability. Baskets are an option and should come with your unit. this allows you to move from point to point safely with your hand(s) on the device. Most units fold up small enough to fit in the back seat or trunk of a car for easy transportation or storage. Patients have even reported successfully taking them on airplanes and storing them with baby stroller for an easy exit when you get to your destination.

Seated Scooter

Some people using crutches have knee or hip injuries or can not comfortably kneel for extended periods. for those patients theses limitations eliminate the option of both the Hands Free Crutch and Knee Scooter. The seated scooter is a variation of the knee scooter (knee walker) where the patient sits on a bike seat while resting the affected (injured) leg on a foot rest. The good leg propels the scooter around as the person sits. This device can easily be used and may be appropriate even for someone with compromised balance. Like a knee scooter, it should come with a basket. It too can be folded down for easy transportation and / or storage

You have more options than the Egyptian Pharaohs, yet the correct solution depends on your individual needs and lifestyle. Items to consider:

• Activities you NEED to do
• Activities you WANT to do
• Overall Fitness and Balance
• Can I comfortably kneel
• Length of time you will be off your foot or leg
• Your physical surroundings (stairs or one level)
• Does my local supplier have it in stock and can I get their easily or should I order online and have it shipped directly to me
• Cost and availability
• Will my insurance cover these crutch alternatives (Ins Code HCPCs E0118)

As Michael Jordan once said "the only thing worse than being on crutches is being on the sidelines". Taking your individual needs into account and talking with your Health care Provider, you can use the solution that allows you to stay non-weight bearing while maintaining your life, lifestyle, and livelihood.

Tom Schwab is President of Goodbye Crutches - http://www.GoodbyeCrutches.com - the nations largest distributor of Crutch Alternatives.

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