When someone is injured below the waist or anywhere in the body that compromise mobility, a medical prescription for crutches is often made by your doctor.
These are medical mobility aids that come in different crutches types and sizes starting with the simplest of all, a walking stick or cane. These canes are the most popular, often prescribed to people with hemiplegics and balance-impaired conditions to impart a better vertical balancing capability without aggravating vertigo.

Without a walking cane or stick, walking stability can be compromised, increasing the risk of ambulatory accidents. It is also interesting to note that canes often figure as a fashion accessory than as a medical mobility aid.

Different Types

Various types of medical crutches aid in the ambulatory needs of patients suffering specific types of disorders. Forearm crutches are typically the most common anywhere in the planet and are used almost exclusively by patients suffering permanent disability condition. These mobility aids have semi-circular plastic or metal cuffs through which your forearm slips and has metal grip you hold onto. This can be for just one or both arms.

Then there are the underarm types which are most common and prescribed to patients with temporary ambulatory problems or injuries. The support comes by positing the aid under your armpits and holding a grip below. Rubber or foam pads make the aid comfortable against your armpit and ribcage.

A condition known as crutch paralysis or palsy can occur as the brachial plexus or acilla nerves under your armpit are damaged by pressure from this type of crutch. Providing thicker pads under the armpit can lessen the risk.

There are other types like Strutters, a variation of the elbow type with larger footprints on the floor, knee supports that is useful for patients with injury below the knee and the platform type which is the least common and often prescribed to patients with arthritis and cerebral palsy.

Alternatives

Regardless of type, all these walking aids are weight-bearing in that they harness your weight to support your walking gait and some can have health risks if used often like in the use of underarm crutches. As mobility aids, they are the cheapest to use. But if for whatever reason, you are comfortable using these, there are alternatives like a knee scooter, wheelchair or mobility scooters that can get your around faster and more conveniently. Needless to say, they cost more.