Patient/caregiver was educated on features to look for on a crutch to enhance safety and comfort as follows:
- Individuals with health conditions, such as, arthritis and gout, involving small joints of the hands, can have poor grip of the crutch. The inflammation in the small joints of the hands limits the range of motion of the fingers and prevents the individual to form a firm grip. Firm grip on the crutch hand grip is important to maneuver safely around with the crutch, prevent the device slipping out of control, and avoid an accident or fall. Crutches can come with handgrips in various contours, such as, ribbed or padded or with foam, to enhance the grip and promote safety in users.
- Make sure the underarm pads of the crutches are in good shape and not worn out. Underarm pads in good condition provide the needed cushion and prevent undue pressure on the nerve in the armpit. Timely replace the underarm pads, as recommended. Noncompliance with this instruction can result in the crutch compressing against the nerve in the armpit, leading to nerve injury, resulting in altered sensation and poor grip in the hand.
- Make sure that the rubber tip at the end of crutch leg is not worn out. These caps are slip resistant, offer improved grip on surfaces, and prevent the crutch from slipping away, especially while on smoother surfaces. Worn out rubber tips disturb the even placement of the crutch leg on the ground, impair balance, and offer poor grip on the surfaces, which can increase fall risk for users. Replace the rubber tip at the end of crutch leg periodically, as recommended.
