4 replies to this topic

[gsp23]

Question for the walkers around here...

I currently use Underarm crutches to get around very short distances. I have never tried forearm crutches but it seems like size-wise they would be much more convenient. Can anyone comment on what they use, issues or concerns with either? I would make an assumption that the forearm provide less stability but I may be wrong in that assumption since I have never tried them. I guess one downside may be that if my arms get really tired when trying to walk with forearm crutches I can't lean on my armpits like I do with underarm ones (yeah I know PT gives me a hard time about it every time they see me do it). But like I tell them, if I find myself getting tired too fast or misjudged how far I could go its better to put my weight into my armpits then to collapse on the ground

I am thinking of getting some forearm just for size and transporting around. Getting the crutches out of the back of a vehicle for say getting gas can be cumbersome due to the length (expecially when trying to jimmy them out from around the wheelchair that takes up half the back seat), so if forearm might be an option that would be cool. Usually I cant go anywhere without my chair outside the house but things like pumping gas, I still get out of the truck and walk around the side.

[Jodie Lynn]

I myself use the forearm crutches for me it is alot easier to get aro7und with I feel I am more stable with them than with reguar crutches, yes my arms got tired at first but I have worked my way to strengthening them up with the use of them as frequent as possible... I love my forearm crutches.................. They keep me outta my chair alot more than if I did not have them... To mje they are alot easier to store in your vehicle and easier access... If I can help you answer anymore questions just ask....





Jodie Lynn

[gsp23]

Thanks for the reply... So do you have any concerns with going somewhere and your arms get tired out or are you just good enougn now at judging how far you can make it? My biggest issue is that on an average day I think I could make a pretty good judgement call of how far I can make it, but on some days it turns out that I am more tired than I realized and I have this fear of getting somewhere and not being able to hold myself anymore. On underarm crutches I can kinda just drag myself along if this happens, can you do something similar with forearm?

I have this fear of them but at the same time would really like to switch if possible. I heard that because of how they are on your arms they are actually easier to use and you get less tired because your body moves in a different position slight when using the underarms.

How are they on the shoulders? Do you find it easier on the shoulders or harder on the shoulders? I know that is a concern for walkers to eventually develop shoulder problems from using crutches too so even though I am only 5 months into this I need to start thinking ahead.

[gsp23]

Also, if your legs just stop working like sometimes mine do.... where I am telling them to do something but they are not cooperating, I will sometimes just put all my weight into my crutches and start pulling myself along, feet draging behind. Would it be possible to do this with forearm crutches as well or would it be very difficult?

[Jodie Lynn]

gsp23, on Dec 13 2006, 12:07 PM, said:

Thanks for the reply... So do you have any concerns with going somewhere and your arms get tired out or are you just good enougn now at judging how far you can make it? My biggest issue is that on an average day I think I could make a pretty good judgement call of how far I can make it, but on some days it turns out that I am more tired than I realized and I have this fear of getting somewhere and not being able to hold myself anymore. On underarm crutches I can kinda just drag myself along if this happens, can you do something similar with forearm?

I have this fear of them but at the same time would really like to switch if possible. I heard that because of how they are on your arms they are actually easier to use and you get less tired because your body moves in a different position slight when using the underarms.

How are they on the shoulders? Do you find it easier on the shoulders or harder on the shoulders? I know that is a concern for walkers to eventually develop shoulder problems from using crutches too so even though I am only 5 months into this I need to start thinking ahead.

At first I was scared about tireing out but I soon learned i was always able to push myself further and further each day.. Now I use then so much it just seems natural, I still get tired but i push on when my legs do not cooperate with my walking I just kinda stand there til they do.. no I have not tried just dragging myself along not sure if that would work well or not..I find them very easy to use have from day one.. shoulder i have not had a prob with to this day so for me they are easier on the shoulders.. I totally understand what you mean about thinking ahead... just keep your head up it will all get better with time... But I feel a have a huge freedom with my arm crutches, I first started using them about six months post injury and for me I was able to use them more so than the under arm crutches.. for at first i had no balance at all but now I am doing so well with them i feel they have helped me tons.........................


Ty for your reply as well anything I can do to help..


Jodie Lynn