The crutches for the elderly with proper length can make you walk more comfortably and safely, and can also give your arms, shoulders and back full exercise.
Determination of the correct length of crutches for the elderly: standing on the flat ground in flat shoes. When you stand up straight, your hands will naturally droop and your elbows will bend 20 degrees. Then measure the distance from the dermatoglyphics on the wrist to the ground. This size is the ideal length of your crutch. You can also refer to this formula: crutch length = 0,72× height. This length can better maintain the balance of the body.
Tip: crutches used by the general elderly should not be higher than the waist when lifted.
Consequences of improper crutch length: too long crutch will increase the bending degree of elbow joint and increase the burden of triceps brachii; It will also make the wrist slip out and reduce the grip strength; It will also lift the shoulders upwards, causing scoliosis. When the crutch is too short, the elbow joint should be completely straight, and the trunk should be bent forward when moving forward, which not only increases the burden on the waist muscles, but also increases the difficulty of going up and down the stairs.
Elderly crutch materials
General crutches are mostly made of wood, rattan, bamboo or aluminum alloy, and advanced crutches are also made of carbon fiber. Although there are many kinds of materials, all crutches must be light and flexible so as not to feel tired when used. Attention should also be paid to the choice, and the load-bearing performance of crutch materials should be particularly good.
The tip of the crutch
There is a "tip" at the bottom of the crutch. A good tip touches the ground and forms an angle, which will make the user comfortable and non-slip. No matter what kind of crutches, anti-slip pads must be added at the parts that contact with the ground to avoid slipping.
Handle of crutches for the elderly
The handle part of the crutch for the elderly should not be too small, otherwise it will be bad for the user's hand joints; If your palms sweat easily, avoid using plastic handles. Cork or latex crutches are the best to grasp.