Tuesday, July 26, 2011

Five Ways Your Crutches Could Be Hurting You

Getting a pair of crutches, post-injury is something a lot of people look forward to. After being stuck in bed or in the house, crutches come to us wrapped in opportunity – opportunity to move around again, to go out and see your friends to resume doing the things that you enjoy the most. But, there’s also a downside to that gift that is less visible.

While crutches can play a critical role in your rehabilitation or long-term mobility needs, their use can also initiate a domino effect -- new movement patterns start stressing new parts of your body, which can create new aches, pains and injuries. Before you know it, the very thing that is supposed to literally get back on your feet, can end up knocking you back down again.

Yes, crutches can hurt you. And here are the top five ways they can do that:

  1. Skin irritation: One of the most common side affects of using crutches is that the chaffing and rubbing of the crutch saddle in the axilla (underarm) can cause skin irritation.
  2. Soreness or bruised ribs: The ongoing pressure of the crutch saddle against your ribs can cause armpit soreness and bruised ribs.
  3. Nerve damage: Using a traditional pair of crutches for an extended length of time can put significant pressure on the axilla (underarm) from the crutch saddle. Over time, this pressure can cause nerve damage, and in some cases, lead to crutch palsy (compressive neuropathy) of the brachial plexus, ulnar nerve.
  4. Wrist/hand injuries: Upper extremity stress can contribute to a number of conditions: wrist pain and soreness, carpal tunnel syndrome, calloused or blistered hands, shoulder fatigue or discomfort or cardiac arrest in patients with heart disease.
  5. Arterial damage: Adding significant pressure on the arteries in axilla (underarm) from excessive weight bearing on a crutch saddle can cause damage in your arteries or aneurysms, which may require surgical repair (bypass, angioplasty) or amputation.

While crutches may seem like a temporary aid for a temporary period in your life, the reality is that they can be a critical component of your rehabilitation, so think carefully about the style of crutch that you choose (particularly if you will be using them for an extended period of time) and to make sure you get education in how to use them properly. It could make the difference in ensuring that your road to recovery has an end in sight.

Friday, July 8, 2011

Mobilegs at the Abilities Expo with Lindsey Carmichael




Coming to the Abilities Expo in Chicago July 8-10? Then be sure not to miss an Adaptive Archery demonstration presented by Lindsey CarmichaelBeijing Paralympics Bronze Medalist and Two-Time Paralympian.

Lindsey will demonstrate her sport and also discuss the adaptive equipment she uses to compete - Mobilegs. After the demonstration, attendees are welcome to visit with Lindsey and learn more about archery by seeing the equipment up close.

Lindsey will also share resources for getting involved in archery in the local Chicago area. Mobilegs will also be at the Expo at booth 114.

The Chicago Abilities Expo is a free event, being held at the Schaumburg Convention Center in its Exploration and Discovery Halls. The Expo will be open Friday, July 8 from 11 am-5pm, Saturday, July 9, from 10am-5pm, and Sunday, July 10 from 11am-4pm.