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Is it better to use crutches or a walking frame when walking?

In our lives, we often see people with limited mobility using assistive devices to help them walk. Crutches and walking frame are two of the most common ones. It not only improves the convenience of movement, but also ensures safety to a large extent. So, is it better to use crutches or a walking frame when walking?

Crutches: a small and flexible right-hand man

Features：The biggest feature of crutches is that they are small and light and easy to carry. Crutches usually consist of a sturdy shaft and a handle. Some crutches are also equipped with adjustable height to meet the height requirements of different users. Common types of crutches include single crutches, axillary crutches and elbow crutches. Single crutches have a simple structure and are held in one hand when used. They mainly rely on the strength of one arm to support the body; axillary crutches are supported by the armpits and can share more body weight; elbow crutches are supported by the elbows.

Uses：Crutches are widely used in daily life. For mild lower limb injuries, crutches can help them reduce the weight of the injured part during recovery, allowing the injured limb to get enough rest while maintaining a certain degree of mobility. For some elderly people, when they feel that their stability is slightly reduced when walking, crutches can provide additional support and enhance their sense of safety when walking. In some scenarios where temporary assistance is needed for walking, a simple crutches carried with you can quickly play a role.

Disadvantages：However, walking stick are not perfect. When using walking stick, users need to have a certain upper limb strength and balance ability. For people with weak upper limb strength, long-term use of walking stick will cause arm soreness. Moreover, the support area provided by crutches is relatively small and the stability is limited, especially when the road surface is uneven or the walking speed is slightly faster, using walking stick will easily cause the risk of losing balance and falling.

Walking frame: A partner that provides comprehensive support

Features：Walking frame are generally made of aluminum frames with multiple support points at the bottom, usually four. The overall structure of the walking aids is larger and more stable than a crutch walking stick.The height of the walking frame can also be adjusted to suit users of different heights. walking frame with wheels can slide easily, making it easier for users to move, while walking frame without wheels require users to lift them up and move forward.

Use：Walking frame are suitable for people with severely limited mobility and poor balance. Walking frame can provide them with a large area of support. Walking frame can reduce the risk of injury during walking. For some elderly people who are old and weak, walking aids can give them all-round support.

Disadvantages：The disadvantages of walking aids are also obvious. First of all, the walking aids is large in size and inconvenient to carry. When moving in a small space, the walking aids will also be subject to many restrictions.Secondly, the speed of using walking aids is relatively slow, which will cause inconvenience to users in some situations that require quick action. Moreover, due to the frame structure of the walking aids, users need a larger space when operating.

Differences between crutches and walking frame

Support and stability：Crutch walking stick mainly rely on the strength of one upper limb to support the body, with a small support area and relatively weak stability. The walking aids contacts the ground through multiple support points, providing a wider support area, so that the walking aids can better maintain body balance, and its stability is significantly better than crutch walking stick. This makes walking aids more suitable for people with very poor balance and who need greater support, while crutch walking stick are more suitable for people with mild mobility problems and who require higher flexibility.

Portability：Crutch walking stick are small and light, can be easily folded and stored, and are easy to carry. They can be used anytime and anywhere, whether indoors or outdoors. Due to the large size of walking aids, some walking aids are far less portable than crutch walking stick even if they can be folded.In situations where frequent movement or going out is required, the advantages of crutch walking stick are more prominent.

Applicable scenarios：Crutch walking stick are suitable for people with less severe injuries and slightly reduced mobility, as well as some temporary scenarios where assisted walking is needed. Walking aids are mainly for patients with severely limited mobility, and are more suitable for use in flat and large indoor and outdoor environments.

Difficulty of use:Using walking stick requires certain skills and upper limb strength. Walking frame are easier for users to master due to their larger support area and relatively simple operation.