When recovering from a leg injury, surgery, or other mobility-related issues, crutches are often the go-to mobility aid. They allow individuals to keep weight off the injured leg while still moving around. However, despite their popularity, crutches come with a range of side effects and challenges that can make the recovery process uncomfortable, frustrating, and even counterproductive in the long run.
While crutches may seem like a necessary part of recovery, there are several reasons why they may not be the best choice for everyone. In this blog, we’ll explore six key side effects of using crutches and why opting for an alternative, like the iWALK crutch, can improve your overall recovery experience.
- Strain on Your Upper Body
Traditional crutches require you to bear the majority of your weight on your arms, shoulders, and wrists. This often leads to overuse injuries in these areas, such as tendinitis, muscle strain, and even nerve compression. Using crutches for extended periods can result in pain or discomfort in your upper body, which can slow down your recovery and create new health problems.
Alternative: The iWALK crutch alleviates this strain by allowing you to walk naturally without bearing weight on your upper body. With the iWALK, your arms are free to carry objects, and your body’s natural walking mechanics are restored, reducing upper body strain significantly.
- Poor Posture and Back Pain
Crutches often force you to lean forward, putting your body in an unnatural posture. This can lead to back pain, shoulder pain, and overall discomfort. When you are hunched over for long periods, you may experience muscle tension in your neck and back, which can cause long-term issues if left unchecked.
Alternative: The iWALK crutch promotes better posture by keeping you upright as you walk. Unlike traditional crutches, the iWALK crutch allows you to stand and walk in a more natural, upright position, reducing the strain on your back and shoulders and promoting proper spinal alignment.
- Difficulty Performing Everyday Tasks
While crutches are effective for walking, they can be highly limiting when it comes to performing everyday tasks. Whether you need to carry groceries, open doors, or even grab a cup of coffee, crutches require you to use both hands to support your weight, leaving you with very little ability to multitask.
Alternative: The iWALK crutch is a hands-free solution that allows you to perform regular activities without the need for assistance. You can carry items, open doors, and even hold your phone, all while moving around freely. The iWALK provides independence and makes it easier to engage in your daily activities without feeling hindered by your mobility aid.
- Risk of Secondary Injuries
Using crutches incorrectly or for long periods can lead to secondary injuries. These can include wrist sprains, shoulder problems, or even stress fractures in your healthy leg, which may have to bear the extra load while you’re unable to use your injured leg. These secondary injuries can prolong your recovery time and cause further setbacks.
Alternative: The iWALK crutch is designed to eliminate these risks by keeping both legs engaged during movement. It reduces the pressure on your healthy leg and upper body while allowing you to walk with proper balance. The result is a more balanced recovery process with a significantly lower risk of secondary injuries.
- Limited Mobility
Traditional crutches can restrict your mobility. They require you to navigate slowly, which can be frustrating, especially when you need to move quickly or navigate tight spaces. Additionally, crutches may not be effective on all surfaces, such as gravel, snow, or uneven terrain, making it harder to stay active.
Alternative: The iWALK crutch allows for faster and more natural movement. With iWALK, you can navigate uneven terrain and move more quickly, making it ideal for people who need to stay mobile during recovery. The freedom to walk naturally with the iWALK gives you greater independence, allowing you to engage in more activities while healing.
- Limited Long-Term Use
Crutches may be effective in the short term, but their long-term use can cause chronic discomfort and even exacerbate underlying conditions. If you need to use mobility aids for a longer period, crutches can become an increasingly impractical and uncomfortable option, ultimately hindering your progress.
Alternative: If your recovery requires long-term support, the iWALK crutch offers a more comfortable, long-term solution. With its hands-free, ergonomic design, the iWALK crutch promotes better posture, mobility, and comfort, making it suitable for extended use without the drawbacks of traditional crutches.
Conclusion
While crutches are commonly used during recovery, they come with significant side effects and challenges that can slow down your healing process and hinder your quality of life. From strain on the upper body to poor posture and limited mobility, the disadvantages of crutches can outweigh the benefits. The iWALK crutch offers a more comfortable, effective, and efficient alternative by promoting natural movement, reducing strain, and increasing independence during recovery.
By opting for the iWALK crutch, you can avoid many of the complications associated with crutches and ensure a smoother, faster, and more comfortable recovery.
