Need for design overhaul of the age-old crutches.

Crutches, in one form or another, have been used for 5000 years. From fallen tree branches used to assist balance and ambulation, they have evolved into their present configurations of underarm and forearm crutches. The materials have changed, but the overall design is largely the same. Crutches are commonly prescribed to enable functional mobility for individuals with walking impairments. These users generally fit into two categories: Short-term users who rely on crutches to lessen the weight placed on an injured limb, and long-term users who require the stability provided by crutches because of pathologies such as spina bifida, lower limb amputation, or cerebral palsy. Over 40% of crutch users have reported the inability to perform many everyday activities due to their device, such as ascending and descending stairs, using public transportation, and navigating the outside environment. Furthermore, prolonged crutch-use has been linked to additional short-term and long-term complications including joint pain, crutch palsy, aneurysms, and repetitive use injuries. They are energy-intensive and tiring to use rendering people less productive. Traditional axillary crutches are simple rigid sticks and hard to use on uneven and wet surfaces making daily activities hard. Navigating stairways can also be extremely difficult with crutches. The smaller point tips of some crutches and the lack of non-slip grip can lead to slipping and falling (especially on slick and uneven surfaces), which may exacerbate an existing weight-bearing injury. Thus, instead of increasing the mobility range, the traditional crutch ends up limiting it. Read less