Glossary
Medical glossary
Dozens of crutch and mobility terms in plain language.
Only letters with current terms are shown.
ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act)
Federal law protecting people with disabilities from discrimination. Temporary crutch users have rights to workplace accommodations, accessible parking, and building access.
Ambulation
Medical term for walking. You may be prescribed “ambulation training” to learn proper crutch technique.
Axillary Crutch (Underarm Crutch)
Common underarm crutch with top pad, handgrip, and adjustable height. Best for short-term use.
Bariatric Crutches
Heavy-duty crutches for users over ~300 lbs. Often steel, with 500–700 lb capacity and wider stance.
Crutch Palsy
Nerve damage from resting weight on armpits. Causes numbness/weakness. Prevent by keeping weight on hands.
Cuff (Forearm Crutch)
Circular band around forearm on Lofstrand crutches. Fits 1–1.5 inches below elbow.
DME (Durable Medical Equipment)
Insurance category for medical equipment like crutches, walkers, wheelchairs. Often covered with a prescription.
DVT (Deep Vein Thrombosis)
Blood clot risk when immobile. Follow doctor guidance on movement and medications if prescribed.
Ferrule (Rubber Tip)
Rubber cap on crutch tip that provides traction. Replace when tread wears smooth.
Forearm Crutch (Lofstrand/Canadian)
Crutch with forearm cuff and handgrip. More maneuverable; often chosen for long-term use.
Four-Point Gait
Sequence: right crutch, left foot, left crutch, right foot. Very stable, slower.
Gait Pattern
The sequence of crutch and foot movements. Determined by weight-bearing status (e.g., three-point, four-point).
Handgrip
The handle of a crutch. Should align with wrist crease when arms hang naturally.
iWALK (Hands-Free Crutch)
Hands-free device where the injured leg rests on a platform. For below-knee injuries.
Knee Scooter (Knee Walker)
Alternative to crutches: kneel on a padded platform and push with the good leg.
Lofstrand Crutch
Another name for forearm crutches.
Medicare Part B
Covers outpatient care and DME (including crutches). Typically 80% coverage after deductible.
NWB (Non-Weight Bearing)
Doctor’s order: no weight on the injured leg. Use three-point gait.
Orthopaedic (Orthopedic)
Field of medicine for bones/joints/muscles. Orthopaedic surgeons commonly prescribe crutches.
PWB (Partial Weight Bearing)
Doctor allows 25–75% of body weight on injured leg; crutches carry the rest.
Platform Crutch
Crutch with a forearm platform and vertical handgrip for those who can’t bear weight on wrists/hands.
PT (Physical Therapy/Physical Therapist)
Rehab professional guiding recovery, strength, and proper crutch use.
Swing-Through Gait
Advanced pattern: move crutches, then swing both legs past them. Fast but needs strength/balance.
Swing-To Gait
Move crutches forward, swing both feet to the crutches. More stable than swing-through.
TDWB (Touch-Down Weight Bearing)
Foot may touch ground for balance only; no real weight. Use three-point gait.
Three-Point Gait
Move both crutches forward, keep injured leg off ground, swing good leg through. Arms do the work.
Tip Cover (Ice Grip)
Attachable spike/tread for tips; helpful on ice/snow. Retractable versions for indoor/outdoor.
WBAT (Weight Bearing As Tolerated)
As much weight as you can tolerate without significant pain; adjust crutch use to comfort.
Weight-Bearing Status
Doctor’s order for allowable weight on the injured leg: NWB, TDWB, PWB, WBAT, or FWB.