Crutch palsy

A condition producing paralysis in the arm because of pressure in the underarm area from improper or overuse of crutches as support and walking aids. This commonly occurs when a person leans his or her entire body weight on the shoulder pads at the tops of the crutches, causing excess pressure on the axillary, or armpit area. A sensation of numbness and tingling down the arm and into the thumb is often the first sign of crutch palsy. Properly distributing body weight on the elbows, shoulders, hands, wrists, and working leg, rather than solely on the muscles located under the arms, helps prevent this condition. Crutches that include a back-of-the-shoulder extension to stabilize the crutch behind the user may help reduce the risk of the axillary nerve damage that causes crutch palsy, which usually improves with out therapy.


Crutch palsy is weakness or paralysis of muscles in the wrist and hand, due to pressure exerted by the crutch head on the nerves that control the affected muscles. It usually occurs because the crutch is too long for the individual, and/or if he or she attempts too much walking. The nerve damage is temporary and symptoms disappear if the crutch is properly used or left aside for a time.


Paralysis resulting from pressure on nerves in the axilla from use of a crutch.


Muscular weakness or paralysis affecting the wrist, fingers, and thumb can occur in individuals who rely on a crutch placed beneath the armpit while walking. This condition, known as crutch palsy, arises due to nerve compression that affects the muscles supplied by these nerves. It is important to note that using elbow crutches eliminates the occurrence of crutch palsy.


 


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