Urgent care centers are walk-in clinics that treat acute, non-life-threatening conditions, such as sprains, strains, and minor fractures. Since these injuries often limit a patient’s ability to walk, most urgent care locations stock a supply of mobility aids, including crutches. Availability is generally high, but inventory is not unlimited and can vary based on the facility’s size and patient volume.
Availability of Mobility Aids
Urgent care facilities maintain a supply of crutches because lower extremity injuries are common reasons for a visit. Providing crutches on-site is part of the immediate stabilization and care plan for injuries like ankle sprains or non-displaced lower leg fractures. This ensures the patient can leave the clinic safely without putting weight on the injured limb, which prevents further damage and reduces pain.
Many urgent care centers stock other common orthopedic supplies beyond standard underarm crutches. This inventory allows the provider to address a broad range of musculoskeletal issues immediately after diagnosis.
Other Orthopedic Supplies
You may find items such as slings for shoulder or arm injuries, various types of splints for temporary immobilization, and walking boots, also called CAM walkers, for stable foot or ankle fractures.
The stock of crutches, including different sizes for pediatric and bariatric patients, can fluctuate. A high volume of patients with similar injuries can temporarily deplete a clinic’s supply. Facility size and location also influence inventory; smaller clinics might not keep as deep a stock as high-traffic centers. If the clinic is out of crutches, staff will advise on the next steps to secure them quickly.
The Process of Receiving Crutches
Receiving crutches begins with a medical assessment to confirm the diagnosis and determine the need for non-weight-bearing assistance. This evaluation often includes medical imaging, such as an X-ray, to identify a fracture. The imaging guides the provider’s decision on the type and duration of mobility support required, ensuring that reducing pressure on the injured site is necessary for proper healing.
Once crutches are prescribed, a staff member assists with the measurement and fitting process. Proper sizing is paramount for safety and comfort, involving adjustments to both the overall height and the hand grip position. The crutch pad must rest two to three finger-widths below the armpit, not directly in the axilla, to prevent nerve damage from pressure.
The hand grip must be set so the patient’s elbow is slightly bent (about 20 to 30 degrees) when holding the grip. Staff provide instruction on safe use, including the correct gait pattern for walking and how to navigate obstacles like stairs. Patients are taught to bear weight through their hands and wrists, not by resting their body weight on the underarm pads, as this can lead to temporary or lasting nerve issues.
Alternatives if Crutches are Unavailable
If the urgent care clinic is out of crutches or the injury requires specialized equipment, external options are available. Local pharmacies and drug stores are a reliable first alternative, often selling standard adjustable crutches and sometimes renting equipment like knee scooters. These retail locations usually have adjustable crutches that can accommodate most adult heights.
For longer-term needs or specialized devices, Durable Medical Equipment (DME) suppliers offer a wider selection of equipment, including various types of crutches or knee walkers. The urgent care provider can give the patient a prescription for the equipment. This prescription may be needed for insurance coverage or for the DME supplier to release the item, as insurance plans often have specific requirements.
If traditional crutches are not suitable due to the injury or a patient’s limited upper body strength, alternative devices like knee walkers offer a hands-free mobility solution. These devices allow the injured limb to rest on a padded platform while the patient propels themselves using the uninjured leg. While a knee walker is less likely to be immediately available at urgent care, the provider can recommend it and offer the necessary documentation for an external supplier.