24 Sep How the M+D Crutch Can Help Those With Ataxia

Did you know 150,000 people in the U.S. are affected by ataxia? September 25 is International Ataxia Awareness Day, and Mobility+Designed is joining the National Ataxia Foundation in their effort to shed light on this rare neurological disease.

As a mobility device company, we understand the challenges that come with diseases like ataxia. We’d like to take this opportunity to share how the M+D Crutch can help those with ataxia experience greater mobility, with less pain and more support.

First, What Is Ataxia?

A degenerative disease of the nervous system, ataxia is an umbrella term used to classify a group of diseases that affect a person’s ability to walk, talk and use fine motor skills. Ataxia symptoms include stumbling, falling and incoordination, and complications from the disease are serious and oftentimes debilitating. While there is no cure for ataxia yet, speech and language therapy, occupational therapy, and physical therapy are common treatment options.

Is Ataxia the Same as Cerebral Palsy?

Though both diseases affect a person’s ability to move, ataxia and cerebral palsy (CP) are not the same; however, a person can be affected by ataxic CP, the least common form of cerebral palsy. While CP is due to damage to the developing brain either during pregnancy or shortly after birth, ataxia is caused by degeneration of the cerebellum and can affect people of all ages.

How Can the M+D Crutch Help?

Eighty five percent of traditional crutch users report hand and wrist pain. For permanent users, the risks are even greater, including nerve, soft tissue and bone damage — which can cause other health issues. The M+D Crutch was designed to relieve severe discomfort and disruptions to everyday life, while preventing the debilitating injuries normally associated with crutch use.

Our aid uses the forearms and elbows instead of hands, wrists and armpits to support users’ body weight, resulting in more even distribution and less strain to hands and wrists. We also added significant lifestyle enhancements, including a rotating handle for hands-free walking, flexible arm bands, an unlocking arm cradle that improves freedom of motion, and feet designed for any weather and terrain.

If you rely on crutches or a single cane, learn more about the M+D Crutch for greater mobility, with less pain and more support. You can order a pair or single crutch on our website, to be delivered right to your door.

Do you have ataxia and utilize the M+D Crutch? We want to know your story. Email us about your experience and include images of you and the M+D Crutch.