Crutches: Underarm or Forearm

In this video Cindy discusses Crutches: Underarm or Forearm We would love to hear from crutch users about your experiences/opinions. Please leave us a comment below!

- more typically used in the United States
- held under your arm with top of the crutch resting next to your side
- weight to be put through the palm of the hand at the hand grip
- should have 2-3 fingers width between the top of the crutch and your armpit
- often used incorrectly/adjusted incorrectly resulting in leaning/hanging on the top of the crutch in the armpit area
- injury can sometimes occur due nerves in armpit area being compressed, resulting in crutch palsy/paralysis
- may be used for short or long term use, though more typically used short term

- more typically used in countries outside of the United States
- usually have some form of "cuff" that goes around the forearm
- weight to be put through the palm of the hands
- may be used for short or long term use, though more commonly used long term

Efficiency
Several studies look at heart rate, oxygen consumption and pivot point/length of the crutch with use of both underarm and forearm crutches with varying results. General consensus seems to be that though both types of crutches takes a degree of upper body strength, the forearm crutches seem to take a bit more.

Posture
Please let us know of any links to studies on the comparison of posture while using the underarm crutches verses the forearm crutches!! With Cindy's use of the crutches, she felt as though she was able to maintain a better upright posture with the forearm crutches, having to lean slightly forward when putting her weight down through her hands.

Comfort
Weight bearing with the standard underarm and forearm crutches occurs down through the palms of your hands. Many companies are making varying crutch styles for both the underarm and forearm crutch to address both the weight bearing issue as well as improve shock absorption. We received a crutch called the SmartCrutch. This forearm crutch has an adjustable arm trough, which allows the weight bearing to be spread from the hand, back through the forearm over a larger surface area, which can result in improved comfort. (Check out SmartCrutch Product Review here:

In Summary, what type of crutch is best for you will depend on how long you will need to use them, what you will be using them for and how strong you are regarding upper body strength.
Crutches are not easy to use and will always take some practice not matter what type of crutch you use, especially on stairs. We recommend that you always consult with a local Physical Therapist regarding which type of crutch might be best for you as well as for training for use.

Check out these other helpful videos as well:

💥Subscribe to our Caregiver Training video library today!

This video library includes access to:
-Caregiver Training series
-The Home Safety Tool Kit series
-Preparing for Hip Surgery series
-Preparing for Knee Surgery series
-Pick Your Fit Stretches and Exercises series

Subscription Plan available:
Monthly Plan = $10/mo (cancel anytime)

Disclaimer: This content (videos, comments and links), is intended as an informational resource for general education and demonstration purposes only. Adaptive Equipment Corner, LLC makes no representations about the accuracy or suitability of this content for any setting, situation or circumstance. Any content contained on this site should not be used as a replacement for any instruction given to you by your licensed healthcare professionals; nor should it prevent you from seeking their advice on your particular situation, circumstances or needs. Use of this site is at your sole risk. You agree to indemnify and hold harmless Adaptive Equipment Corner, LLC, its officers, agents, employees and contractors from any loss, cost, damage, expense, attorney’s fees, and liability of any nature or kind, arising out of or as a result of your use or misuse of this site’s content and/or the intentional act, or the negligent act or negligent failure to act, of Adaptive Equipment Corner, LLC officers, agents, employees or contractors.

[imafirecrracker]

Awesome video and great editing! Currently have an injured foot and trying to look at crutch options - this video helped tremendously. Thank you!

[DiscoveringJapan]

Thank you so much! I've often wondered about the differences in crutches. I'm about to start using crutches for an extended period after a knee surgery and this was great information! Underarm crutches have always caused me pain at the inside of my upper arm so I wanted to see if there was a benefit or drawback to using the axillary crutches. Again, thank you for taking the time to make this professional and informative video.

[a.a.a.a.a.a.a.a.a.a.a]

Your content is so genuine. Keep up the good work!

[christopheralex]

Just got injured at work, tearing 3 foot ligaments and might need surgery. I’m so overwhelmed and when they gave me under arm crutches I couldn’t but help think the grass was greener on the other side with the forearm crutches.. thank you for the video it assured me that my underarm crutches are just as good as the other crutches.

[toasttoast]

thank you so much, i recently broke my foot and i had no idea how to use crutches nor what kind would be better for me, thank you very much for this video

[DoloresJRush]

I walk with two canes most of the time, however, I do have a rollator that I take with me when I go somewhere that will have a lot of walking so I can sit as needed. My husband doesn't like to wrestle it into the car, so most of the time I use the canes as they are easier to get in and out of the car. My canes are wearing out and I've been considering purchasing the arm crutches. What are the advantages/disadvantages of using arm crutches over canes?

[marianneellman]

Fabulous info...thank you...this helped me so much...

[DoloresJRush]

Hi! I'm back! I've got a question for you about devices I can use for taking videos. Obviously, you use cameras to film your videos and I've decided to get out into the field to take shorts videos of fountains. I've made 4 videos so far and have them in a playlist on my channel. It's been a learning curve for sure as I'm still using forearm crutches. I've already discovered that it is really tough to walk with crutches and hold a smartphone on a gorilla pod. I also tried a neck stand, but it bounces too much when I walk. I just spent an hour looking on Amazon and eBay for something I could carry in my backpack (purse) and pull out on the spot to get a photograph or a video that is hands-free. My smart phone doesn't have a stabilizer in it, so I have to stand still to get a photograph or video, but would like to be able to move around to circle around the fountains and get different angles. I also thought about adding a belt or large dog collar to my backpack straps to hold the neck holder in place to keep it from bouncing around when I walk. And I noticed that it's really hard to see the cell phone screen in the sunshine. My husband wondered if I should wear a bandana over my head to see the cell phone screen like the old fashioned photographers had, however I don't want to stumble over something and fall.
Any creative thoughts to help me with small assistive videography devices will be much appreciated. Thank you.

[vernondavis]

trying to decide which crutches to get as I am having a lower leg amputated soon have arm pit crutches now but believe forarm crutches may be better

[steamlilly]

Just started using crutches, after an accident muscle strain... So far forearm crutches look like a good idea for longterm, as it employs much more shoulder and forearm muscle to pivot and navigate. However with pain in the wrists, it starts to bite back and limiting mobility. Axillary ones would take so much of wrist stress off, but i wouldnt use it longterm as it limits load only on armpits amd torso. Not fun to let healthy wrists go weaker. Looking to upgrading forearm ones to axillary for the next week at lwast

[Lallidakshin]

My hub injured 6yrs back.still he couldnt walk bcs of spinal cord injury and left fumour fracture.he was operated. Shall we use this crutches for supporting to walk or stand?

[Rocky-jml]

you need more strength for forearm crutches ???

[Chirpingcherub]

I have never seen under arm crutches in my life they look so old fashioned 😂