Underarm vs Forearm Crutches: Which Should You Use?

If you are recovering from a short-term injury or surgery, underarm (axillary) crutches are usually the right pick. If you need crutches for the long haul or permanently, forearm (Lofstrand) crutches are often the better fit. The two types solve different problems, and choosing by use case beats choosing by price.

Underarm (axillary) crutches: the recovery standard

Underarm crutches are the type most people picture: a padded top that rests against the ribs just below the armpit, a hand grip, and an adjustable shaft. They are the default in hospitals and clinics for short-term use, and there are good reasons for that.

• More stability for non-weight-bearing. When you cannot put any weight on one leg, underarm crutches let you bear a lot of load through your torso and arms, which helps with a swing-through gait.
• Easy to learn. The technique is intuitive, and most people get the hang of it in a day or two.
• Lower cost. A basic aluminum pair is inexpensive, which matters when you only need them for a few weeks.

Our best underarm crutches roundup walks through specific models and weight capacities if you have already decided this is your category.

Forearm (Lofstrand) crutches: built for the long term

Forearm crutches replace the underarm pad with a cuff that wraps around your forearm, plus a hand grip. They are common for people with lasting mobility needs.

• Better for long-term or permanent use. The cuff holds the crutch on your arm, so you can open a door or grab a railing without the crutch falling.
• More mobility and a smoother gait once you are practiced, especially on stairs and in tight spaces.
• Harder to learn. They demand more upper-body strength and balance up front, so the first weeks take more practice.

If forearm crutches sound like your situation, our sister site covers them in depth: see the forearm crutch reviews at CrutchReviews.com.

How to pick

Ask one question first: how long will you use them?

• A few weeks to a couple of months (recovery): underarm crutches. Cheaper, more stable, faster to learn.
• Months, ongoing, or permanent: forearm crutches. Lighter for all-day use and more practical once mastered.
• Unsure or in between: weight, balance, hand strength, and stairs all factor in. A clinician who knows your case can help you decide.

This is general guidance, not medical advice. Your physical therapist or doctor can confirm the right type and the correct fit for your body and injury.

Still not sure?

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