Crutches come in three common styles. Underarm crutches are the familiar kind with a pad at the top and a hand grip in the middle, and they are what most people get for short-term use. Folding crutches are underarm crutches that fold in half for a car or an overhead bin. Forearm crutches (also called Lofstrand or elbow crutches) have a cuff that wraps the forearm and no armpit pad. Whichever style you use, sizing starts with the user's height, then the weight capacity, then a fit check while standing. Everything below is in our crutches collection, and the height ranges and capacities come from the manufacturers' listings.
Crutch types at a glance
| Type | How it carries weight | Good fit for | Examples we carry |
|---|---|---|---|
| Underarm crutch | Hands on the grips, pad pressed against the side of the chest | Short-term use after an injury or surgery | WALK WITH ME, McKesson and push-button aluminum crutches |
| Folding underarm crutch | Same as above | Travel and small cars | Carex Folding Crutches |
| Forearm crutch | Hands on the grips, cuff around the forearm | People who use crutches for longer periods, as advised by a clinician | Adjustable forearm crutches, tall adult |
| Platform attachment | Forearm rests on a padded trough | People who cannot grip a handle comfortably | Walker and Crutch Platform Attachment |
Height and weight chart by model
Crutches are sized by the user's height. Choose the model whose range includes the user, and check the weight capacity.
| Model | User height | Weight capacity |
|---|---|---|
| WALK WITH ME Youth, pair | 4'6" to 5'2" | 350 lb |
| Push Button Aluminum Youth, pair | 4'6" to 5'2" | 300 lb |
| Ez Adjust Aluminum Youth, pair | Youth size | 300 lb |
| Carex Folding Crutches, pair | 4'11" to 6'1" | 250 lb |
| McKesson Underarm Adult, case of 8 pairs | 5'2" to 5'10" | 350 lb |
| WALK WITH ME Adult, case of 8 pairs | 5'2" to 5'10" | 350 lb |
| WALK WITH ME Tall Adult, case of 8 pairs | 5'10" to 6'6" | 350 lb |
| Push Button Aluminum Tall Adult, case of 8 pairs | 5'10" to 6'6" | 300 lb |
| Forearm Crutches, Tall Adult, pair | 5'10" to 6'6" | 300 lb |
If the user is right at the edge of two ranges, the adjustable models change in 1-inch steps, so either size may work. The Carex folding model has one of the widest ranges, adjusting from 41 to 58 inches overall and folding to about 20 x 7.5 inches. The case packs of 8 pairs are mostly bought by clinics and facilities.
How to check the fit of underarm crutches
- Stand up straight in the shoes you will usually wear, with the crutch tips a few inches out to the side and slightly in front of your feet.
- Check the top: there should be a gap of about two finger widths (roughly 1 to 2 inches) between the top of the pad and your armpit. The pad presses against the side of your chest, not up into the armpit.
- Check the hand grip: with your arms hanging relaxed, the grip should be about level with the crease of your wrist, so your elbow bends slightly when you hold it.
- Lock every adjustment: make sure each push pin pops fully through its hole and any wing nuts are tight before you take a step.
- Look at the tips: worn or cracked rubber tips slip more easily. Replace them when the tread wears smooth.
Your physical therapist or the clinician who gave you the crutches can confirm the fit and show you how to use them on stairs.
Forearm crutches
On our tall adult forearm crutches, the leg section and the forearm section adjust separately. Set the grip height first, using the same wrist-crease check as above, then set the cuff so it sits on the forearm below the elbow. The cuffs are vinyl coated and contoured, and the crutches have extra-large tips.
If gripping is hard
For people with weak grip or painful hands, a platform attachment lets the forearm carry the weight on a padded trough with a strap. The Walker and Crutch Platform Attachment is rated to 300 lb and, according to the manufacturer, fits most walkers and Drive aluminum crutches with a bracket sold separately. The Carex Platform Attachment attaches with an adjustable top bracket. Check compatibility with your crutch before buying.
Frequently asked questions
Should the crutch pad touch my armpit?
No. Leave about two finger widths of space and squeeze the pad against the side of your chest with your arm. Leaning your weight on the armpit is uncomfortable and can press on the nerves there.
Are folding crutches as sturdy as regular crutches?
Check the weight rating. The Carex folding crutches are rated to 250 lb, while several standard aluminum models in our collection are rated to 300 or 350 lb.
Crutches, a cane or a walker?
Crutches let you keep weight off one leg completely, which a cane cannot do. If balance is the bigger concern, a walker may be steadier. See our cane sizing guide, our rollator vs walker guide, and the full walkers collection.
This guide is general information, not medical advice. Talk with your doctor, physical therapist or occupational therapist about what is right for you.