Underarm crutches, also called axillary crutches, are the standard choice when you cannot put weight on one leg at all. They are what most hospitals hand out after a fracture or surgery. We stock youth, adult and tall adult sizes, plus bariatric models rated to 500 lbs.
Fitting them properly
This is where most people go wrong. The underarm pad should sit about two finger widths below your armpit, not jammed into it. Your weight goes through your hands, not your armpits. If you rest on the pads you can compress the nerves running through the shoulder, which causes numbness and tingling down the arm. Set the handgrips so your elbow bends about 15 to 30 degrees when you hold them.
What to look for
- Size range. Youth, adult and tall adult cover roughly 4 ft 6 in through 6 ft 6 in. Check the user height range listed on each model.
- Weight capacity. Standard aluminum crutches are rated 300 lbs. Bariatric steel models here go to 500 lbs.
- Adjustment. Push button height adjustment in 1 inch increments, with separate wing nut adjustment for the handgrip position.
- Pads and grips. Foam pads are standard. Thicker gel or sheepskin covers help if you are on crutches for more than a few weeks.
- Latex free. Needed in most clinical settings and for anyone with a latex sensitivity.
Case packs for facilities
Several models here ship by the case for hospitals, clinics and rehab departments. Case quantities and HCPCS codes are listed on each product page.