You leave the clinic or hospital with a prescription for crutches, and someone hands you a pair of underarm crutches. You figure that is just how crutches work. Then a few days later, you see someone gliding past you with sleek forearm crutches, and you start to wonder if you picked the wrong type.
Here is the truth. The choice between underarm vs forearm crutches for short term injuries is not always clear cut. Short term does not mean easy. If the crutches do not fit right or feel stable, every trip to the kitchen or bathroom becomes harder than it should be.
This guide walks you through a real world, side by side comparison of underarm and forearm crutches for short term use. I have spent time on both types, measured their weight, tested them on stairs and wet floors, and learned what works and what does not. You will get honest pros and cons for each type, plus some guidance on fit, comfort, and daily life. Your provider's advice always comes first, but this article will help you know what questions to ask.
Key Takeaways
- Underarm crutches are usually the simpler short term choice because they are easy to find, easy to rent, and most people can learn the basics in an hour or two. Especially helpful if you need to be mobile fast and do not have time for a learning curve.
- Forearm crutches might be worth learning even for a few weeks if you have stairs at home, want better control and balance, or know you might need crutches again in the future. Especially helpful if hand and wrist comfort matters a lot to you.
- Fit changes everything. Bad underarm crutch height can jam your shoulders. Bad forearm crutch cuff position can pinch your arms. Either type can feel wobbly if the adjustments are off.
- Your provider's advice matters more than internet opinion. Your physical therapist or doctor knows your injury, your strength, and your home setup. Always check with them before you switch types or buy a new pair.
- You can switch if the first type does not work. Some people start with underarm crutches, then move to forearm crutches if they need support longer than expected. Talk with your provider and get proper training before you make the change.
Crutch Types at a Glance, Underarm vs Forearm
Underarm (Axillary) Crutches
These are the tall crutches with pads that tuck under your armpits. You hold the hand grips and lean slightly forward as you walk. They extend from the ground to just below your armpit, with adjustable height pins.
Pros for short term injuries:
- Easy to find at pharmacies, medical supply stores, and hospitals.
- Most rental programs stock underarm crutches, so you can get them fast and cheap.
- Many people feel stable right away because the underarm pads give you a wider base of support.
- Simpler to learn if you have never used crutches before.
Cons and comfort caveats:
- Underarm pads can dig into your ribs and armpits, especially if the fit is wrong or you lean on the pads instead of the hand grips.
- They are bulkier and harder to maneuver in tight spaces like narrow hallways and small bathrooms.
- Some people feel clumsy because the crutches stick out to the sides.
- Hand and wrist pain can still happen if you grip too hard or the handles are at the wrong height.
Forearm (Lofstrand) Crutches
These crutches have a cuff that wraps around your forearm, just below the elbow, and a hand grip lower down. They are shorter and more compact than underarm crutches. You control them mostly with your hands and forearms.
Pros for short term injuries:
- More compact and easier to navigate tight spaces and doorways.
- Better control on stairs and uneven surfaces once you get used to them.
- Less shoulder and underarm pressure because the cuff spreads the load across your forearm.
- You can release one hand to open doors or grab things without dropping the crutch, because the cuff holds it in place.
Cons and comfort caveats:
- Steeper learning curve. Most people need a few days to feel confident.
- More hand and wrist load. If you already have wrist pain or weak hands, forearm crutches might feel harder at first. Check out how to prevent hand and wrist pain on crutches for tips.
- Harder to find for rent. Many places only stock underarm crutches.
- The cuff can rub on your forearm or catch on long sleeves and coats.
Other Mobility Options
You might also hear about platform crutches, which have a flat shelf for your forearm if you cannot bear weight on your wrists. These are less common and usually reserved for specific medical needs.
If your injury is very painful or you struggle with upper body strength, a knee scooter might be a better option. Knee scooters let you rest your injured leg on a padded platform and roll around. They work well indoors on flat surfaces. For more details, see our best knee scooter reviews.
But for most short term injuries, the real choice is between underarm and forearm crutches.
How I Tested Underarm and Forearm Crutches
I tested both underarm and forearm crutches over several weeks, rotating between types to compare how they performed in real life.
Surfaces I used: Indoor tile and hardwood, outdoor concrete and rough pavement, carpeted hallways, ramps at the grocery store, and stairs at home and work.
Distances: Short kitchen to couch trips, longer errands like walking into a clinic or post office, and full busy day outings with several hours on my feet.
Time on feet: Some sessions were just thirty minutes. Others stretched to three or four hours, which is when comfort differences really showed up.
What I measured: Weight on a kitchen scale, per crutch, in pounds. Underarm crutches weighed 1.5 pounds each. Forearm crutches weighed 1.1 pounds each. By the end of a long day, that extra 0.4 pounds per side added up in my shoulders.
Cuff and pad comfort: For forearm crutches, the closed cuff felt more secure but created a hot spot on the inside of my forearm after about thirty minutes. The open cuff was easier to slip in and out of but felt less stable. For underarm crutches, the underarm pads were fine for short trips, but on a busy day my ribs started to ache where the pad rubbed.
Handle angle and grip feel: On a warm day after a long hallway walk, my hands got sweaty on both types. The smooth rubber grips on my first pair of underarm crutches started to slip. Textured grips on the forearm crutches helped a lot. I also noticed the forearm crutch handles angled slightly forward, which felt more natural for my wrists.
Tip traction: Standard rubber tips gripped well on dry surfaces but felt slippery on wet tile in a restroom. I tried shock absorbing tips with deeper tread, and they gave me more confidence on damp pavement. This mattered on both underarm and forearm crutches.
Stair performance: Underarm crutches felt stable going up stairs because I could press the pads into my sides for extra support. Going down felt scarier because the crutches stuck out and I had to angle them carefully. Forearm crutches gave me better control once I got the hang of the technique, but it took a few tries to feel confident.
Swing through feel and noise: Underarm crutches made more noise in a quiet hallway because they are heavier and the tips hit harder. Forearm crutches were quieter and felt more precise, like I had better control over where each tip landed.
Height adjustment clicks: Both types had push button height adjusters. The underarm crutches had more holes, so I could fine tune the height. The forearm crutches had fewer holes but still covered the range I needed. On both types, I checked the buttons every few days to make sure they were locked tight.
Packability: Underarm crutches were about 58 inches tall when adjusted for my height. They barely fit in my car trunk diagonally. Forearm crutches were around 38 inches, so they fit in the trunk easily and even slid into a closet without sticking out.
Fit and Sizing Basics for Both Types
Why Fit Matters More Than the Logo on the Box
Bad fit can make either type of crutch feel wobbly, painful, or unsafe. If your underarm crutches are too tall, they jam into your armpits and force your shoulders up. If they are too short, you hunch over and strain your back. If your forearm crutches have the cuff too high or too low, your elbow angle gets weird and your wrist hurts.
Fit is not something you guess at home with a tape measure. Your physical therapist or medical equipment provider should help you adjust the height, check your elbow bend, and watch you take a few steps. Do not skip this step.
Basic Measurement Ideas to Discuss with Your Provider
These are general ideas, not a substitute for professional fitting.
For underarm crutches: Most fitters start by standing you up straight with shoes on, then measuring from about two inches below your armpit to the floor. The hand grip should sit at your wrist crease when your arm hangs relaxed. Your elbow should bend about 15 to 30 degrees when you hold the grip. There should be a two finger gap between the top of the crutch and your armpit when you stand on the crutches.
For forearm crutches: The cuff should sit one to two inches below your elbow. The hand grip should align with your wrist crease when your arm hangs down. Your elbow should bend about 15 to 30 degrees. The crutch tips should sit a few inches to the side and slightly forward of your toes.
Your provider will fine tune these numbers based on your height, arm length, and how you walk.
Signs Your Underarm Crutches Are the Wrong Size
- Your shoulders feel jammed up toward your ears. The crutches are too tall.
- The underarm pads dig hard into your armpits or ribs. Either too tall or you are leaning on the pads instead of the grips.
- You feel like you are tipping forward or backward. The height or hand grip position might be off.
- Your wrists or elbows ache after a short walk. The hand grips might be too high or too low.
Signs Your Forearm Crutches Are the Wrong Size
- Your elbow angle feels extreme, either too straight or too bent. The crutch length or handle height needs adjusting.
- The cuff bites into your forearm or slides around. The cuff might be too tight, too loose, or positioned at the wrong spot on your arm.
- The crutch tips feel too close to your feet or too far away. The overall length might be wrong for your height.
- You feel unstable or like the crutches might slip out from under you. Could be fit, could be technique. Ask your therapist to watch you walk.
Underarm Crutches for Short Term Injuries
What Underarm Crutches Do Well in the Short Term
Underarm crutches are everywhere. Hospitals stock them. Pharmacies rent them. Medical supply stores have rows of them. If you need crutches today, you can almost always get underarm crutches within a few hours.
They are also easier to learn if you have never used crutches before. Most people can figure out the basic swing through gait in an hour or two. The wide base and underarm pads give you a sense of stability, even if your balance is shaky.
For short term injuries where you only need crutches for a few weeks, underarm crutches get the job done. You can rent them cheap, return them when you are done, and move on.
Comfort and Pain Points
The biggest complaint about underarm crutches is underarm pad pressure. If you lean on the pads instead of supporting your weight through the hand grips, the pads dig into your ribs and armpits. This can cause soreness and even nerve irritation if you do it for days.
Even when you use correct technique, the pads can rub on your clothes and skin. I noticed this most when wearing a T shirt. The pad rubbed on the side of my chest and left a red mark after a long day.
Hand and wrist pain is also common. You are gripping the handles and pushing down with each step. If the grips are too high or too low, or if you grip too hard, your wrists and palms start to ache.
Fit and Daily Life
Underarm crutches are tall and stick out to the sides. This makes them awkward in tight spaces. I bumped the tops of my crutches on door frames more than once. In a narrow bathroom or crowded hallway, you have to angle them carefully.
They are also harder to balance when you stand still. If you are waiting in line or standing at a counter, the crutches want to lean and slide unless you brace them against something.
Carrying things is tricky with underarm crutches. You need both hands on the grips most of the time, so a backpack or crossbody bag is your best bet. For more ideas, see how to carry things on crutches.
My first few days on underarm crutches: I got them from a medical supply store the day after my ankle surgery. The staff adjusted the height while I stood there, and I took a few practice steps in the aisle. It felt stable right away, but by the time I got home my armpits were already sore. I realized I was leaning on the pads too much. After my physical therapist showed me how to push through my hands, the soreness got better. But the crutches still felt bulky and noisy, and I dreaded tight doorways.
Forearm Crutches for Short Term Injuries
What Forearm Crutches Do Well in the Short Term
Forearm crutches are more compact and give you better control once you learn the technique. The cuff holds the crutch on your arm, so you can release your hand to open a door or grab something without dropping the crutch. This makes daily life a bit easier.
They are also quieter and feel more precise. You can place each tip exactly where you want it, which helps on stairs and uneven ground. After a few days of practice, I felt more balanced and confident with forearm crutches than I ever did with underarm crutches.
Because they are shorter, they fit better in small spaces. I could turn around in my bathroom without hitting the walls. They slid into my car trunk without a fight. They even looked less medical and more like athletic gear, which mattered to me when I went out in public.
Comfort and Pain Points
The downside is that forearm crutches put more load on your hands and wrists. You rely on your grip strength and wrist stability to control the crutches. If you have weak hands or wrist problems, this can hurt.
The cuff can also cause discomfort. Open cuffs are easier to get in and out of, but they feel less stable. Closed cuffs wrap most of the way around your forearm and give you better support, but they can create pressure points. After thirty minutes of walking, I noticed a sore spot on the inside of my forearm where the cuff edge rubbed.
Forearm crutches also catch on long sleeves and coat cuffs. If you wear a heavy winter coat, the cuff might snag on the fabric. This gets annoying fast. For ideas on dressing around crutches, see fashion tips for crutches.
Fit and Daily Life
Forearm crutches work better on stairs once you get the hang of it. You can grip the railing with one hand and control the crutch with the other, because the cuff keeps the crutch attached to your arm. This feels safer than trying to juggle underarm crutches and a handrail.
They are also easier to stand with. You can lean them against your forearm and relax your grip a bit when you are waiting in line or standing at a counter.
But the learning curve is real. The first day I tried forearm crutches, I felt wobbly and unsure. I had to think about every step. By day three, it started to click. By the end of the first week, I felt more confident on forearm crutches than I ever did on underarm crutches.
My first few days on forearm crutches: I borrowed a pair from a friend who used them years ago. The cuffs felt weird at first, like they were pulling on my arms. I practiced in my hallway for twenty minutes, then tried a short trip to the mailbox. My wrists were tired by the time I got back. But the next day, it felt easier. By day four, I was walking around the block. The crutches felt like an extension of my arms instead of awkward sticks.
Direct Comparison, Underarm vs Forearm for Short Term Use
| Aspect | Underarm Crutches | Forearm Crutches | Short Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Learning Curve | Easy to pick up in an hour or two | Takes a few days to feel confident | Underarm wins if you need to be mobile fast |
| Hand and Arm Comfort in First Week | Hand and wrist load, underarm pad pressure | Wrist and forearm load, cuff pressure | Both have discomfort, just in different spots |
| Stairs and Small Spaces | Stable but bulky, harder to maneuver | Better control once learned, more compact | Forearm crutches shine on stairs after practice |
| Carrying Bags and Daily Stuff | Need backpack or crossbody, hands busy | Can release one hand briefly, cuff holds crutch | Forearm crutches give you more flexibility |
| How They Fit Into Your Home or Car | Tall, about 58 inches, awkward in tight spots | Shorter, about 38 inches, easier to store | Forearm crutches are more travel friendly |
| Look and Style | Medical and bulky | Sleeker, more athletic looking | Forearm crutches feel less conspicuous |
| Availability and Cost | Easy to find and rent, 20 to 40 dollars per month | Harder to rent, buy for 40 to 80 dollars | Underarm crutches win on convenience |
Which Type Might Suit You for a Short Term Injury
Here are some gentle profiles to help you think through the choice. These are starting points, not strict rules. Always confirm with your provider.
You want something familiar and easy to find: Underarm crutches are the default for a reason. They are in every pharmacy and hospital. You can get fitted and walk out the same day. If you need crutches right now and want the simplest path, underarm crutches are a solid choice.
You care a lot about control and may need crutches again later: If you have stairs at home, or if you know you might need crutches again in the future, forearm crutches could be worth the learning curve. Once you get comfortable, they give you better balance and precision. And if you buy a pair now, you will have them next time.
You are very anxious about stairs: Underarm crutches feel stable at first, but forearm crutches give you better control once you learn the technique. Ask your physical therapist to show you how to use stairs with both types, then pick the one that feels safer.
You are worried about hand and wrist pain: Both types can cause hand pain if the fit is wrong or you grip too hard. Forearm crutches put more load on your wrists, so if you already have wrist problems, underarm crutches might be gentler at first.
You care about how the setup looks with your clothes: Forearm crutches are sleeker and less medical looking. They fit under coat sleeves better and do not stick out as much in photos. If appearance matters to you, forearm crutches might feel less conspicuous.
Renting vs Buying, If You Only Need Crutches for a While
Renting makes sense if you only need crutches for four to eight weeks. Most medical supply stores and pharmacies rent underarm crutches for around 20 to 40 dollars per month. Some insurance plans cover rentals, so check before you pay out of pocket.
Buying underarm crutches costs about 30 to 60 dollars for a basic pair. If you think you might need them again, or if your rental period will stretch past two months, buying could save money.
Forearm crutches are harder to find for rent. Most rental places only stock underarm crutches. If you want to try forearm crutches, you will probably need to buy them. A decent pair of adjustable forearm crutches costs 40 to 80 dollars. Ergonomic forearm crutches with padded cuffs and shock absorbing tips can run 100 to 150 dollars, but they are more comfortable for longer use.
If you rent, inspect the crutches before you take them home. Check the tips for cracks or worn tread. Make sure the adjustment pins lock tight. Look at the pads or cuffs for tears or stains. If anything looks sketchy, ask for a different pair.
How Your Life and Strength Affect the Choice
Stairs at home or work: If you have a lot of stairs in your daily routine, forearm crutches might give you better control once you learn the technique. But underarm crutches work fine on stairs if you take your time and use a handrail. Talk with your physical therapist about safe stair technique for whichever type you choose.
How often you need to carry things: If you are constantly juggling a phone, keys, wallet, or water bottle, forearm crutches make it easier to release one hand without dropping the crutch.
Your base level of upper body strength: Both types require arm and shoulder strength, but forearm crutches demand more wrist and grip strength. If your upper body feels weak, start gently and build up. Check out exercises to stay in shape on crutches for gentle ideas that help you get stronger while you heal.
How much you care about outfits and style: Forearm crutches are less bulky and catch less on clothing. If you care about how your crutches look with your outfits, forearm crutches might feel more stylish.
Common Myths About Underarm and Forearm Crutches
Myth: Underarm crutches are always bad, forearm are always better.
Not true. Underarm crutches work fine for many short term injuries, especially if you only need them for a few weeks. Forearm crutches have advantages, but they also have a learning curve. The best type depends on your body, your injury, and your daily routine.
Myth: Forearm crutches are only for long term disabilities.
Nope. Plenty of people use forearm crutches for short term injuries. They are more common in Europe, but they work just fine for temporary use in the US.
Myth: Short term means any crutch will do.
Wrong. Even if you only need crutches for a month, bad fit or the wrong type can make every day harder than it should be. Take the time to get proper fitting and pick the type that suits your life.
Myth: You cannot switch types if the first one feels awful.
You can switch, as long as your provider approves and you get proper training. Some people start with underarm crutches because they are easy to find, then switch to forearm crutches if they need support longer than expected.
Underarm vs Forearm Fast Checks
- Cleared by your provider to use crutches and weight bearing status confirmed
- How many stairs you have at home, work, or school
- How strong your arms, hands, and wrists feel right now
- How fast you need to be mobile and comfortable
- Whether you need to carry bags, water bottles, or other items often
FAQ, Underarm vs Forearm Crutches
It depends on your comfort, learning curve, and daily routine. Underarm crutches are usually easier to learn fast and widely available for rent, making them a solid default for many short term injuries. Forearm crutches offer better long term comfort and control once you get past the first few days of learning. Your provider can help you decide which type suits your injury, strength, and home setup.
Not at first. Forearm crutches have a steeper learning curve because you rely more on your wrists and forearms for control. Most people find underarm crutches easier to pick up in the first hour or two. However, after a few days of practice, many users feel forearm crutches give better balance and less shoulder fatigue. Ask your physical therapist to show you both types if possible.
Comfort is personal. Underarm crutches can dig into your armpits and rub on your ribs if not fitted right, but many people tolerate them fine for a few weeks. Forearm crutches put more pressure on your hands and wrists, and the cuffs can feel strange at first. If hand and wrist pain is a concern, read our guide on how to prevent hand and wrist pain on crutches for tips that work with both types.
Yes, if your provider approves and you feel ready to learn a slightly different technique. Some people start with underarm crutches because they are familiar, then switch to forearm crutches if they need crutches longer than expected or want better control on stairs. Make sure you get proper fitting and training from a physical therapist before switching.
Renting makes sense if you only need crutches for four to eight weeks. Most medical supply stores and pharmacies rent underarm crutches for around 20 to 40 dollars per month. Forearm crutches can be harder to find for rent, so if you want to try them and might use them again, buying a pair for 40 to 80 dollars could be worth it. Check with your insurance to see if they cover rentals or purchases.
Conclusion
The answer to underarm vs forearm crutches for short term injuries is not one word. It depends on your body, your routine, and your support team. Underarm crutches are easier to find and learn, making them a solid default for many people. Forearm crutches offer better control and comfort once you get past the first few days, and they work well if you have stairs or want a more compact setup.
Your provider's advice matters more than any internet article. Talk with your doctor or physical therapist about both options. Ask if you can try each type in a safe setting before you decide. Pay close attention to comfort and confidence in those first few days. If something feels wrong, speak up and get help adjusting the fit or switching types.
Before your next appointment, write down a few questions and preferences. Do you have stairs at home? Are you worried about hand pain? Do you care about how the crutches look? Bringing these notes helps you feel less rushed in the moment and makes sure you get the setup that works for your life.
For more guidance on choosing the right crutches, see our full what to look for when buying crutches buyer's guide.
Save This Guide
Print or bookmark the comparison table and fast checks list before you talk with your provider. Having these notes handy makes your appointment less stressful and helps you ask the right questions.