
Choosing the Right Crutches: A Buyer’s Guide
Recovering from an injury or surgery often means relying on crutches. But not all crutches are created equal. The right choice can make the difference between a painful, frustrating recovery and one that feels manageable, empowering, and even comfortable. At Millennial Medical, we believe mobility aids should support your lifestyle, not hold you back.
This guide will walk you through the different types of crutches, how to size them properly, and what features to look for when choosing the right pair.
Types of Crutches
- Underarm (Axillary) Crutches
- Most common, often provided in hospitals.
- Pros: Easy to use, widely available.
- Cons: Can cause underarm irritation, nerve compression, and wrist strain.
- Forearm (Lofstrand) Crutches
- Used more in Europe and for long-term mobility needs.
- Pros: Greater maneuverability, less underarm strain.
- Cons: Requires more upper body strength and balance.
- Ergonomic Crutches
- Designed with angled grips and lightweight materials.
- Pros: Reduce wrist and shoulder strain, improve posture, more comfortable for extended use.
- Cons: Slightly higher cost, but worth the investment for long-term comfort.
- Height: Crutches should allow a slight bend in the elbow (about 15–30 degrees).
- Grip Position: Handles should align with the wrist crease when standing upright.
- Underarm Clearance: 1–2 inches of space between the crutch pad and underarm.



