If your crutches are too tall or too short, walking can feel awkward, uncomfortable, and unnecessarily tiring. Proper crutch height is important for good posture, balance, comfort, and safe mobility.

The good news? Adjusting your crutches correctly is usually simple.

How High Should Underarm Crutches Be?

When standing upright in your shoes, the top of an underarm crutch should generally sit about 1–2 inches below your armpit.

Your body weight should not rest on the underarm pads. Instead, your hands should support your weight through the handgrips.

Properly adjusted crutches should allow you to:

• Stand upright with relaxed shoulders
• Keep a slight bend in your elbows
• Hold the grips comfortably
• Walk without excessive leaning or shrugging your shoulders

How High Should the Handgrips Be?

With your arms hanging naturally at your sides, the handgrips should allow your elbows to have a slight bend—approximately 15–30 degrees.

Your wrists should remain relatively straight, and your shoulders should stay relaxed.

Signs Your Crutches Need Adjusting

Your crutches may be too tall if:

• Your shoulders feel tense or elevated
• You have to shrug to reach the grips
• The pads press into your armpits
• Your elbows are nearly straight

They may be too short if:

• You find yourself leaning or hunching forward
• Your elbows are excessively bent
• You have difficulty taking a natural step
• Your hands, wrists, or shoulders become uncomfortable

A Simple Crutch Fit Check

1. Put on the shoes you normally wear.
2. Stand upright with your shoulders relaxed.
3. Position the crutches slightly out from your feet.
4. Check for 1–2 inches of clearance between the underarm pad and your armpit.
5. Adjust the handgrips so your elbows have a slight bend.
6. Take a few steps and make sure the crutches feel stable and natural.

Don't Put Your Weight on Your Armpits

Remember: your hands—not your armpits—should support your weight.

The underarm pads help position and stabilize the crutches, but leaning heavily on them can create unnecessary pressure and discomfort.

What About Adjustable or Spring-Cushioned Crutches?

If you'll be using crutches for more than a few days, adjustability and comfort become especially important.

York Nordic Adjustable Spring Cushion Crutches feature adjustable height and handgrip positioning along with a spring-cushioned design intended to make crutch use more comfortable.

The ability to fine-tune both the crutch height and handgrip position can be especially helpful for people who are taller, shorter, or using crutches for an extended period.

The Bottom Line

The right crutch height isn't just about your overall height—it's about how your entire body is positioned while you walk.

Start with 1–2 inches of clearance below your armpit, adjust the handgrips for a slight elbow bend, and keep your shoulders relaxed.

If you're unsure about your fit or technique, ask your doctor or physical therapist to check your crutches.