How to Adjust the Proper Height for the Underarm Pad on Axillary Crutches
Axillary (underarm) crutches are a common mobility aid after injury or surgery, but they only work safely and comfortably when they are adjusted correctly. One of the most important adjustments is the height of the underarm pad—the padded top section that sits just below the armpit. If this pad is too high or too low, it can cause discomfort, nerve irritation, or even falls.
Why Proper Underarm Pad Height Matters
The underarm pad should support your posture, not carry your weight. Your body weight should be borne through your hands and arms, not through the pad pressing into your armpit.
If the pad is too high:
It can press into the armpit and compress nerves and blood vessels, leading to numbness, tingling, or “crutch palsy.”
It can encourage a hunched posture and make it harder to move smoothly.
If the pad is too low:
You may lean too far forward, putting extra strain on your shoulders and back.
The crutches may feel unstable or “too short,” making walking awkward and tiring.
Step‑By‑Step: Setting the Underarm Pad Height
Most axillary crutches have push‑pin height adjustment on the lower shaft. Follow these steps while wearing the shoes you plan to use with the crutches.
Stand tall and relaxed
Stand on a flat, hard surface.
Keep your shoulders relaxed, arms at your sides, and look straight ahead.
Position one crutch
Hold one crutch in the hand on the same side as the injured leg.
Place the crutch about 5 cm (2 inches) in front of your foot and 5 cm (2 inches) to the side.
Check the underarm pad height
The top of the underarm pad should sit about 2–3 finger widths (roughly 5 cm or 2 inches) below your armpit when you stand naturally.
You should be able to slide two or three fingers between the pad and your armpit.
Adjust the crutch length
Press the height‑adjustment button on the lower shaft and slide the crutch up or down.
Align the button with the nearest hole and release it so it clicks fully into place.
Repeat for the second crutch to ensure both are the same height.
Adjust the hand grip (after pad height)
With the crutch at the correct overall height, adjust the hand grip so that your elbow bends about 20–30 degrees when your hand rests on the grip.
A simple rule: when your arm hangs straight down, the hand grip should be at wrist‑crease level.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Letting the pad touch the armpit
The pad should never press into the armpit. Body weight should be taken through the hands, not the underarm pad.Using different shoes than you measured with
Changing from sneakers to flats or sandals can change your effective height, so check the fit if you switch footwear.Ignoring worn or damaged pads
A flattened or torn underarm pad can change how the crutch feels and how high it effectively sits. Replace pads as needed.
When to Re‑Check the Height
You should re‑check the underarm pad height if:
The user feels numbness, tingling, or pain under the armpit.
They feel the crutches are too short or too tall when walking.
The injury improves and they start bearing more weight through the affected leg, which can change how the crutches feel.
Safety Reminder
Properly adjusted axillary crutches are safer and more comfortable, but they still require good technique and supervision, especially at first. Many clinicians recommend a brief fitting or gait check with a physical therapist or mobility specialist to ensure the underarm pad height and hand‑grip position are correct for the individual.
