Forearm vs Underarm Crutches for Tall People

Two questions decide this: how tall are you exactly, and how long will you be on crutches? Answer both and the style picks itself.

First, the hard cutoffs

Style preferences only matter inside the range where both styles exist. For tall users buying off the shelf, the In-Motion line defines those edges:

• Forearm Tall (SKU 7500C): fits 5’3” to 6’8”, floor-to-handle 28.5” to 42.5”
• Underarm Tall (SKU 6500): fits 5’10” to 7’1”, floor-to-cradle 48” to 62”

So: under 5’10”, forearm is your tall-model option. From 5’10” to 6’8”, both fit and you get to choose. Above 6’8”, underarm is the answer, because nothing else off the shelf reaches 7’1”.

From 5’10” to 6’8”: how to choose

Choose forearm if you will be on crutches for more than a few weeks, or you are active. The load runs through your hands and forearms with your arms swinging close to a natural gait. The open cuffs hold the crutch on your forearm while you free a hand for a door, a phone, or a handrail. There is no pressure in the armpit, which matters over months. This is why long-term crutch users overwhelmingly end up on forearm crutches.

Choose underarm if this is a short recovery and familiarity wins. It is the style everyone has used or seen, the learning curve is minutes, and the cradle gives a braced, secure feeling many people want in week one. The fit rules still apply: cradle about 1 to 1.5 inches below the armpit, handle at the wrist crease, elbow slightly bent. The In-Motion underarm adjusts the handle independently of the cradle (16” to 20.5” below, 4 positions) so both land correctly on a tall frame.

Whichever style, the Tall models share the parts that matter at height: 350 lb capacity, 15 height positions, Millennial Medical’s Spring Assist Technology (designed to cut walking impact by up to 40% versus a rigid post), and articulating tips that stay flat through a long stride.

The one wrong answer

The only bad choice is the crutch whose range does not contain your measurement, in either style. Measure floor to wrist crease, check it against the published range, and involve your clinician or physical therapist in the final fit, especially if crutches are part of a longer treatment plan.

Full spec table for every model, both styles, short and tall: Millennial Medical’s sizing page.

Both styles, actually tall. Forearm to 6’8”, underarm to 7’1”, both rated 350 lbs. Compare them at Millennial Medical →