Crutches take the weight off an injured leg or foot and help you stay mobile while you heal. The right pair depends on how long you'll need them, how much grip strength you have, and how much support your wrists and forearms can handle. This guide explains the main types — elbow, underarm and gutter — and how to choose and size them.
Types of crutches
Elbow (forearm) crutches
The most common choice in New Zealand. A cuff wraps around your forearm and you grip a handle, so your hands and wrists share the load. They suit most people needing medium-term support and are easy to manoeuvre on stairs. Our double-adjustable elbow crutches are a popular, well-priced everyday choice, with a padded Deluxe COMFY Handle option for sore hands.
Underarm (axilla) crutches
These tuck under the arm against the ribcage and are often issued for short-term recovery, such as after a sprain or fracture. They give plenty of stability but shouldn't carry weight directly in the armpit. We stock Chevron Axilla underarm crutches as a pair.
Gutter & arthritic crutches
A gutter (or forearm-support) crutch lets you rest your whole forearm in a padded trough and grip a moulded handle, keeping load off painful wrists and hands. They're ideal for arthritis or long-term use where wrist strength is limited. Our Coopers Arthritic Gutter Crutches are the dedicated forearm-support option in our range.
Tips & spares
Rubber tips wear down and lose grip over time — replacing them is the single cheapest way to stay safe. Heavy-duty crutch tips with a metal insert are an inexpensive replacement. Buying a single crutch is handy if you only need light support on one side.
How to choose
- How long will you need them? Short-term recovery often suits underarm or standard elbow crutches; long-term or painful joints suit gutter crutches.
- Wrist & hand strength — if gripping hurts, choose padded COMFY handles or gutter crutches that take load off the wrists.
- One or two? A pair gives the most stability; a single crutch suits mild support or the final stage of recovery.
- Height range — check the crutch adjusts to your height; most are tool-free push-button adjustable.
- Weight capacity — confirm the rating suits the user, especially for heavier or bariatric needs.
Sizing your crutches
For elbow crutches, stand upright with arms relaxed: the handle should sit at wrist-crease height so your elbow bends slightly (about 15–30°) when gripping, and the forearm cuff should sit 2–3 cm below the elbow. For underarm crutches, leave a 3–4 cm gap between the top pad and your armpit and take the weight through your hands, not your arms. If you're unsure, our team can talk you through it.
Staying safe on crutches
Check the tips for wear before each use, keep floors clear of rugs and cords, and take stairs one step at a time (good leg up, crutches and injured leg down). Replace worn tips promptly.
Crutches FAQs
Are elbow or underarm crutches better?
Elbow (forearm) crutches spread load through the wrists and forearms and suit most medium-term needs, while underarm crutches are often issued for short-term recovery. Gutter crutches are best where wrist or hand pain is a factor.
Can I buy just one crutch?
Yes — you can buy a single double-adjustable elbow crutch, useful for light support on one side or the later stages of recovery.
How do I know what size crutch I need?
The handle should sit at wrist height with your arm relaxed so your elbow bends slightly when you grip. Most crutches are height-adjustable to fit a wide range of users.
Shop our full range of crutches →
Need a hand choosing? Contact our NZ team for free, friendly advice. Every order comes with fast 1–4 day NZ delivery, a 30-day returns policy and local after-sales support.