Crutches and canes that are the wrong height cause more than discomfort. Underarm crutches that are too long press on the nerves in the armpit and can numb the hands; a cane that is too short makes you stoop, and one that is too long pushes the shoulder up. Your height gives a good first setting, and a simple check while standing fine-tunes it.
The rules
| Aid | Setting | Rule from height |
|---|---|---|
| Underarm crutches | length from the pad to the rubber tip | 77% of height |
| Crutch handgrips | height from the floor | wrist crease, about 48.5% of height |
| Cane or forearm crutch | handle height | wrist crease, about 48.5% of height |
| Walker or rollator | handgrip height | wrist crease, about 48.5% of height |
The wrist crease ratio comes from classic body proportion tables: on average, the crease of the wrist sits at just under half of standing height. If you can measure it directly, enter it in the calculator; it beats the estimate.
Example
For a person 5 ft 9 in (69 in) tall in walking shoes, underarm crutches should measure about 53 in from pad to tip, with the handgrips about 33.5 in from the floor. A cane or walker should also be set at about 33.5 in.
Check the fit while standing
Wear the shoes you will walk in and stand up straight with your arms relaxed at your sides.
- Underarm crutches: place the tips about 6 in in front of and to the side of each foot. There should be a gap of two to three finger widths (about 1.5 in) between the pad and the armpit. Your weight goes through your hands, never the armpits.
- Handgrips: the grip should line up with your wrist crease. When you hold it, your elbow bends about 15 to 30 degrees.
- Cane: hold it in the hand opposite the injured leg and move it forward with that leg.
Adjusting
Most aluminum crutches and canes adjust in 1 in (2.5 cm) steps with a push button. Choose the nearest step, and if you are between two, take the lower one for a cane and check the elbow angle. Wooden canes are cut to length from the bottom before fitting the rubber tip.
When to ask for help
A physiotherapist can teach you how to climb stairs, sit down and stand up safely, and which gait to use for partial or no weight bearing. Pain in the armpit, tingling in the fingers or a sore wrist means the setting or the technique needs checking.