How it works
There are two common crutches. The underarm crutch has a padded bar at the top; the forearm crutch has a cuff round the forearm. Each view names the parts of one. Names only: sizing and use come from a clinician.
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Two crutches, eight names
The first view is an underarm crutch, with the joint at the handgrip enlarged so the wing nut and the adjustment holes can be seen. The second is a forearm crutch, with its foot enlarged to show the push button and the crutch tip. Both crutches have a handgrip, a leg, holes and a tip; each name is asked once, where it shows best.
- An underarm crutch is also called an axillary crutch; a forearm crutch is also called an elbow crutch.
- Handgrip, handle and handpiece are three names for the same bar.
Questions and answers
What are the parts of a crutch called?
On an underarm crutch: the underarm support at the top, the handgrip across the middle, held by a bolt and wing nut, the leg at the bottom and the rubber crutch tip. A forearm crutch has a cuff in place of the underarm support.
What is the rubber bottom of a crutch called?
The crutch tip, or rubber tip. Some references call it a ferrule. It is the part that meets the floor, and makers say to replace it when it is worn.
What is the top of a crutch called?
On an underarm crutch it is the underarm support, also called the underarm pad or axilla pad. On a forearm crutch the top is the cuff, a band that goes round the forearm.
What is the difference between an underarm crutch and a forearm crutch?
An underarm, or axillary, crutch has two uprights that join into a single leg, with a padded bar on top. A forearm crutch has a single upright, a handgrip and a cuff round the forearm.