Choosing between forearm crutches and underarm crutches is a practical question, and many people face it with a sore foot and little time to decide. A trial reported on PubMed Central shows why the answer depends on you: despite the physical advantages of forearm crutches, patients tended to prefer hands-free single crutches owing to their ergonomic benefits. Easier on the body and easier to live with are not always the same thing.
Start with what costs nothing
You can learn a lot before you spend anything. Ask the person fitting your crutches to let you try both, and take a few steps with each. Trying is free, takes no special skill and is easy to undo if one type feels wrong.
Calderdale and Huddersfield NHS Foundation Trust publishes patient information on foot and ankle care, which is helpful reading while you recover. If you are recovering from surgery, Cleveland Clinic also has a page on preventing deep vein thrombosis.
When to ask a professional
A crutch that is the wrong height or that hurts your hands or arms is a reason to ask for help instead of pushing through. Your surgeon's office or a physical therapist can check the fit. Readers in Wood Dale who are unsure which kind to use can raise it at their next visit.
For a first time on crutches
Give yourself time to get used to whichever type you try, and ask for help if it does not feel right.