Stairs and Crutches

Stairs:

• Use one crutch and the
  stair rail if present (only
  if the railing is stable and
  there is someone to carry
  the other crutch). Use two
  crutches if there is no
  stair rail.

• It does not matter which
  side the stair rail is on.

• If both crutches can be
  held in one hand safely, you
  can use both crutches on one
  side and the railing on the
  other.

Up stairs:

• Walk close to the first
  stair and hold onto the
  stair rail.

• Hold onto the rail with
  one hand and the crutch with
  the other hand.

• Push down on the stair
  rail and the crutch and step
  up with the “good” leg.

• If not allowed to place
  weight on the “bad” leg, hop
  up with the “good” leg.

• Bring the “bad” leg and
  the crutches up beside the
  “good” leg.

• Remember, the “good” leg
  goes up first and the
  crutches move with the “bad”
  leg.

Down stairs:

• Walk to the edge of the
  stairs in the same way.

• Place the “bad” leg and
  the crutches down on the
  step below; support weight
  by leaning on the crutches
  and the stair rail.

• Bring the “good” leg
  down.

• Remember the “bad” leg
  goes down first and the
  crutches move with the “bad”
  leg.

• Use the same rules when
  going up and down curbs or
  doorsteps.