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.