The content included in the video and comment section is general information only. Equipment and individual circumstances will vary. Always refer to and review an equipment manual for specifics on use and safety of your piece of medical equipment. Please consult with a local Physical or Occupational Therapist regarding your specific circumstances and use of medical equipment.
Cindy demonstrates How to Use Crutches up and down Stairs when non weight bearing/limited weight bearing. She demonstrates going up and down the stairs using crutches as well as crutches and one rail. It is important to always use caution and go slowly on the stairs due to increased balance issues when non or limited weight bearing.
Going Up the Stairs with Crutches
Non weight bearing
- Approach the stairs
- Bend the knee on the injured leg, pulling the foot up in order to clear the steps
- Bear weight through your hands on the crutch handles
- Step up with the good leg first, followed by the crutches
Limited weight bearing
- Approach the stairs
- Bear weight through your hands on the crutch handles/limited weight on the injured leg (following MD ordered weight restriction)
- Step up with the good leg, followed by the crutches and injured leg
Going Down the Stairs with Crutches
Non weight bearing
- Approach the stairs
- Hold the injured leg out forward in order to clear the step
- Lower the crutches down onto the first step
- Bear weight through your hands on the crutch handles as you step down with the good leg
Limited weight bearing
- Approach the stairs
- Lower the crutches down onto the first step
- Bear weight through your hands on the crutch handles as you step down with the injured leg (following MD ordered weight restriction), followed by the good leg
Going Up the Stairs with Crutches and Rail
Non weight bearing,
- Approach the stairs
- Place the crutches on the opposite side of the rail, holding the rail with one hand and crutches, at handles with the other
- Bend knee on the injured leg, pulling the foot up in order to clear the steps
- Bear weight through your hand on the crutch handles and through the hand on the rail
- Step up with the good leg, followed by the crutches
Limited weight bearing
- Approach the stairs
- Place the crutches on the opposite side of the rail, holding the rail with one hand and crutches, at handles with the other
- Bear weight through your hand on the crutch handles, through the hand on the rail and limited weight on the injured leg (following MD ordered weight restriction)
- Step up with the good leg, followed by the crutches and the injured leg
Going Down the Stairs with Crutches and Rail
Non weight bearing
- Approach the stairs
- Place the crutches on the opposite side of the rail, holding the rail with one hand and crutches, at handles with the other
- Hold the injured leg out forward in order to clear the step
- Lower the crutches down onto the first step
- Bear weight through your hand on the crutch handles and on the rail as you step down with the good leg
Limited weight bearing
- Approach the stairs
- Place the crutches on the opposite side of the rail, holding the rail with one hand and crutches, at handles with the other
- Lower the crutches down onto the first step
- Bear weight through your hand on the crutch handles and on the rail as you step down with the injured leg (following MD ordered weight restriction), followed by the good leg
Please consult with your local Physical Therapist on your specific circumstances!