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How To Fit and Walk With Crutches
Step by Step Description of How to Walk Up Stairs Using Crutches
Only patients who are strong and agile and have good balance should use crutches on stairs without assistance. Ideally, a sturdy handrail is available. The patient stands close to the bottom step. The patient places both crutches under the arm opposite the handrail. The patient supports himself by holding both crutches in one hand and the handrail in the other hand. The patient leans on the crutches and grasps the handrail for support while stepping up one step with the foot on the uninjured side. After stepping up, the crutches are lifted and placed onto the same step that the patient now occupies. The patient should reposition the supporting hand higher on the handrail to prepare for the next step. To take additional steps up the stairs, the process is repeated. If no handrail is available, patients can ascend steps using normal crutch walking, but only if they have excellent strength, agility, and balance. Patients not capable of ascending stairs using crutches may be able to ascend stairs by sitting down and then lifting themselves up one stair at a time. 