injuries poisoning
How To Fit and Walk With Crutches
Step by Step Description of How to Walk Down Stairs Using Crutches
Only patients who are strong and agile 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 grasping the handrail with the other hand. The patient leans on the crutches and grasps the handrail for support, then moves the crutches down to the step below. The patient moves down to the step where the crutches are using the foot on the uninjured side. The patient repositions the supporting hand lower on the handrail to prepare for the next step. To take additional steps down the stairs, the process is repeated. If no handrail is available, patients can descend steps using normal crutch walking, but only if they have excellent strength, agility, and balance. Patients not capable of descending stairs using crutches may be able to descend stairs by sitting down and then lifting and then lowering themselves to reach the stair below one stair at a time. 