How to Climb Stairs With Crutches

Crutches are an inconvenience that anyone would like to avoid at all costs. In the event of any major trauma to the foot or ankle, chances are crutches will be needed. Getting the hang of using crutches takes a little bit of effort. There are some challenges with using crutches though and climbing stairs is one of them. This article will discuss the easiest way to go about using stairs while on crutches.

Instructions

• 1

  First and foremost, simply avoid stairs altogether if possible. If you are in public, chances are there is a ramp or an elevator to use as an alternative. When you are still getting used to using crutches, these will be your best option.

• 2

  Sometimes stairs are unavoidable though, especially for those who live in a two story home. The best way to climb the stairs while on crutches is to do so in the sitting position. Think of a young child learning to use stairs and the way they sit on the bottom step and use their arms to push themselves up to the next step, all while remaining in the sitting position. It will be necessary to push your crutches up the stairs as far as can be reached and then move them further up as you progress up the stairs.

• 3

  There may be some situations where neither of the prior steps are not preferable. One example would be a step coming into, or out of, a home. It would be quite a lot of effort to sit down for just step. In this case, it will be necessary to use the crutches. To do so, keep the crutches at the level at which you are standing, not up on the step you are trying to climb. If the crutches are put up on the stem you are attempting to climb, it will be difficult to pull yourself up and easy to lose your balance. Keeping the crutches at the level at which you are standing you will then steady the crutches and lift yourself up the step. Conversely, when coming down stairs, you will put the crutches at the step below you, rather than at the level at which you are standing, then lower yourself down the step. It is possible to climb an entire set of stairs in this manner but take note that this can be dangerous because if balance is lost it is very likely to further the injury.