You need to hold the pair of crutches under one armpit while use the other hand to grab the handrail. When going down, lead with the weaker one. A gripper in the middle helps to balance of upper portion of the crutch. Follow with your involved leg and then your crutches. If there is no hand rail, put the cane on the opposite side of the weak/injured leg. If someone is helping you, have them stand in front and to the side of you. Hold onto one crutch and the handrail. This type of crutch is common in Europe, however in the U.S. generally only people with lifelong disabilities such as polio use this type of crutch. If possible, have someone help you when using crutches on stairs. Make sure to put the crutch on the step above the one you are currently standing on as you put your weight on the guide rail. Making Sure the Crutches Fit 1. Watch our video guide to standing, walking and sitting with crutches. If you are using two crutches, you will need to learn how to go up and down stairs using just one crutch. However, you should only use a solitary crutch to navigate stairs if a stair rail or support is present. With repetitions all over, the user is likely to keep the injured leg off the ground using the other one all the time. How to Use a Cane On the Stairs – In this video Cindy, PT with Adaptive Equipment Corner demonstrates how to use a cane going up and down the stairs. This handout gives instructions on how to safely use crutches to help your recovery and healing. The first thing to remember when climbing stairs with crutches is always go up with your good If both crutches can be held in 1 hand safely, you can use both crutches on 1 side and the railing on the other. When you go up the stairs, hold onto the rail with one hand and the crutch with the other hand (or both crutches if no rail). Share Tweet Print Source: NHS 24. Bring the crutches up, one in each arm. railing (or hold as in diagram) and use both crutches as one. Fitting Your Crutches • Adjust your crutches for your height. Use the guide rail and the crutch to help lift your uninjured leg on to the first step. In fact, you will want to ask someone to "spot" you the first time you try this. Using Crutches On the Stairs. y On stairs without a railing: follow the instructions for going up and down stairs, except leave one crutch under each arm (as for walking). When you, then, go down the stairs, place the injured leg and the crutches down on the step below; support weight by leaning on the crutch. When you are going up, lead with your good … Turn the spare crutch so it 3. Follow with your strong leg. Walking up and down stairs is actually much more difficult with two crutches compared to just using one. Going up • Stand close to the handrail and hold on with one hand. Stairs Remember the saying “good to heaven, bad to hell”. 5. Then, step up with your uninvolved leg. The cuff on the crutch should sit 2.5 cm-4 cm (1 in-1.5 in) below the back of the elbow. Next … 1.Place the cane in the opposite hand of the hand rail. Stairs. Be patient and deliberate while learning. When you walk, the pressure should be on your hands, NOT your armpits. You may also put crutches on one side and use the handrail. Your physiotherapist can show you how. You may be able to carry your other crutch up/down yourself by holding it horizontal in the same hand as the other one, so it forms a ‘T’ shape. Going down the stairs with one crutch and one handrail. Facing the stairway, hold the handrail with one hand and tuck both crutches under your armpit on the other side. How to Use a Cane On the Stairs. Climb up to first step straightening good leg. Move your weak leg forward and down. Nevertheless, it should be remembered that the use of only one crutch causes some strain on the injured leg and slightly increases the possible risk of falling. Stand near the stair railing with your unaffected foot on the railing side and hold the railing. Remember, it is important to go slowly and use caution when going up and down stairs. There has a flexible round shaped brace at the top. It this way, if they fall backward, you're in … A way to remember is “The good go to heaven, the bad go to hell.” Only use this method if your therapist has shown you. Go up with the good, down with the bad. Going Up Stairs 1. How to Use Crutches . It withstands weight of upper portion of body. Again, I make sure I feel steady before starting. Then, it goes again like the previous ones; the patient is to put the uninjured leg ahead of the crutch touching the ground for about a step. If you're going up stairs that have a railing, use the railing to help support and balance your body with one … Get someone to carry your other crutch up/down the stairs for you. Using one crutch. Then, move the uninjured leg down. Walking down stairs while on crutches is one of the most challenging and dangerous areas of mastering the use of crutches. To go down stairs: Put your crutches on the step below first, one in each arm. Face the stairs with the crutches close to the first step. Using crutches or a cane on stairs or steps can be a very scary concept. One crutch can also be more convenient for climbing stairs if there is a railing on them for additional support. Going Down Stairs: 1. Indeed, studies have shown that using a walking cane can reduce the forces through the medial side of the knee by 15-45%. Using Crutches On the Stairs – In this vides Cindy, PT with Adaptive Equipment Corner demonstrates how to use crutches up and down stairs when the person is non weight bearing. Help your child to follow these instructions: Stand at the top of the stairs with the toes of your unaffected leg close to the edge of the step. Use your arms and weight-bearing leg to move down one step; Repeat until you reach the bottom of the stairs, pausing to slide your crutches further down the stairs as needed; To go down the stairs with crutches (standing): Place your crutches one step down, holding one in each hand; Move your weak leg forward, followed by your strong leg Stand close to the bottom step. Always make sure the crutch tip is completely on the stair. Crutch first, then sore foot, then the good foot. To go down stairs with a handrail, place one crutch under one arm and use the handrail with the other arm. Take weight through crutch( es) and handrail, put unaffected leg on first step. Shift your weight onto your crutches and your involved leg. Now move the crutch one step down, put your sore foot down, shift your weight forward, and then bring your good foot down. Use 2 crutches if there is no stair rail. How to Use Crutches 1/4 . 2. Stairs. Then start hoping down to the next lower step. If you have any further questions, please speak to a physiotherapist caring for you. Step down one step at a time. Place your one crutch onto the lower step, bringing your affected leg forward at the same time. Place the crutch under the arm of the affected side. If joint pain or recent surgery makes taking the stairs feel daunting, the right techniques – unaided or with a cane, crutches* or handrail – can make it easier and reduce your risk of falls. Going Down Stairs . Without the handrail, the movement through the stairs is quite tricky and risky. Learn how to use crutches to go up and down stairs without a banister for support. 6. This crutch is for one hand use. Rest one hand on the back of the pelvis for support. Place your weight on the strong leg and then bring your weak leg up. 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