How to Go Down a Step With Crutches

Crutches do not have to slow your life down.

When you injure a hip, leg, ankle or foot, crutches can help you move around and walk without putting weight on your injured side. Acclimating yourself to moving with crutches is difficult -- as though you are learning to walk again. One of the toughest and scariest parts of learning to move with crutches is walking down a set of stairs or steps. Take your time while you learn how to go down a step with crutches so you do not fall and injure yourself further.

Instructions

1. Stand at the top of the steps and grasp both crutches in one hand. If there is a handrail on the stairs, slide your crutches down to the bottom and pick them up when you are down the steps. Otherwise, arrange both crutches on the side with your injured leg and hold them firmly.

2. Hold your injured leg out in front of you and support your weight on the stair's handrail or your crutches. Inch your uninjured leg as close to the edge of the step as possible.

3. Lift the crutches from the ground, if you are using them. Hop down the step with your uninjured leg and catch your weight with the handrail or crutches. Work your uninjured foot to the edge of the step before repeating the hopping process.

4. Arrange your crutches back on either side of your body when you reach the bottom of the stairs. If you slid them down, support your weight on the handrail while you bend down to pick them up.

Tips & Warnings

• Ask a spotter to walk with you when you're first learning to go down a set of stairs with crutches.

References

• "Knee Surgery: The Essential Guide to Total Knee Recovery"; Daniel Fulham O'Neill; 2008
• "Introduction to Physical Therapy for Physical Therapist Assistants"; Olga Dreeben-Irimia; 2010