Climbing Stairs

This section teaches you how to walk up and down stairs by providing step by step instructions and a video clip.  If you do not have a railing on your stairs at home, it is recommended you have one installed before your surgery.

During your hospital stay, your therapist will show you how to climb stairs, and move up and down steps and curbs safely.

Even if you don’t have stairs at home you should still learn this in case you need to climb stairs within your community.

Whether you are using a cane or crutch, the technique is the same.

To safely climb stairs with a handrail, follow these steps:

1. Hold the rail with one hand and the cane (or crutch) in the other.
2. Stand close to the step.
3. Step up onto the first stair with your non-operated leg.
4. Straighten your non-operated leg, and bring the cane/crutch and operated leg up together so that both feet are on the same stair.
5. Use the handrail and cane for support.
6. Repeat the sequence, one stair at a time.

To safely walk down the stairs using cane or crutches, follow these steps:

1. Hold the rail with one hand and the cane (or crutch) in the other.
2. Stand close to, face down the stairs.
3. Step down with your cane (or crutch), followed by your operated leg.
4. Then step down onto the same stair with your non-operated leg.
5. Use the handrail and cane for support.
6. Repeat the sequence, one stair at a time.

Your therapist will practice climbing stairs with you before you go home.

To watch a video clip on how to safely climb up and down stairs using a handrail, please see below.  Please note that you may be prompted to install Microsoft's video software called Silverlight to view the video.