When you first get home, you may want to have someone with you when you climb the stairs – that person should follow close behind you on your way up, and should be one step below you on the way down. Make sure there are handrails on staircases, both indoors and out.
The techniques listed below are recommended during early healing and are generally in place for six to eight weeks following your surgery. They may be extended on the advice or your surgeon or therapist. Whether you are using a cane or crutch, the technique is the same.
To safely climb stairs with a handrail, follow these steps:
- Hold the rail with one hand and the cane (or crutch) in the other.
- Stand close to the step.
- Step up onto the first stair with your non-operated leg.
- Straighten your non-operated leg, and bring the cane/crutch and operated leg up together so that both feet are on the same stair.
- Use the handrail and cane for support.
- Repeat the sequence, one stair at a time.
To safely walk down the stairs using cane or crutches, follow these steps:
- Hold the rail with one hand and the cane (or crutch) in the other.
- Stand close to, face down the stairs.
- Step down with your cane (or crutch), followed by your operated leg.
- Then step down onto the same stair with your non-operated leg.
- Use the handrail and cane for support.
- Repeat the sequence, one stair at a time.
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.