How to Use Elbow Crutches on Stairs
Crutches are used whenever a person suffers a serious leg injury or a permanent impairment. It can be rather difficult to move with the help of crutches as you need to get used to concept of balancing without putting weight on your hurt or disabled leg. There are different types of crutches that can be used, one very common style is knows as elbow crutches. Learning to use elbow crutches can be difficult in itself, but to do that on stairs can be challenging. With the proper guidelines and technique though, you should be going up and down with relative ease.
Instructions
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1
Climbing Up Stairs:
The key to climbing up stairs with elbow crutches is to take it slow. You will want to line yourself up with the bottom step and place your uninjured leg on the first step. Now you can place your weight on the elbow crutches as you bring your injured leg up to the first step. Slowly lift up your elbow crutches to the first step and continue this process to carefully climb up the other steps.
If there is a guide rail present then it is recommended to grab it with one hand and maintain your balance with the elbow crutch. You can shift your weight between the guide rail and the crutch to keep the pressure off your injured leg. Use the guide rail and the crutch to help lift your uninjured leg on to the first step.
Remember to take your time and move up slowly one step at a time. 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. It is easier if you put some weight on your uninjured leg so that you can easily hop up to the next step.
Make sure to constantly check that you are placing your foot in the middle of the steps to avoid slipping. -
2
Climbing Down Stairs:
When climbing down stairs using elbow crutches, use the guide rail just like you would if you were climbing up. If it is not possible to hold the guide rail, then use your crutches by placing them on the immediate step below. This is basically the step that you are going to shift your weight on. Take your time and make sure that you are looking down to get the right footing on the steps. Keep repeating this method as you slowly make it to the bottom of the stairs. Try to keep your weight off your injured leg as the pressure can easily cause further damage.
