How to Use Crutches on Stairs (Up and Down) Safely

Stairs are the moment most people on crutches feel nervous. The technique is simple once you know it, and there’s an old rhyme that makes it impossible to forget.

The rhyme: “Up with the good, down with the bad”

• Going up: lead with your good (uninjured) leg.
• Going down: lead with your bad (injured) leg and the crutches.

That’s the whole memory trick. Here’s the step-by-step.

Going UP the stairs

1. Stand close to the bottom step.
2. Push down through the crutches and step up with your good leg first.
3. Bring the crutches and your injured leg up to the same step.
4. Repeat one step at a time. Don’t rush.

Going DOWN the stairs

1. Stand at the edge of the top step.
2. Move the crutches and your injured leg down to the next step first.
3. Then bring your good leg down to meet them.
4. One step at a time.

If there’s a handrail, use it

A handrail is safer and easier than two crutches on stairs. Hold the rail with one hand and both crutches in the other hand (tuck them together), then use the “up with the good, down with the bad” rule. Have someone spot you the first few times if you can.

A few safety notes

• Take it slow; stairs are not the place to hurry.
• Make sure your crutch tips are in good shape for grip, worn tips slip.
• Comfortable, well-fitted forearm crutches are easier to control on stairs than bulky underarm ones (see forearm vs. underarm and how to size your crutches).

New to forearm crutches? See our best forearm crutches picks or take the quiz.

This is general information, not medical advice. Ask your physical therapist to watch you on stairs once, it’s the fastest way to feel confident.