Patient/caregiver was educated on how to use crutches while climbing up the stairs with siderails as follows:
- Have both the crutches in the hand opposite to the side of the injured/weak leg. Make sure both crutches are securely placed in the armpit and the hand is gripping on the handgrips tightly before starting to climb up.
- Place the other hand on the side-rails along the stairways, which can help offer extra support. If the side-rails are present only on one side, then hold the crutches in the hand opposite to the side of the side-rails. The hand on the side of side-rails will be free to hold the rails for additional support.
- While climbing up the stairs, let your stronger leg be the leading leg. Always put your strong leg forward first.
- Advance the strong leg by placing it on one step above, from where you are standing.
- Once the strong leg is firm, stable, and properly placed on the step above, bring the crutches to meet the strong leg on the step above. The injured/weak leg will be trailing on your back.
- You can repeat the process by advancing strong leg first and followed by the crutches, with the injured/weak leg trailing behind.
- Allow yourself enough time to climb up the stairs, one at a time. Do not take more than one step at a time and do not try rushing through the process of climbing, which can compromise balance resulting in accidents and falls.
- Once you are on top of the staircase, bring one crutch around to the arm used to hold the siderails. Make sure both crutches are securely placed in the armpits and the hands are gripping on the handgrips of crutches tightly before starting to walk.
