Patient/caregiver was educated on how to use crutches while climbing down 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 down.
- 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 down the stairs, let your crutches lead you. Advance the crutches by placing them on one step down, from where you are standing.
- Once the crutches are firm, stable, and properly placed on the step below, swing the weak leg forward to the step below, and lastly, move the strong leg down to place it on the step below and meet the crutches.
- You can repeat the process by advancing the crutches first, followed by swinging the weak leg forward to the step below, and then, moving the strong leg down.
- Allow yourself enough time to climb down 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 getting down the stairs, which can compromise balance resulting in accidents and falls.
- Once you are down 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.
