If you’ve recently injured your leg and are hobbling around on crutches, one big question comes up fast: how do I deal with a step? Nobody wants to risk a wipe-out right right in front of the door (but I hear you get bonus points if you take out a houseplant on the way).
I’m Dr. Shawn, Your PT Guy, and today I’m breaking down three safe ways to tackle a step with crutches—even if you’re partial weight bearing. And don’t worry, I’ll keep it practical, safe, and a little bit funny. Because if you can’t laugh at yourself on crutches, you might cry instead.
Oh, and before we jump in: if you really want to level up your balance and reduce your risk of falling, check out my Fall Proof Webinar. Let’s get into it.
Method 1: Forward March (a.k.a. The Classic)
This is what most people try first. Standing close to the step, place both crutches firmly on the ground, lean forward, and hop up with your good leg.
Common mistake: putting the crutches up on the step first. That leaves your armpits hanging like they’re on a torture rack. Keep the crutches on the ground and use them to lift yourself forward.
When coming down, reverse it: crutches down first, then hop. Never, ever try to keep them up on the step—you’ll go backward waaay faster than you intended.
Method 2: The Backward Shuffle
This one looks a little unconventional but can actually be easier. With your back toward the step, position yourself close to the step, place your crutches just in front of your toes, lean forward on your crutches, and hop your good leg backward up onto the step.
Pro tip: keep your balance by planting the crutches just in front of your toes before hopping.
Coming down, though? Do NOT go backward. That’s a one-way ticket to Crashtown. Stick with the forward method to descend.
Method 3: Chair Assist (a.k.a. Outsmart the Step)
Who says you have to take the step at all? If you’ve got a sturdy chair handy, place it at the top right next to the step. Sit down, turn, and boom—you’re up (or down) without hopping like a kangaroo on one leg.
When sitting, always check your landing zone. I once warned someone to “watch out for the turtles” (ceramic ones included). True story.
Quick Recap
- Forward method: hop up facing the step.
- Backward method: hop up backward, but never come down that way.
- Chair assist: avoid the step entirely when possible.
Each of these methods helps you stay mobile without putting unnecessary stress on your healing leg—or risking a nasty fall.
And speaking of falls, don’t forget: my Fall Proof Webinar dives deeper into balance, strength, and safety strategies that help keep you independent.
FAQs
Q: Can I put a little weight through my injured leg on the stairs?
A: If you’ve been told “partial weight bearing,” yes—but follow your doctor’s instructions exactly. Safety first.
Q: Which method is the easiest?
A: Most people find the chair assist simplest if the setup works. Otherwise, the forward hop is the most common, but some people prefer doing it backward. It's really what works for you.
Q: How do I know if my crutches are the right height?
A: You should have about two finger widths between the crutch pads and your armpits. Your elbows should bend slightly when holding the handles.
Q: How else can I reduce fall risk?
A: Excellent question. I already talked about the Fall Proof webinar, but if you're interested in specific ways to reduce fall risk at home, my book, Don't Fall reveals 101 ways to reduce your fall risk at home.
Final Word from Dr. Shawn
Using crutches on stairs doesn’t have to feel like an obstacle course. With these three methods, you’ll get where you need to go safely, confidently, and with fewer close calls.
Stay strong, stay steady, and don’t forget—grab your spot in my Fall Proof Webinar so you can keep moving without fear.
—Dr. Shawn, Your PT Guy
