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Use the stair method your treating clinician or physiotherapist has taught you; the right sequence depends on whether your injured knee may take weight, whether there is a handrail, and how steady you feel. For the published non-weight-bearing method described below, keep the injured leg off the floor: going up, lead with the uninjured leg; going down, place the crutches on the lower step first. If you have not been shown the technique or do not feel safe, do not attempt it alone—ask your care team about an alternative.
Check your weight-bearing instructions first
“Non-weight-bearing” means the injured leg must not take weight. Do not assume that being able to step means it is safe to load your knee. Follow the restriction and stair method given by your treating team. NHS Inform’s crutch guidance distinguishes non-, partial-, and full-weight-bearing methods. The non-weight-bearing steps below are not a universal technique for every knee injury.
Ask a physiotherapist to demonstrate and watch you practise before using stairs at home. Kingston and Richmond NHS says patients are shown how to use stairs when fitted with elbow crutches; its guidance and other providers give instructions for different stair and handrail situations.
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In the method described by Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, keep your injured leg off the floor and behind you as you ascend.
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- Stand close to the first step and get stable before moving.
- Step up with your uninjured leg.
- Bring the crutches up to the same step, keeping the injured leg clear of the floor.
- Pause and regain balance before repeating the sequence for the next step.
Think “good leg first” for this specific non-weight-bearing sequence. Do not use it if your clinician taught you a different method.
Non-weight-bearing: how to go down
For the descent sequence in the Royal Devon leaflet, keep the injured leg off the floor and in front of you.
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- Safety Tips: Upon delivery, verify all accessories against the included checklist and inspect for shipping damage. Bear weight through your hands, not the cuffs, to avoid wrist or elbow strain. Start with short walks on flat, dry surfaces. Periodically check the rubber tips for wear and ensure bolts stay secure. For missing or damaged parts or any assistance, contact us via the chat window on your order page with your order number; photos are appreciated. Response time: within 24 hours.
- Open-Cuff Design with Ergonomic Handles: Features non-slip handles for a secure grip. The open-cuff arm pad helps distribute forearm pressure during daily use. Textured rubber footpads provide traction on common indoor surfaces. Built-in reflective strips improve visibility in dim environments. Note: The open-cuff, strap-free design offers less stability than strapped cuff models. It is intended for users with normal arm strength and minor mobility needs, and is not intended for users with weak arms, disabilities or severe injuries. For higher stability needs, please consider our strapped cuff model.
- Adjustable Height: 10-level adjustable from 36.6" to 45.3" (93–115 cm) with quick spring pin locking, fitting users between 4'11" and 6'1" (150–185 cm). Suitable for teens and adults as temporary support during daily activities. Note: The open-cuff, strap-free design offers limited stability and is intended for users with normal arm strength and minor mobility needs. It is not intended for users with weak arms, disabilities or severe injuries. For temporary use (1-3 months). For prolonged use, consult a healthcare professional to ensure suitability.
- Foldable Design: These forearm crutches feature a quick-fold mechanism that collapses to 21.26" (54 cm) for compact storage. The aluminum frame fits in car trunks, closets, and suitcases (fits most 20"+ luggage), making storage and transport convenient for daily use and travel.
- Aluminum Construction: These elbow crutches feature an aluminum frame. Includes 1 pair of crutches. Color: Black. Intended for temporary mobility assistance during daily activities.
- Pause at the top and make sure you are stable.
- Move the crutches down to the next step.
- Bring your uninjured leg down to that step while keeping the injured leg clear.
- Pause before continuing to the next step.
For this method, remember “crutches down first.” Do not try it without prior teaching if your strength or balance is uncertain.
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A rail changes how you hold and manage the crutches. In its non-weight-bearing instructions, Kingston and Richmond NHS describes standing close to the first step, transferring the crutch nearest the banister into the opposite hand in a horizontal position, and holding the banister with the free hand. It then instructs the patient to keep the affected leg behind, push through both arms, and step up with the good leg. The exact arrangement can be difficult to manage and should be demonstrated by a therapist. See the provider’s instructions.
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- Forearm Crutches Safety Tips: Upon delivery, verify accessories against the checklist and check for shipping damage. Adjust the cuff and handle to fit, and ensure all locks are engaged before use. Note: Bear weight through your hands, not the cuffs, to avoid wrist or elbow strain. Start with short walks on flat, dry surfaces. Periodically check tips for wear and ensure bolts stay secure. For missing/damaged parts or assistance, contact us via the chat window on your order page with your order number (photos appreciated). Response time: <24 hours.
- Ergonomic Support & Soft Foam Grip: The ergonomic semi-enclosed arm cradle fits the arm contour to evenly distribute pressure and reduce arm strain. The soft foam handle ensures a comfortable, non-slip grip for stable support during daily use and long-term mobility.
- Adjustable Height & Secure Hook-and-Loop: Designed with 10 adjustable height levels(38.19'' - 47.24'') fit users from 4'11" to 6'1" tall. You can easily adjust the height to match your body type and daily habits for optimal body posture. The hook-and-loop strap firmly secures the arm for stable, snug, and comfortable daily support.
- Anti-Slip Replaceable Foot Pads: Equipped with a four-point rubber tip base with replaceable tips for enhanced stability and safety. Made of high-quality durable materials, it provides strong grip on tile, wood, and cement surfaces. It effectively prevents slipping and wobbling, it provides stable and secure support for daily use. The independent replaceable foot pads ensure easy maintenance and long-lasting safety.
- Balanced Support & Multi-Scene Use: These elbow crutches serve as a reliable mobility aid and walking support for daily use, ideal for users recovering from leg injuries or limited mobility. The symmetrical dual-crutch design ensures even weight distribution for stable, balanced support. Designed for indoor and outdoor use, travel, and office environments, these forearm crutches provide dependable support across various daily scenarios.
Providers do not all recommend the same stair approach: some teach a crutch-and-rail method, while Northern Care Alliance NHS advises against using crutches on stairs and recommends moving on the bottom instead. Use the approach your own care team has assessed for you, not a technique chosen solely because a rail is present.
If there is no handrail or you feel unsteady
Do not improvise a crutch arrangement on a staircase. Leeds Teaching Hospitals gives separate instructions for crutch use with and without a handrail, and says patients should be taught stair use before discharge after surgery. Ask your physiotherapist to assess your stairs and show you the method appropriate to your weight-bearing restriction and ability. Leeds Teaching Hospitals’ guidance is one example of separate rail and no-rail instruction.
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- ☀ Anti-Drop Cuff Design → There is a cuff on the forearm to help tie the arm and crutches, so you don't have to worry about the crutches falling off when you lock the door or place things.
- ☀ Share Wrist Pressure → The crutches are designed with a semi-enclosed arm, which can keep the arm straight and effectively share the pressure on the wrist during use.
- ☀ Height Adjustable → With 10 adjustable buttons, suitable for people with a height of 58inch-72.8inch, you can adjust the comfortable height according to your needs.
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- ☀ Solid and Safe Design → The bottom can be locked in position by rotating, so there is no need to worry about loosening; the Oxford base is used, which is wear-resistant and corrosion-resistant, has strong stability and has a longer service life.
Consider a seated alternative if crutch stairs are not safe
Northern Care Alliance recommends going up and down on your bottom rather than using crutches on stairs. University Hospitals Plymouth also describes a slow seated descent as an option for someone worried about walking downstairs. These are provider-specific alternatives, not a guarantee that a seated method is safe for every injury, staircase, or home. Discuss and practise an alternative with your therapy team; if someone is available, ask them to carry the crutches. If you cannot manage the stairs safely, ask about another mobility method instead of attempting them alone.
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Prepare the stairs and check your crutches
Before moving, reduce hazards along the whole route. Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust advises:
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- FSA/HSA ELIGIBLE: 11 height settings. Total crutch height adjusts from 36” to 46”, and handle height from 28” to 38”. Not suitable for users outside this range. Tall users must measure before ordering
- CORRECT ADJUSTMENT: Set both crutches to the same height and fully insert and lock the adjustment clip into the matching hole before use. Do not use if the clip is not fully engaged
- INTENDED USE AND SUPPORT: Designed as a walking support aid during convalescence, rehabilitation, or mobility limitation. Maximum user weight: 275 lb when correctly adjusted and used as intended. Suitability depends on the user’s height, balance, strength, and condition
- OPEN CUFF AND HANDLE FEEL: The open cuff may feel wider than a closed cuff. The polypropylene/TPE handles provide a firm grip and may feel hard during prolonged use. Verify fit and comfort before continued use
- PACK OF 2 - INSPECT BEFORE USE: Includes two black forearm crutches. Before use, confirm that both rubber tips, clips, handles, cuffs, and tubes are present, secure, and undamaged. Do not use a broken, incomplete, previously used, or open-package unit
- Clear obstacles from the stairs and landing.
- Keep the route dry and well lit.
- Wear supportive shoes.
- Check the crutches for damage and make sure the rubber ends are not worn or dirty.
Crutches should be fitted and stair use taught by clinical staff; do not change their setup based on a general online sequence. Gloucestershire Hospitals’ crutch guidance covers these safety checks.
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