Going up and down the stairs x1 rail

If there is a rail, hold onto it with one hand.

Give your spare crutch to someone, or you may hold it in a ‘T’ shape on the outside of the crutch you are holding.

If there is no rail, you can use two crutches

Walking up the stairs:

Stand at the bottom of the stairs.

Push through the crutch and rail and step your unaffected leg on to the first step.

Then bring your affected leg onto the same step.

Finally, lift the crutch up to the same step.

Repeat the pattern until you get to the top.

You may also find this mnemonic helpful:

A - able

B - bad

C - crutch

going up stairs with rail.png

Stand at the top of the stairs.

Take your crutch down to the first step.

Step your affected leg down to the same step.

Finally, bring your unaffected leg down onto the same step

Repeat this pattern until you get to the bottom.

You may also find this mnemonic helpful:

C - crutch

B - bad

A - able

going down stairs with rail.png

Contact us

If you have any queries relating to this information, please contact the Physiotherapy service.

About this information

Service:
Physiotherapy

Reference:
BB/073

Approval date:
30 April 2026

Review date:
1 April 2029

Click ‘show accessibility tools’ at the bottom of the page 

Accesibility tools snip.PNG

Then click ‘select language’  

dropdown menu reading 'Select language'

 


Interpreters for your appointment

Alternative formats 

You can use the accessibility toolbar at the bottom of your screen to: 

  • Change the text size 

  • Adjust the font 

  • Modify the colour contrast 

  • Use the translate function 

If you would like this information in another format, such as Braille, audio, or easy read, please speak to a member of staff. 

You can also print as well as download as PDF using the “Print this page” button at the end of the page.  

Staff will print a copy for you on request 

Important note 

This page provides general information only. It is developed by clinical staff and is reviewed regularly every 3 years for accuracy. For personal advice about your health, or if you have any concerns, please speak to your doctor.