How to Use Crutches on Stairs (Up and Down)

The rule for using crutches on stairs is simple: up with the good, down with the bad. Lead with your good (uninjured) leg going up, and lead with the bad leg and crutches together going down. Go one step at a time and you will be safe.

Why “up with the good, down with the bad” works

Your good leg is the strong one, so you want it doing the lifting. Going up, the good leg steps first onto the higher step and pulls you up. Going down, the bad leg and the crutches go down first to a lower step, so the good leg can lower you under control. The crutches always travel with the bad leg.

Most crutch falls happen on stairs, so slow is the goal. There is no prize for speed.

With a handrail (the safest way)

A rail beats a crutch for stability, so use one whenever it is there.

Going up: Hold the rail with one hand, both crutches under the other arm. Step up with your good leg, then bring the bad leg and crutches up to meet it.
Going down: Hold the rail, both crutches under the other arm. Lower the crutches and bad leg to the step below first, then bring the good leg down.

Take one step at a time and pause on each one before the next.

Without a handrail

Keep one crutch under each arm and push your weight through the hand grips, not your armpits.

Going up: Step up with the good leg first, then lift the bad leg and both crutches to the same step. Make sure both tips land flat before trusting your weight to them.
Going down: Place both crutches on the lower step first, then the bad leg, then bring the good leg down. Keep your eyes on the next step.

If a staircase feels unsafe

When there is no rail and the stairs feel risky, sit on the bottom (or top) step, set your crutches aside, and scoot up or down on your seat one step at a time using your arms and good leg. Carry the crutches with you. This is slower but very stable.

This is general guidance, not medical advice. Follow any specific instructions from your doctor or physical therapist about how much weight you can put on your injured leg.

Bottom line

Up with the good, down with the bad, one step at a time, and use a rail when you can. Stable, well-fitted crutches make stairs easier. See our best underarm crutches roundup or take the quiz to find a pair that fits you.

Frequently asked questions

What is the rule for crutches on stairs?

Up with the good, down with the bad. Lead with your good leg going up, and lead with the bad leg plus the crutches going down. The good leg always does the lifting work.

How do I use crutches on stairs with a handrail?

Hold the rail with one hand and put both crutches under the other arm. Going up, step with the good leg first. Going down, lower the crutches and bad leg first. Take one step at a time.

Can I use crutches on stairs without a railing?

Yes, keep one crutch under each arm and follow up-with-the-good, down-with-the-bad, one step at a time. If it feels unsafe, sit on a step and scoot up or down using your arms and good leg instead.