Perform the moves in this content at your own risk. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These are additional or to be more specific – preliminary – guides as to getting used to both: the cane and using the cane when stairs are in front of you. Step up with your stronger or uninjured leg. © Copyright 2012-2021 Ask Doctor Jo, LLC. Use the cane on your side opposite the handrail. The procedure for going down the stairs with a quad cane is very similar to how you do it while using a traditional cane, HOWEVER, you must take the wider quad base into account. Place cane on lower step. However, before switching to our useful and easy to be understood guide regarding your stairs experience with a cane, there are a couple of things you should learn in advance. Put your weight on your stronger (unaffected) leg (example: if your left leg is stronger, put your weight on that leg). This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License. In addition, she is a Registered Dental Hygienist, with an AAS in Dental Hygiene from Pueblo Community College in Pueblo, Colorado. To help you remember this, think about this saying: “up with the good, down with the bad.”. When I used my dad’s cane while I was weak from getting chemo, I was much more balanced when I used the method I detailed above. To climb down the stairs, put your cane on the step first, then your weaker leg and then, finally, your good leg, in order to support your … This rule applies no matter what leg injury you have. Going down, lead with the cane, followed by your weaker leg and then your stronger leg. Put your unaffected (or strongest) leg on the first stair step. You can use your long cane in either your left or right hand. As usual the cane shall be opposite the affected limb. As a certified Senior Home Safety Specialist through Age Safe America, a caregiver for her own elderly parents, and a dental care provider for an adult/geriatric practice, she has in-depth knowledge of the rewards and challenges that come with caring for seniors. When toes are touching the first riser, they can use their cane to explore the width of the staircase as well as the height and … leg goes . Robin and Esther are the duo behind SeniorSafetyAdvice.com! We both have years of experience in senior care – Esther as an Occupational Therapist and Robin as a Dental Hygienist and we have both cared for our elderly parents. All Rights Reserved. Tips for Using a Cane or Crutches on Stairs . It also can double as a quad cane and can support up to 350 pounds. leg steps down . Last, step down with your stronger (unaffected) leg. Includes electrode placements for a wide variety of injuries and ailments all over the body. Always consult with your own healthcare provider before implementing our suggestions. In other words, the EZ-Step platform cuts the height of a stair riser in half, so the person only has to raise their leg about 3.5 inches per step, instead of the standard 7 inches. With your free hand, grasp the handrail. These cookies do not store any personal information. As with all of our videos, created content is intended for educational purposes only and are not considered medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Using a cane on stairs can be very scary if you've never done it before. last. This is another kind of cane. Using a cane with a handrail. Both legs and the cane should now all be on the same stair step. For a one-time contribution, use PayPal below, or CLICK HERE to make an ongoing monthly contribution (of $1 or more) & get fun rewards! SeniorSafetyAdvice is reader-supported. Using a Cane >>If there is an injury or weakness on one side of the body, the cane should be held on the person’s stronger side to support the weaker leg. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. All Rights Reserved. Be safe. AFFILIATE LINK DISCLAIMER: This site contains affiliate links and ads to purchase various products. Quad canes may help reduce falls in people who are recovering from strokes. The information on this website is available AS IS, subject to our Disclaimer and Terms Of Use and Privacy Policy. Have fun. This cane is also very helpful for those who can raise their leg just fine, but can’t flex their knee enough to get up onto a traditional step (example: while healing after knee replacement surgery).