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Navigating stairs while being non-weight-bearing felt really intimidating to me, but it can be manageable. In this article, I'll share the advice that I found online and what actually worked for me.
Non-weight bearing means you cannot place any weight on your injured leg. This restriction requires using crutches or other assistive devices to fully support your body as you move. Keeping the injured leg elevated and avoiding any accidental contact with the ground helps prevent setbacks in your recovery.
Navigating stairs while non-weight bearing requires strength, coordination, and careful planning.
The commonly described method of hopping with the uninjured leg while using crutches and a handrail for support can be physically demanding and precarious, especially for those recovering from a traumatic injury like a pilon fracture. For many—like me—the fear of falling again can make this technique feel overwhelming.
If using crutches to climb stairs, focus on your balance, take slow and deliberate movements, and prioritize safety over speed. Other methods, like butt-scooting or getting assistance, may be safer and more practical, depending on your comfort and ability.
Underarm crutches generally offer better control on stairs than forearm crutches. Forearm crutches rely more on hand and upper arm strength, which can make them feel less stable. Choosing the right type depends on your own comfort and strength, and guidance from a healthcare professional.
If you decide to give it a go, begin by placing your body weight on your crutches and stepping up with your uninjured leg, keeping your injured foot elevated and avoiding any contact with the step. Once your balance is secure, move the crutches up to the same step, repeating the process slowly to ensure safety and stability.
Descending stairs requires extra caution—though I actually found going down steps easier than going up. Start by placing your underarm crutches on the step below. Make sure they are stable and then lower your body slowly by bending your uninjured leg, keeping your injured foot elevated and away from the steps. Take your time and focus on steady movements to avoid losing balance.
To use the iWalk hands-free crutch on the stairs, make sure it is securely strapped to your injured leg and maintain your balance by holding onto a sturdy handrail or wall as you ascend or descend. The recommended way to descend stairs using the iWalk is to go down backwards. This device is best for folks with good core and upper body strength.
Scooting on your butt up or down the stairs is an alternative for those who cannot or don't want to navigate stairs with crutches. To descend, sit on a chair positioned near the top of the stairs and lower yourself to the floor before beginning to scoot down step by step.
To ascend, crutch to the base of the stairs and turn around so your back is to the steps. Lower yourself to sit on the second or third step, where a seat might naturally be. From there, use your arms and uninjured leg to push yourself up one step at a time.
For those with limited mobility or strength, an electric bath lift that raises and lowers you to the floor can be a valuable tool, providing additional support and reducing the physical effort required.
I found it helpful to have a pair of upstairs and downstairs crutches.
Using a stairlift or platform can be a practical and safe alternative for navigating stairs. Stairlifts provide a motorized seat that carries you up and down the stairs, so there's no need for any risky movements.
If your recovery is short-term, renting a stairlift could be a cost-effective (albeit still pricey) solution without committing to a permanent installation. Many companies provide short-term rental options.
I reached out to both Lifeway Mobility and Acorn Stairlifts. Lifeway came out to our house to give us a free quote. They determined that the staircase in our row home is too narrow for a stairlift, but I was considering it as solution had it been an option for us. I believe for a straight staircase the quote would have been under $2,000.
A mobile stair lift works essentially the same as a stair lift without requiring permanent installation. They have a seat or platform with sturdy tracks like a tank or tractor that lets a caregiver move the user up or down stairs with minimal effort. These could be helpful for short-term recovery or multi-location use, but still aren't cheap starting at $2,000.
Manual stair chairs, like the ones used for emergency evacuations, are lightweight, foldable devices caregivers could use to move you up and down the stairs. While maybe not practical for everyday use, manual stair chairs could be an affordable option for short-term or occasional use.
Using crutches on stairs can be risky. Always move deliberately, keeping your hips aligned and focusing on the proper placement of your crutches and unaffected foot to maintain control.
