When instructing a client with crutches to go upstairs, which weight-bearing method is correct?

When instructing a client with crutches to go upstairs, which weight-bearing method is correct?

• A. Stand at the foot of the stairs bearing weight on the good leg and crutches. Put weight on the crutch handles and lift the good leg up on the first stair. Put weight on the good leg, and lift the other leg and crutches up to that step. Repeat for each step.
• B. Stand at the foot of the stairs bearing weight on the injured leg and crutches. Put weight on the crutch handles and lift the injured leg up on the first stair. Put weight on the injured leg, and lift the other leg and crutches up to that step. Repeat for each step.
• C. Equally on each leg and the crutches. Put weight on the crutch handles and lift both legs simultaneously up on the first stair. Repeat for each step.
• D. On the crutches. While bearing weight on the crutch handles lift the good leg and drag the injured leg up on the first stair. Repeat for each step.

Answer: (A)

When going upstairs with crutches, the safest approach is to keep most weight on the hands through the crutch handles and on the strong leg, using a step-to pattern. Move the crutches and the good leg up to the next step first, then bring the injured leg up to meet them, repeating for each step. This stabilizes you at every step and prevents the injured leg from bearing weight on the stairs. Dragging the injured leg, lifting both legs at once, or bearing weight on the injured leg would be unstable and risky. If a handrail is available, use it for extra support.

When going upstairs with crutches, the safest approach is to keep most weight on the hands through the crutch handles and on the strong leg, using a step-to pattern. Move the crutches and the good leg up to the next step first, then bring the injured leg up to meet them, repeating for each step. This stabilizes you at every step and prevents the injured leg from bearing weight on the stairs. Dragging the injured leg, lifting both legs at once, or bearing weight on the injured leg would be unstable and risky. If a handrail is available, use it for extra support.