Using a Cane on Stairs - Ask Doctor Jo

The golden rule when using a cane on stairs is to go up with the good, and down with the bad. Also, the cane should be in your opposite hand, and always follow the bad leg.

This rule applies no matter what leg injury you have. So if it’s your hip, knee, or ankle, you would use the cane the same way.

Related Videos:

How to Use a Cane:

When, Why & How to Use a Walking Cane or Quad Cane:

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Doctor Jo is a licensed Physical Therapist and Doctor of Physical Therapy.

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Using a Cane on Stairs:

DISCLAIMER: This content (the video, description, links, and comments) is not medical advice or a treatment plan and is intended for general education and demonstration purposes only. This content should not be used to self-diagnose or self-treat any health, medical, or physical condition. Don’t use this content to avoid going to your own healthcare professional or to replace the advice they give you. Consult with your healthcare professional before doing anything contained in this content. You agree to indemnify and hold harmless Ask Doctor Jo, LLC, its officers, employees, and contractors for any and all losses, injuries, or damages resulting from any and all claims that arise from your use or misuse of this content. Ask Doctor Jo, LLC makes no representations about the accuracy or suitability of this content. Use of this content is at your sole risk.

[AskDoctorJo]

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[candythefox]

Thank you! Just diagnosed with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome last week

[sandy]

This is very helpful. I just had leg surgery a few weeks ago and I really needed someone to show me how to use my cane. These are things you never really think you'll need to know until you do. Great video!

[maggiechia]

I am grateful to Dr Jo for letting.me know

[joadload]

Thanks for being in my head while I hobble around Portugal. ✊🏾

[francistanyous]

My name is Francis Tanyous From Egypt My problem is a clot four years ago, resulting in poor movement with irregular physical therapy resulting in shortening of about half a centimeter with a significant deterioration in the way of walking and inability to walk properly and not bend knee can help to walk fairly properly Leg limb is possible to return the former as past . Thank you Dr. Jo

[pawbiter]

Very helpful. Thank you. My right leg is bad, so I use the cane on the left. My neck and spine stay straight, no leaning. It seems that some of the weight is transferred off the bad leg and onto the shoulder of the cane side (in my case, my left shoulder). Being aware of this helps me keep my balance.

[skts]

Hi! Any advice on what to do with both knees being affected by psoriatic arthritis?

[marvinelder]

Only allowed 50percent pressure on fused left knee.
I only have two steps to deal
With. My physical therapist
Recommend a shower chair
Turned sideways and using it.
That will take up a lot of room
To use shower chair. Think I
Will see if surgeon will
Allow full weight bearing as
Opposed to 50 percent weight bearing just for two steps.

[Mehki]

Great! I have to wait 2 weeks to see the Ortho. I have a cane at home but live in a TH and have to use the stairs all day!😢

[unbeatablemother]

I have to walk on the outer side of my injured foot I cant put my foot down flat. I cant walk forward with my injured leg first, I bring my good leg forward and have to drag my bad leg with me.
Tried to pm you but didnt see where I could

[sourabhsharma]

Hiee madam gud morning.. I want your help madam in coming days i have to submit a assignment of Gait training.. There are lot of things given in books and internet i am totally confused please help madam..

[sourabhsharma]

I am a physiotherapy student studying in 3 year..i have to submit this assignment in this week it might be on thursday..

[mariondowney]

What if one HP is giving you problems and the opposite knee has flared up how do you go up and down then?

[rodneydangerfield]

Enjoy your helpful videos, Dr. Jo!...Do you recommend a SECOND hand rail for someone like me with MS rather than using a cane or stairlift?

[ellatoler]

You would think this would be simple, almost reflexive, but it's not. You cannot repeat this information too many times. I always have to stop before going up and ask myself, "Now how does this work?" Fortunately my bad leg answers back, "Try me, and I'll show you."

[kajolchopra]

My query is about going up with one stick and railing on the other side.
Also, NHS suggests Good leg-bad leg- stick last, I think that puts your COG behind instead of ahead. What do you think?
How about this order: just place the good leg on the step - followed by walking stick - followed by bad leg?

[beacampbell]

The writing across the screen blocks the the steps you’re stepping on :(

[ameyadonno]

Hello
While climbing up
U said u put gud leg ahead
During that wt wont come on bad leg?

[Kylejphotographer]

Could this help me? I recently fell and a cyst formed in my spine and to compensate for the pain sometimes I limp and lean to my right because it hurts less. My doctor recommended a cane but I feel slightly embarrassed because I’m so young and shouldn’t have yo be using one and there will definitely be people noticing me.