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After Knee Replacement: Walking with Crutches
Once your balance improves, you may begin using crutches or a cane instead of a walker. Crutches and canes can help you walk with an even stride. Follow all instructions given to you by your physical therapist.
Using crutches
With crutches in place, lean on your hands. The top of the crutches should be just below, not in, the armpits.
Move your operated leg and crutches forward at the same time. Keep the operated leg lined up with the crutches.
Look straight ahead, and step through the crutches with your good leg.
Walking up stairs
Hold the rail with one hand and both crutches in the other. Support your weight evenly between the rail and the crutches.
With the crutches and operated leg on the lower step, step up with your unoperated leg.
Keeping a grip on the rail, bring your operated leg and crutches up to the same step.
Walking down stairs
Hold the rail with one hand and both crutches in the other.
With your weight on your unoperated leg, step down with your operated leg and crutches.
Using the crutches and rail for balance, slowly bring your unoperated leg down to the same step.
