Disclaimer: Our company makes and sells the Giraffe Rolling Cane
Stairs can be dangerous. According to a study by Danielle Herbert Blazewick et al published in the National Library of Medicine in 2018, over 1 million patients have been treated in emergency departments for a stair-related injury annually.
Some basic safety precautions should be followed to minimize falls and injuries on stairs. Proper lighting on stairs is important. There should be a light switch at the top and the bottom of the stairs. Always place your full foot on the step; do not allow part of your foot to hang off the edge of the step. Handrails are also imperative to reduce injuries on stairs and people should always hold onto the handrail while on stairs. The cane should be on the opposite side of the handrail for people who use a cane.
To walk upstairs with a cane, step up with the stronger leg first and then place the cane up to the same step while stepping up with the weaker leg. Hold onto the handrail in the opposite hand. If there is no handrail, the cane should be in the opposite hand of the weaker leg. Repeat the process while using the handrail and without going too quickly. Take just one step at a time.
To go downstairs with a cane, place the cane on the lower step and then step down with the weaker leg first. Then follow with the stronger leg to the same lower step. Use the handrail in the opposite hand. Slowly repeat this process and take just one step at a time.
The phrase “up with the good and down with the bad” will help to remember the correct sequencing. The good leg goes up the step first and the bad leg goes down the step first.
Please consult with your physician or licensed medical professional before using any assisted mobility device or if you have questions or need more information.