How to Use a Walker on Stairs

A walker can help you get back on your feet after surgery, an accident, or an illness. However, it takes some time to get used to walking with a walker. For any senior who may need to use a walker on stairs, learning how to do it safely and confidently should be a priority. 

When using a walker on stairs, adjust it to your height, take your time and double-check that the walker is sturdy before taking each step. Also, master how to use a walker safely and effectively by learning the proper movements.

Using a walker is typically considered safe. However, if a walker is not used correctly on stairs, it might cause falls and injuries. Thus, carefully note how to safely use a walker on stairs and curbs. If you or your healthcare provider believe that it is too dangerous for you to attempt to climb stairs with a walker, please avoid doing so. 

How to Climb Stairs with A Walker 

When climbing any stairs, always take them slowly and steadily, and always double-check the walker’s stability. The two most prevalent types of walkers are the standard walker and the two-wheeled walker, so you should first be most familiar with using those. If you want to avoid using a walker on stairs altogether, maybe look into installing a stair lift in your home. 

Standard walkers

A standard walker is a four-legged walker with no wheels and an adjustable frame constructed of aluminum.

Here’s how to use a standard walker to climb stairs.

• Place the walker in front of you at the bottom of the stairs. That way, the walker will be between you and the steps.
• With your hand closest to the railing, grab the handrail firmly.
• Turn the walker to the side so the crossbar is away from the steps. The move puts the walker next to you.
• Place the closest two legs of the walker on the first step, then verify for stability before moving ahead. 
• For extra support, put one hand on the walker’s end and the other on the handrail. Maintaining an even weight distribution between the railing and the walker is crucial.
• To ensure your walker is safe and steady, press down on it.
• Take a step up with your stronger leg first, and then pull your weaker or sore leg up behind you.
• Carry on in this manner to the top of the remaining stairs. 

Two-Wheeled Walkers 

Walkers with wheels are primarily designed for long-distance walking rather than overall stability. Hence, taking the stairs with them could be challenging, if not dangerous. Still, you can use the stairs if you have a walker with only two wheels in front. However, keep these guidelines in mind:

• You will take the exact steps you would take with a standard walker to get up the stairs, but with a little extra care to ensure the wheels don’t make you slip or fall.
• Always go up with the strong leg and down with the weak if you have a weaker leg.
• Place your weight on the side of the walker with the leg. This will aid in your stability.
• The handrail should be your primary support, so make good use of it. Let the walker serve as a backup to keep you stable on both sides.

Descending Stairs With A Walker 

Descending stairs with a walker can be a bit more challenging than climbing stairs. The following steps can help with descending stairs with a walker:

• Grab the handrail with one hand as you approach the stairs. With your other hand, turn the walker sideways, close to you, on the opposite side of the railing you’ve gripped.
• Continue to hang on to the railing and place the walker’s two rear legs on the same step as you are.
• Make sure the walker’s legs are seated in the step’s corner.
• Push on the walker to determine its stability.
• Step down with your sore leg first, then with your healthy leg, while pulling down the walker’s rear handle with one hand and gripping the railing with the other.
• Repeat the procedure by moving the walker to the next step. Slow down and take your time. 

How To Climb Curbs With A Walker 

While many curbs feature wheelchair ramps—which are also suitable for walkers—you will almost certainly come across a regular curb at some point. So, here’s how to properly navigate a curb:

Climbing a Curb

• Get as close to the curb as possible. If you’re not close enough, you’ll have trouble placing the walker on the curb, which will increase the risk of a fall.
•  Place the walker on the curb by lifting it.
• Ascertain that the walker is stable and all four legs are planted on the curb.
• Firmly press down on the Walker with both hands.
• Step up to the curb with your stronger leg first, then bring your weaker leg up behind you.

Getting Down a Curb

• Get as close to the curb’s edge as possible.
• Place the walker on the lower ground. 
• Make sure the walker’s legs are all on the ground and stable.
• Grasp the walker with both hands and firmly press down on it. 
• Step down onto the lower level with your weaker leg first, then put your stronger leg in front of you.

How To Use A Walker Safely

Here are some basic safety precautions to prevent injuries while using a walker:

• Make sure the walker is a good fit for you. You will likely bring on aches, pains, and injuries if your walker is at the incorrect height.
• Because they are professionals, a physical therapist or healthcare practitioner who can adapt the walker to fit you is the ideal option.
• Check with your physical therapist to discover if using your walker on the stairs is safe for you. If that’s the case, ask your physical therapist to demonstrate to you how to do it properly.
• Always take short steps and never rush while moving.
• Keep the walker close to your body and keep your head up while walking to improve your balance.
• Wear slippers, stockings, or shoes with non-skid soles.
• Keep both hands on the walker and attach a basket to it if you need to carry any load.
• Move the walker ahead of you one footstep at a time while you walk, making sure it is correctly balanced before proceeding.
• Ensure your walker is in excellent working order. The bottom of each leg of your walker should be covered in grooved rubber tips.
• Avoid throw rugs, clutter, and waxed floors.
• Exercise caution when walking on damp or slick surfaces.
• For better support, choose low-heeled shoes with ties.