Using a Cane on Stairs - Ask Doctor Jo

Using a cane on stairs can be very scary if you've never done it before. Always be as safe as possible when using a cane to go up and down stairs, and use the railing if the stairs have one. Watch Dr. Jo show how to use a cane here: • How to Use a Cane - As...
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:
• How to Use a Cane - As...
When, Why & How to Use a Walking Cane or Quad Cane:
• When, Why & How to Use...
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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:
• 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]

Purchase a cane here: amzn.to/2FSqvUu (affiliate link) Don't forget to hit the 🔴 *SUBSCRIBE* 🔴 button above! *Find all of my videos at **kzbin.info*

[@francistanyous1220]

Thank you

[@AskDoctorJo]

You're welcome.

[@candythefox2005]

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

[@AskDoctorJo]

You're welcome!

[@sandy43935]

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!

[@AskDoctorJo]

Thanks! Glad it helped.

[@kkfung1]

Thanks! You cheer me up.

[@AskDoctorJo]

You're welcome, and thank you for your support!

[@maggiechia9991]

I am grateful to Dr Jo for letting.me know

[@francistanyous1220]

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

[@AskDoctorJo]

You're welcome. Good luck.

[@marvinelder5888]

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.

[@joadload]

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

[@AskDoctorJo]

😎

[@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.

[@AskDoctorJo]

You're welcome.

[@empressofawesome7099]

Really helpful, thank you!

[@AskDoctorJo]

You're welcome!

[@skts5]

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

[@Mehki227]

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!😢

[@AskDoctorJo]

I hope it helps.

[@اخبارمنوعة-ه9خ]

thanks doc jo

[@AskDoctorJo]

You're welcome.

[@rhondahallisey2728]

Very helpful. Thank you ❤️

[@AskDoctorJo]

You’re welcome.

[@Twinklez63]

Thank you 😊🙏

[@AskDoctorJo]

You're welcome.

[@sagarshappyclub3244]

Thank you

[@AskDoctorJo]

You're welcome.

[@missysoaps7509]

Thank you Dr Jo

[@AskDoctorJo]

You're welcome.

[@TheDinger]

I have 2 bad legs. I have foot drop from Charcot Marie Tooth. I only use one cane. Wondering how to climb stairs and minimise a disaster happening

[@sourabhsharma5283]

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

[@AskDoctorJo]

Do you have a specific question? There is a lot that goes into gait training.

[@sourabhsharma5283]

Yes madam that's the main reason i dont have any specification question i simply have to prepare a normal assignment on gait training

[@sourabhsharma5283]

One thing matter that i dont have to prepare gait training on any individual conditions only normal gait training i have to prepare and the conditions where gait training is useful i have to mentioned it by conditions name only

[@AskDoctorJo]

I talk about it some at the end of this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qoHIe5hrra9jb6M

[@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

[@catherinerose1607]

My knees are both bad.

[@tinaorr656]

What if you can’t?

[@rodneydangerfield7153]

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?

[@AskDoctorJo]

Thanks! Unfortunately, I don't know since I can't evaluate you. It really depends on several things (since everyone is different), like how safe/balanced you are on steps, if it's possible for something like another rail to be added on the steps, and if it's something that can be done financially (or even covered by insurance). If you are able to see a physical therapist for an evaluation, they would probably be able to help figure out what's best with just one visit.

[@mariondowney4103]

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

[@AskDoctorJo]

It just depends on which one feels stronger/more stable.

[@sourabhsharma5283]

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..

[@ellatoler9706]

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."

[@AskDoctorJo]

It's definitely harder than it looks!

[@eclaire1748]

What if both legs are bad like mine:(

[@cuttiepie5099]

I need this w

[@cuttiepie5099]

Where will I get it

[@kajolchopra4607]

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?

[@beacampbell6203]

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

[@AskDoctorJo]

Closed captioning/subtitles can be turned on/off by clicking on the CC button below the video. You can also change it to many different languages among other things like changing the transparency to be able to see through the words: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jJLXf3WQnZtphtE

[@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.

[@elliotmydude]

Your comment is old and you didn't ask me but if a cane will help your mobility and pain levels you should absolutely use one. Disability has no age. Mobility aides have no age. Don't let judgemental people cause you unnecessary suffering! I wish you the best

[@Kylejphotographer]

@@elliotmydude I actually used a cane for about a year after this and have been rehabbing my back since I started college through working out and staying mobile and I don’t require the cane anymore. I also got nerve damage in my leg so I really needed the cane just to stand but from exercising I have strengthened it and only use the cane sparingly. I have a back surgery coming soon so I will see how that ends up.

[@ameyadonno]

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

[@Steelhorsecowboy]

The good foot goes "up" to heaven. The bad foot down to ; well, you know where.

[@AskDoctorJo]

Yep :-)

[@williamchua7261]

Basement?

[@stephaniebri5837]

how do you go up the stairs with the cane if you're carrying groceries?

[@arbormatos832]

I've never done this without a backpack, and while I dont recommend it, my nan hangs her groceries off her cane. 🫣😶