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.