Managing the stairs after surgery

Why stairs feel hard after surgery

After surgery on a leg or hip, stairs ask a lot of the healing side. They need strength, balance and confidence, which all take time to return.

Many people feel unsteady at first, and worry about slipping or their knee giving way. That worry is understandable.

A physiotherapist helps you rebuild the strength and the safe technique, so stairs feel less frightening over time.

We practise at a pace that suits you, and we never rush you onto the stairs before you are ready. Feeling steadier week by week helps build the confidence that stairs need.

A safe way to use the stairs

There is a safe order that helps protect the healing leg. Going up, the stronger leg leads first, then the healing leg, then the stick. Going down, the stick goes first, then the healing leg, then the stronger leg.

A handrail is used whenever there is one. Taking one step at a time is safer than hurrying.

A physiotherapist practises this with you until it feels natural, and checks you can do it safely before you try alone.

Setting up the home

Small changes make stairs safer. A firm handrail, good lighting, and clear steps with no loose mats or clutter all reduce the risk of a fall.

Keeping often used things on one level can cut down how many times the stairs must be climbed each day.

We look at your actual staircase during a visit and suggest what would help in your own home.

When stairs should wait

Sometimes stairs are not yet safe, and that is important to respect. If the surgeon has limited weight on the leg, or balance is very poor, an easier route or sleeping downstairs for a while may be wiser.

Sharp new pain, a knee that gives way, or a fall need a doctor’s review rather than pushing on.

We help you judge when stairs are safe to add, and we build up to them at the right pace.