How to Complete Stairs Safely After a Hip or Knee Replacement?

Facing stairs after a hip or knee replacement can seem challenging but with the right techniques, you’ll regain confidence and mobility in no time. This blog is written to help you tackle stairs safely as part of your recovery journey. For a more detailed plan, orthophysio offers both a hip replacement guide and a knee replacement guide that provide four weeks’ worth of pre operative exercises, exercises to complete in hospital, a twelve week exercise program, mobility guidance and answers to all common questions patients face to support every step of your recovery.

Why Are Stairs Challenging After Surgery?

Stairs come in many different shapes and sizes, some of us may have pre-existing fear from doing the stairs and let’s not forget the fear of falling that comes with them. I’ve written this guide to give you the step-by-step process on how completing the stairs can be a big positive for your recovery. Post-surgery, stiffness, muscle weakness, or simply feeling unsure can make stairs seem intimidating. However, with gradual strength-building and the right techniques, you can approach stairs safely and steadily.

Preparing for Stair Climbing: Essential Tips

Preparation is key to navigating stairs confidently. Here are some safety tips to consider before you start:

• Wear sturdy, non-slip shoes to give your feet extra grip.

• Keep stairways clear of obstacles like rugs or clutter to avoid tripping.

• Use a secure railing for extra support.

• Make sure there’s good lighting so each step is visible.

When Can I Start Using Stairs Post-Surgery?

Each person’s timeline will vary, but typically, patients can begin tackling stairs with guidance within a few days of surgery. Your physiotherapist will likely encourage stair climbing prior to you leaving hospital. Note: Please complete the stairs in hospital prior to being discharged home. Always follow your therapist’s advice to prevent unnecessary strain on your new joint. For a full recovery timeline, see our 5 Key Steps to Successfully Recover from a Hip or Knee Replacement blog.

What are the benefits of completing the stairs?

Conquering stairs after surgery offers a range of benefits. Physically, it strengthens the gluteal muscles, some of the body's most powerful muscles, essential for stability and movement. Mentally, each step provides a sense of accomplishment in overcoming a major recovery milestone. Finally, being able to navigate stairs restores your independence - it means you can move freely throughout your home, use your entire living space and progress toward daily activities without relying solely on ground-floor areas or mobility aids.

Order ‘ABC’ for going up the stairs 

The Safe and Simple Steps for Stair Climbing:

Here’s a proven method for handling stairs safely, use the phrase ‘ABC’:

1.     Place Your Hand on the Rail for Stability
Keep one hand firmly on the railing for extra stability, allowing your arm to support some of your weight.

2.     Step Up with Your “Able” Leg (A)
Step up first with your Able leg to provide a strong base of support. This will keep most of the weight off your operated leg.

3.     Bring Up Your Operated Leg (B for Bad)
Next, bring up your Bad leg (operated side) so that your Able leg and the railing bear the weight.

4.     Bring Up Your Crutch (C)
Finally, bring your crutch up to the same step. Move one step at a time, repeating these steps until you reach the top. This technique ensures control and balance with each step.

For detailed guidance with images on how to complete the stairs see our full orthophysio guide or check out our free sample guide

Tips for Descending Stairs Safely:

Going down is just as important as going up. Here’s how, use the phrase ‘CBA’:

1.     Place Your Hand on the Rail for Stability

Keep one hand firmly on the railing for extra stability, allowing your arm to support some of your weight.

2.     Bring Down Your Crutch (C)

Bring your crutch up to the same below using the opposite hand used on the handrail.

3.     Take down your Bad leg (B for Bad):

With one hand holding onto the rail and the other holding onto the crutch with your hand on the step below, take your operated leg down to meet your crutch.

4.     Bring down Your Able Leg (A)

Match your non operated leg to the step where your crutch and operated leg are. Take it one step at a time, using your crutches and railing for extra stability.

How to Build Strength for Stairs After Surgery?

Strengthening your muscles is key to confidently navigating stairs. Here are a few exercises that help:

• Quad Sets: Tighten the thigh muscle, hold, and release to strengthen the knee.

• Calf Raises: Stand on both feet, then rise onto your toes to build calf strength.

• Step-Ups: Use a small step to practice the stair movement.

Our Orthophysio Guide includes these exercises and more in its 12-week recovery plan to help you regain strength and balance.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Climbing Stairs:

Avoiding certain mistakes can make stair climbing safer and more comfortable. The key is don’t rush, take your time to avoid any missteps. Its important to avoid leaning too far forward or back as this can throw off your balance. Use the correct leg order ‘ABC’ ‘CBA’ to minimise strain on the operated side.

One exercise as an example out of fourty included within the orthophysio guide

How Long Does It Take to Feel Confident on Stairs?

It’s normal to feel unsure initially, but with practice, you’ll gain stability and strength. Typically, patients start feeling more at ease within 2-6 weeks, depending on individual progress and consistent practice. If you’d like a full timeline for expected milestones, see our blog 5 Key Steps to Successfully Recover from a Hip or Knee Replacement.

Using Walking Aids on Stairs: Dos and Don’ts:

Using walking aids can help you feel more secure on stairs. Here are a few dos and don’ts: Do use the railing whenever possible as this adds support and control. Don’t try to carry too much while on stairs; keep both hands focused on support. Follow the correct leg order, ‘ABC’ on the way up and ‘CBA’ on the way down to protect your new joint. For more guidance on mobility aids, check out our blog on how to mobilise after your knee or hip replacement.

When to Seek Additional Help

Sometimes, you might need additional support to manage stairs. Contact your physiotherapist or surgeon if you experience increased pain or swelling after using stairs, difficulty balancing, even with aids, worsening stiffness that limits stair climbing. If any of these signs appear, it’s a good idea to seek professional guidance for tailored recovery strategies.

What else can you do to recover quicker from your hip or knee replacement?

For a full, structured guide on exercises and mobility techniques to enhance your recovery, check out our Orthophysio Guide. It includes over 40 exercises and detailed instructions to help you master stairs and beyond, one step at a time.

Example of what can be included with Orthophysio vs standard care for hip or knee replacements.

Final Thoughts

Climbing stairs after surgery is all about consistency and patience. By using the proper techniques and listening to your body, you’ll gradually regain strength and confidence. Our Orthophysio Guide can help you every step of the way with structured plans, mobility exercises, and tips designed specifically for hip and knee replacement recovery.

Take it one step at a time—you’ll be back on your feet and moving independently before you know it!