Stairs After Achilles Rupture: Weight-Bearing, Progression & Exercises

Navigating stairs after an Achilles tendon rupture can be one of the most challenging parts of recovery—especially as you progress through different stages of weight-bearing and transition from a boot back into a shoe. In this video, I walk through safe stair-climbing and stair-descending strategies throughout Achilles rupture rehab, from the early non-weight-bearing phase all the way back to normal reciprocal stair use. We’ll cover: How to manage stairs while non-weight-bearing, partial weight-bearing, and full weight-bearing Stair techniques using axillary crutches, a walker, handrails, and a knee scooter How a shower chair can even be used as an alternative strategy in certain situations How stair technique changes as you transition from a walking boot to a regular shoe Strategies for safely going up and down stairs at different stages of recovery Exercises to improve the calf strength, control, balance, and power needed for normal stair climbing and descending Progressions you can use as your Achilles becomes stronger Important milestones and criteria to meet before progressing toward more normal stair mechanics Common mistakes that may place unnecessary stress on the healing Achilles How to avoid progressing too aggressively and potentially increasing the risk of reinjury or Achilles tendon elongation The goal is not simply to get up and down the stairs—it is to progressively restore safe, efficient, and eventually normal stair mechanics while respecting the healing tendon at every stage of recovery. If you want more personalized recovery optimization coaching contact me at AchillesRecoveryLab.com and I would be happy to discuss your injury and everything you could be doing to improve your outcome  Always follow the weight-bearing restrictions and rehabilitation guidelines provided by your surgeon or healthcare provider, as timelines can vary depending on your injury, treatment approach, and individual recovery. #AchillesRupture #AchillesRecovery #AchillesTendon #AchillesRehab #AchillesSurgery #PhysicalTherapy #StairTraining #Crutches #WalkingBoot