Physiotherapy
Knee pain on the stairs: what it can mean
Why stairs are harder on your knees, and when it is time to get checked.
3 min readReviewed by Dr. Ahmed Hassan
Going up and down stairs asks your knee to carry several times your body weight. That's why pain often shows up there first.
Common reasons
- Weak thigh and hip muscles
- Overuse after a sudden increase in activity
- Wear in the joint with age
What helps
Strengthening the muscles around the knee usually helps more than resting alone. Your physiotherapist will build a plan for your level.
Get checked soon if your knee is swollen, locks, or gives way.
This article is general information and doesn’t replace a medical consultation. If you have symptoms, book an assessment with a specialist.
