Pain while climbing stairs? Experts reveal what your knees are trying to tell you

Taking the stairs can say a fair bit about how your knees are doing. Unlike walking on flat ground, climbing puts more load on the knee joint and makes the surrounding muscles work harder. If it hurts, that could point to weak muscles or a joint problem that is already there. A stair climb can’t diagnose arthritis, but the way your knees respond can help you decide when it’s time to see a doctor.

What your knees may be telling you

Pain at the front of the knee while climbing stairs may be patellofemoral pain. It can come from weak thigh muscles or from irritation around the kneecap.

Dr Gurdeep Avinash Ratra, Consultant, Orthopaedics and Joint Replacement, Manipal Hospital Gurugram, points out, "Pain which gets worse with activity can also be linked to osteoarthritis, a condition in which the protective cartilage in the joint slowly deteriorates, and that swelling together with lasting morning stiffness may point to an inflammatory disease such as rheumatoid arthritis."

The pattern of discomfort can offer further clues:

1. Pain when going up: This could be a sign that one is having trouble coping with the increased load on the knee.
2. Pain when walking down the stairs may be related to issues involving the kneecap.
3. Difficulty in moving the knee after having been seated for a long time may be a sign of a joint problem.
4. Swelling around the knee may result from inflammation and trouble in bending the knee could be a sign of stiffness or damage in the joint.

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When knee pain needs medical attention

You can help keep your joints functioning well by maintaining a healthy weight, strengthening the quadriceps and other supporting muscles, remaining physically active and selecting suitable low-impact exercises. Treatment will depend on the specific condition and may involve physiotherapy, medication and changes to your lifestyle.

Dr Ratra says that, “In cases of advanced knee osteoarthritis, when pain and stiffness continue even after non-surgical treatment and have a major impact on daily activities, total knee replacement (TKR) might be considered. This operation consists of substituting the damaged parts of the joint with artificial ones in order to alleviate pain and enhance mobility”.

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How to help protect your knees?

The stairs test isn't a medical diagnosis. There are many different causes of knee pain and a proper assessment must be done in order to determine the problem.

If the pain persists, was worsening or is interfering with daily life, seek the advice of the orthopedic specialist. Your doctor will check your knee and, if necessary, may order an X-ray or other tests.

Dr Vivek Mahajan, Chief of Joint Replacement & HOD, Orthopedics, ISIC Multispeciality Hospital, suggests some easy lifestyle modifications that can help keep your joints safe, such as:

1. Build muscle strength: Trying low impact exercises for hips, thighs can help support knees.

2. Keep a healthy weight: Being overweight puts more stress on the knee joints.

3. Maintain mobility, but not at the expense of pain: Walking, swimming, and other low impact exercises are important for maintaining mobility but should not be done if painful.

“Healthy knees should allow you to carry out everyday activities comfortably. If the pain is felt each time you move from one level to another, don't ignore the symptom as a price that must be paid for growing old. With proper assessment and treatment, you can be active and keep your joints healthy for a lifetime,” Dr Vivek adds.

Paying attention when everyday movements become difficult can be a valuable first step towards protecting long-term joint health and maintaining an active lifestyle.

(This article is meant for informational purposes only and must not be considered a substitute for advice provided by qualified medical professionals. Always seek the advice of your doctor for any questions about medical conditions.)