Apollo orthopaedic surgeon Dr Anil Raheja explains why knees ache on climbing stairs — causes like early osteoarthritis and patellofemoral pain, plus prevention and when to see a doctor.
Why Knee Pain While Climbing Stairs
Dr Anil Raheja, an orthopaedic and spine specialist at Apollo Spectra with more than 28 years’ experience, warns that knee pain while climbing stairs is often a warning sign, not mere ageing. Stair movement multiplies load on the knee to roughly three to four times body weight, so thinning cartilage, early osteoarthritis or patellofemoral pain (runner’s knee) frequently cause sharp pain, stiffness and discomfort on ascent or descent. The surgeon explained these points in a social-media post shared widely by patients and clinicians.
Practical prevention focuses on lowering joint load and improving muscular support. Key steps include strengthening the quadriceps and hamstrings, regular stretching to maintain flexibility, low-impact cardio (cycling, swimming) and steady weight management to reduce stress on the knee joint. Dr Raheja emphasises gradual strengthening over high-impact workouts and recommends using handrails or modified stair technique when pain flares.
He advised medical assessment for persistent symptoms, swelling, recurrent locking, giving way or failure to improve with home measures. Diagnostic work-up typically begins with a clinical exam and X-rays to check joint space; MRI may be used to evaluate cartilage and soft tissues. Conservative treatment options include targeted physiotherapy, activity modification, bracing, anti-inflammatory medication and, where indicated, intra-articular injections. Timely diagnosis often delays or averts surgical procedures.
