My Knee Hurts When I Go Up Stairs 7 Causes, When to See Doctor

The Common Complaint

You’re halfway up the stairs, and your knee stabs with pain. For many over 40, it’s a daily frustration. Going up strains your quads. Going down is worse—your knee takes 3–4 times your weight. Good news: it’s usually fixable.

The 7 Most Common Causes of My Knee Hurting When I Go Upstairs

1.  Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome (Runner’s Knee)

The kneecap doesn’t glide smoothly over the thigh bone. Stairs force deep knee bends.

increasing pressure and friction behind the patella.

2.  Osteoarthritis (Knee Arthritis)

Cartilage wears thin, causing bone-on-bone contact. Stair climbing grinds the joint, especially when descending under heavy load.

3.  Meniscus Tear

A torn meniscus (the knee’s shock absorber) catches or pinches during stair rotation and

weight-bearing, causing sharp pain or locking.

4.  Patellar or Quadriceps Tendinitis

Overuse inflames the tendons around the kneecap. Climbing pulls them tight; descending adds eccentric stress—both trigger burning pain.

5.  Chondromalacia Patellae

The cartilage under the kneecap softens and frays. Deep flexion on stairs presses it painfully against the femur.

6.  Bursitis

Inflamed bursae (fluid sacs) swell and get compressed with every step, especially the one in front of the kneecap.

7.  Previous Injury or Misalignment

Old ACL tears, fractures, or bowlegs/knock-knees alter joint mechanics. Stairs expose instability, causing wobbling or giving way.

What Can You Do Right Now?

Relief starts at home—but only as a bridge to professional care:

• I.C.E.: Rest, Ice 15–20 mins, gentle Compression, Elevation
• Gentle Stretches: Quads, hamstrings, calves—hold 20–30 seconds
• NSAIDs: Ibuprofen or naproxen (follow label; check with doctor if needed)

Warning: These ease symptoms. They don’t fix the cause.

When to See an Orthopedic Doctor

Don’t wait if you have:

• Pain lasting >2–3 weeks despite rest
• Inability to bear weight
• Locking, catching, or giving way
• Severe swelling, redness, or warmth
• Stiffness >30 mins in the morning

Search “orthopedic doctor near me” or see a knee specialist for a physical exam, X-ray, or MRI. Early diagnosis prevents long-term damage.

Conclusion & Next Steps

Knee pain on stairs is your body’s alarm—don’t silence it with painkillers alone. From physical therapy to advanced options like robotic joint replacement, the right treatment can get you moving freely again.

Ready for answers? To discuss your knee pain and explore personalized treatment, schedule a consultation with Dr. Vivek Mittal, a leading orthopedic, joint replacement, and robotic surgery specialist in Delhi NCR.