If you notice your knee hurts when going down the stairs it may indicate a problem in the front of your knee. This is a common complaint and can be caused by several underlying knee conditions. Understanding why this pain occurs is the first step toward finding relief, protecting your knee health, and staying active.
Why Does My Knee Hurt Going Down Stairs?
Pain when descending stairs often comes from increased pressure on the kneecap (patella) and the structures (tendons and cartilage) around it. As you step down, your quadriceps muscle must control your body weight while lengthening, which increases the load on the front of your knee. This can highlight problems that may not be as noticeable during other activities.
Common Causes
1. Patellar Pain or Patellar Arthritis
Patellar pain, also known as patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS), runner’s knee, or anterior knee pain, is a frequent cause of discomfort when going down stairs. This pain is often due to the kneecap not tracking smoothly in its groove (trochlea) on the thigh bone, sometimes because of malalignment or early arthritis. The pain is typically felt around or behind the kneecap and may be worsened by activities that involve bending the knee, such as squatting, lunging, or going up and down stairs. Swelling, instability, or a sense of the knee “giving way” can also occur.
2. Knee Chondromalacia (Chondromalacia Patella)
Chondromalacia refers to the softening and breakdown of the cartilage under the kneecap. This condition causes dull, aching pain that’s often aggravated by stair climbing, walking up hills, or sitting for long periods with the knee bent. You may also notice swelling, stiffness, or a grinding sensation in the knee.
3. Meniscal Tear
A torn meniscus can cause pain along the joint line, swelling, and sometimes a catching or locking sensation. While meniscal tears more commonly cause pain with twisting or squatting movements, they can also make descending the stairs uncomfortable, especially if the tear is significant. Pain due to a torn meniscus is typically in the back or side of the knee.
When to Seek Help
If your knee pain is persistent, associated with swelling, instability, or a history of injury, it’s important to see an orthopaedic specialist. Early diagnosis and treatment can help prevent further damage and improve your long term activity levels..
What You Can Do When Your Knee Hurts
- Rest and modify activities that worsen your pain.
- Apply ice to reduce swelling after activity.
- Consider physical therapy to strengthen the quadriceps, hamstrings, and hip muscles, which can help you stabilize the kneecap and improve your knee function.
- Discuss non-surgical and surgical options with your orthopedic specialist if symptoms persist.
For a comprehensive overview of knee pain causes, treatments, and recovery tips, explore these resources:
- Patellar Pain and Patellar Arthritis
- Knee Chondromalacia Symptoms & Treatment
- Meniscal Tear or Torn Meniscus
- Exercise, Pain, and Creaky Knees
If your knee pain is interfering with your daily life, don’t ignore it. Assessing the pain early on and intervening with exercise modifications, physical therapy, or surgery (in some cases) can make a significant difference in your recovery timeline and the long-term health of your knee joint.
Photo by Frank Eiffert on Unsplash