The pain experienced by many people when climbing stairs is due to increased pressure in the kneecap joint. (Image: Freepik). Climbing a flight should not be a difficult task, but it can be. A Quora user who was in distress asked, “Why do my legs hurt when I climb stairs, but feel normal when I walk?” This isn’t an isolated experience. Many people report that their knees hurt when going up or down the stairs, but they feel fine while walking. This specific pattern of pain can indicate how your knee joint handles pressure.According to Dr Rakesh Nair, Consultant Knee Replacement Surgeon at Zen Multispeciality Hospital, Chembur, the difference lies in the way your joints are loaded during different movements.DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Why do stairs feel harder on your knees? Climbing stairs requires more of your knees than walking flat. Walking on flat surfaces puts less stress on the knee, so it may feel normal. Stair climbing puts greater load on the knee joint, especially the kneecap, as it has to bear more body weight while bending deeply (Image: Pexels). It may seem normal to walk on flat surfaces, but stair climbing places more pressure on the kneecap as it must bear more weight while bending deeper (Image: Pexels). What this type of pain could meanIf you only feel pain on stairs, but otherwise feel fine, it could be an early warning signal. Story continues below this advertisement. He says that because walking on flat surfaces puts less strain on the knee, the pain is not as noticeable. ‘Why can’t I differentiate between the end of one step and the start of other when going down a staircase?’Dr. Nair says that this pattern of pain may be caused by conditions such as Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome or early osteoarthritis. It could also be caused by cartilage wear beneath the kneecap. What can help? The good news is, small, consistent changes will ease the strain on your joints. Story continues below this advertisement. “Strengthening surrounding muscles and being aware of movement can make a big difference. Consult your doctor before beginning any new routine.
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