Knee pain when going up or down stairs and when getting up from a chair is a common pattern associated with joint wear and problems with the patella cartilage. It does not always indicate something serious, but when it persists for more than a few weeks it should be evaluated.
Why do those movements hurt?
The movement of climbing stairs and standing up from sitting significantly loads the anterior part of the knee. Therefore, when there is early joint wear or irritation of the cartilage behind the kneecap, these gestures are usually the first to hurt [1]. The pain may be accompanied by brief stiffness upon movement, clicking, or a feeling of insecurity. This pattern does not always mean advanced osteoarthritis: in young, active people it may be due to overload or an imbalance in the way the kneecap slides; in older adults it is more likely to reflect wear and tear [2]. The only way to know is an assessment that combines history and examination, with imaging studies only when they provide useful information [1].
What can I do in the meantime?
The majority of these cases respond to conservative management: adequate strengthening of the muscles that stabilize the knee and hip, control of body weight, and adjustments in activity usually reduce pain and improve function [5][6]. It's not about stopping moving, but about moving better. While the evaluation arrives, it helps to avoid the gestures that hurt the most without falling into total inactivity, maintain a healthy weight and maintain low-impact activity. Be wary of quick fixes: supplements and devices that promise to regenerate cartilage rarely have solid backing, and self-medication can delay proper management [6].
When does it stop being normal?
As a practical rule, knee pain that appears only with certain efforts and subsides with rest can usually be observed for a while. But if it lasts more than a few weeks, is accompanied by inflammation, blockage or a feeling of insecurity when walking, or progressively worsens, it is no longer normal and should be checked [1][2]. Treating it early helps stop overload before it progresses and define a plan tailored to each knee.
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References
- 1.Duong V, et al. Evaluation and Treatment of Knee Pain. JAMA. 2023;330(16):1568-1580.
- 2.Katz JN, et al. Diagnosis and Treatment of Hip and Knee Osteoarthritis. JAMA. 2021;325(6):568-578.
- 3.Kolasinski SL, et al. 2019 ACR/Arthritis Foundation Guideline for the Management of Osteoarthritis. Arthritis Rheumatol. 2020;72(2):220-233.
- 4.Arden NK, et al. Non-Surgical Management of Knee OA: ESCEO and OARSI 2019. Nat Rev Rheumatol. 2021;17(1):59-66.
Educational content with clinical review by Dr. Andrea Pintor. It does not replace an individual medical evaluation.