What might cause difficulty walking up stairs?

There are several reasons someone might find it hard to walk up stairs. As people grow older, their muscles may become weaker and they may have problems with balance. This can make stairs feel like a big challenge.

Some people have joint pain or arthritis in their knees or hips that makes moving upward painful and stiff. In some cases, a condition called dystonia—a movement disorder that causes abnormal muscle contractions—can make it hard to walk up stairs.

Dystonia leads to unusual movements that interfere with walking smoothly, as seen in adult-onset cases. Additionally, the way a person feels about their own ability can also play a part. Worry or fear of falling may make stairs seem even harder to climb, causing a person to be extra cautious and less confident.

Overall, both physical and emotional factors can play a part with difficulty when walking up stairs. If someone struggles with stairs, taking a free symptom assessment and speaking with a healthcare provider can help find ways to make moving easier and safer.