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Published on: 5/26/2025

What might cause difficulty walking up stairs?

Difficulty walking up stairs can be caused by muscle weakness, balance problems, joint pain, or neurological conditions that affect movement.

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Explanation

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, speaking with a healthcare provider can help find ways to make moving easier and safer.

(References)

  • Verghese J, Wang C, Xue X, Holtzer R. Self-reported difficulty in climbing up or down stairs in nondisabled elderly. Arch Phys Med Rehabil. 2008 Jan;89(1):100-4. doi: 10.1016/j.apmr.2007.08.129. PMID: 18164338; PMCID: PMC2671033.

  • Portaro S, Naro A, Cacciola A, Marra A, Quartarone A, Milardi D, Calabrò RS. Adult-Onset Walking-Upstairs Dystonia. J Clin Neurol. 2019 Jan;15(1):122-124. doi: 10.3988/jcn.2019.15.1.122. Epub 2018 Oct 25. PMID: 30375761; PMCID: PMC6325365.

  • Gay JL, Cherof SA, LaFlamme CC, O'Connor PJ. Psychological Aspects of Stair Use: A Systematic Review. Am J Lifestyle Med. 2019 Aug 27;16(1):109-121. doi: 10.1177/1559827619870104. PMID: 35185433; PMCID: PMC8848121.

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