What might cause knee pain when going up and down stairs?

When you go up or down stairs, you bend your knee more than when you walk on level ground. This extra movement can lead to pain if the knee does not work smoothly. One common cause is patellofemoral pain syndrome. This condition means that the joint where the kneecap meets the thigh bone is irritated, especially when the knee is bent during stair climbing. Another reason could be knee osteoarthritis—a joint "wear and tear" problem that makes the knee stiff and painful. Researchers have shown that in people with chronic knee pain, the area of pain (like the front of the knee) plays a role in how severe the symptoms are and how well the knee works. Additionally, different walking or stair-climbing methods may develop as a way to protect the knee, but they can sometimes lead to extra discomfort. Changing the way you move, strengthening the muscles around your knee, or resting the joint might help, but it’s best to discuss these symptoms with a healthcare provider to find the cause and the right way to ease the pain.