Why Does My Knee Hurt When I Walk Downstairs?
If your knee hurts when you walk downstairs, you’re not alone. Going down stairs can sometimes expose a problem that isn’t as noticeable when walking on level ground.
The important question isn’t simply “Why does my knee hurt?” It’s also:
What is causing the problem, and what is it stopping you from doing?
If knee pain is making you walk less, avoid exercise, take the stairs differently or worry about becoming less active, it may be worth having your knee and movement properly assessed.
Why can walking downstairs hurt your knee?
Walking downstairs places different demands on your leg than walking on a flat surface. Your knee needs to control your body as you lower yourself from one step to the next.
If your knee isn’t tolerating that demand well, you may notice pain, discomfort, weakness or a lack of confidence.
There can be different reasons for knee pain, which is why simply treating the painful area without understanding the bigger picture may not address the problem.
A physiotherapy assessment can look at factors such as your movement, strength, activity levels and what you are trying to get back to doing.
Should I stop exercising if my knee hurts?
Not necessarily.
Knee pain doesn’t automatically mean that you need to stop being active altogether.
Instead, the right approach may involve understanding which activities are currently aggravating your symptoms and finding an appropriate way to maintain or gradually rebuild your activity.
For example, you may want to get back to:
- Walking further
- Going up and down stairs confidently
- Returning to the gym
- Exercising regularly
- Playing with your children or grandchildren
- Travelling without constantly worrying about your knee
The goal isn’t simply to make your knee feel better today. It is to help you move towards the activities and independence that matter to you.
When should you consider physiotherapy for knee pain?
Consider seeking professional assessment if knee pain is affecting your everyday life or causing you to change the things you normally enjoy.
You may benefit from an assessment if you are:
- Walking less because of your knee
- Avoiding exercise
- Changing how you use stairs
- Worried about making the problem worse
- Finding that knee pain keeps returning
- Losing confidence in your movement
- Unsure what exercises are appropriate for you
A physiotherapist can assess what may be contributing to your symptoms and explain your options.
What happens during a physiotherapy assessment?
A good assessment should start by understanding you, rather than simply focusing on the painful body part.
Your physiotherapist may want to understand:
- What has been happening
- How long it has been happening
- How it affects your everyday life
- What activities you are currently unable to do
- What you would most like to get back to
- What you have already tried
From there, they can develop a plan around your goals, lifestyle and circumstances.
Frequently asked questions
Is knee pain when walking downstairs normal?
Knee pain when walking downstairs can have different causes. If it is persistent, worsening or affecting your normal activities, an assessment can help you understand what may be contributing to it.
Should I exercise with knee pain?
Whether you should continue a particular exercise depends on your symptoms and circumstances. A physiotherapist can help you understand how to modify activity and work towards returning to the activities you value.
Can physiotherapy help knee pain?
Physiotherapy can involve assessment, education, personalised rehabilitation and progression towards meaningful activities. The appropriate approach depends on the individual.
Will I need surgery for knee pain?
Knee pain does not automatically mean that surgery will be necessary. An appropriate assessment can help you understand what may be contributing to the problem and what options may be available.
The next step
You don’t have to simply accept that knee pain means becoming less active.
If your knee is starting to dictate what you can and cannot do, a professional assessment can help you understand what’s happening and what your options are.
Want to get back to walking, exercising and doing the things you enjoy? Book a physiotherapy assessment with Mobility Physiotherapy.
Move better. Stay independent. Live the life you want.
Book Appointment
Book your appointment online at a time that suits you. Prefer to speak to us? Call us on Phone: 09053369864, Whatsapp: 08058404754.
Have A Question Before You Book?
If you’re not ready to book an appointment yet, you can request a call from one of our team members. We’ll help you understand your next step.
Request a FREE Discovery Session
Not sure if physiotherapy is right for you? Have a chat with our team and ask any questions you may have.
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