About this video
Last updated: 9 October 2026
The video says climbing stairs puts more load through the knee than walking on flat ground. Patellofemoral pain syndrome (runner’s knee) is described as the kneecap not tracking smoothly in the groove of the thigh bone, with pain around and behind the kneecap.
Key points
- It says the joint where the kneecap meets the thigh bone can experience several times body weight in pressure on stairs.
- For early cartilage wear, it says the joint surface thins with age or strain, possibly an early sign of chondromalacia (softening of cartilage under the kneecap) or osteoarthritis.
- It names weak glutes or hips, and past injuries such as ligament strains or meniscal (cartilage cushion) tears, as other contributors.
- It lists increasing stair discomfort, a dull ache behind the kneecap, swelling, grinding, or a sense that the knee is avoiding load as signs worth having assessed.
Questions this video answers
Why does my knee hurt when I climb stairs?
The video says stairs load the knee more than flat walking. It lists four common contributors: kneecap tracking problems (patellofemoral pain syndrome), early cartilage wear, muscle weakness or imbalance, and previous injury or an altered way of moving.
What approaches does the video mention for stair-related knee pain?
It says understanding the cause allows more specific treatment, and names strengthening, modifying activities and addressing joint mechanics. It also lists signs for which an assessment is worth having.
