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Tips to reducing knee pain when climbing up and down stairs.

by | Dec 12, 2025 | Blogs | 0 comments

 

Do you feel knee pain when climbing stairs even though you haven’t been injured? Don’t ignore the warning signs your knees are sending! When going up and down stairs, your knees not only support your body weight but also absorb the impact of each step. This article summarizes the common causes of knee pain when using stairs and introduces 5 ways to relieve it. Let’s take a look!

Why do knees hurt when going up and down stairs? Common causes of knee pain at a glance

There are many reasons why climbing stairs may cause knee pain, often related to age or daily habits. To identify potential knee problems, consider the following four common causes:

1. Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is a common condition where joints gradually degenerate, leading to reduced mobility and symptoms such as pain, swelling, and stiffness. According to Dr. Zhang Shuhao, Orthopedic Specialist at Fu Jen Catholic University Hospital, one in five Taiwanese over 58 years old has joint degeneration.

Osteoarthritis Symptoms:

  • Joint stiffness: Knees feel tight and difficult to straighten, with a sensation of tension.
  • Joint pain and swelling: Joints feel warm when moving, especially noticeable when climbing stairs.
  • Joint noises: Increased grinding or popping sounds in the knees when walking.

2. Injury

The knees are major weight-bearing joints. Overuse or incorrect walking posture can gradually wear down the cartilage, potentially leading to joint damage and affecting daily mobility.

3. Muscle weakness

Insufficient muscle strength means the muscles cannot support proper posture, reducing joint flexibility. Even simple movements like climbing stairs can become difficult.

4. Obesity

Obesity is a major risk factor for joint degeneration. Overweight individuals have a higher risk of developing osteoarthritis in the knees. Extra body weight increases the load on the joints, making knee pain and inflammation more likely, which can seriously affect stair mobility.

What to do if your knees hurt on stairs? 5 most effective daily knee care tips!

Knee pain is not scary. With proper care and methods to protect your knees, maintaining healthy joints and muscle strength is achievable. Here are 5 practical tips to relieve knee discomfort:

Use assistive devices appropriately

If you feel weakness or pain in your knees while using stairs, it is recommended to use assistive devices to reduce knee strain. This helps prevent overuse and allows your knees sufficient rest.

Common stair assistive devices:

  • Stairlift chairs
  • Canes
  • Braces

Weight management

The heavier your weight, the greater the load on your knees. Overweight individuals should start by losing weight through a balanced diet and regular exercise to maintain knee stability and muscle strength, reducing joint stress.

Correct poor posture

Long-term improper posture can lead to muscle atrophy, pelvic tilt, and joint stiffness, causing thigh muscles to feel tight, weak, or stiff. Maintaining correct posture helps stabilize your joints.

Climb stairs correctly

When going upstairs, land on the front of your foot with your heel first to avoid putting too much pressure on the knees. Make sure your feet are fully on the step. Walk slowly and steadily, avoiding sudden acceleration. Using proper posture reduces knee strain.

Avoid overloading your knees

When knee function declines, avoid movements that excessively stress the knees, such as kneeling, deep squats, or sitting cross-legged.

Does climbing stairs cause knee pain? Solve pain issues with the Tengcheng Stairlift Chair!

If you want to help elderly family members overcome physical and knee discomfort, installing a stairlift chair is the most practical and safe solution!

Tengcheng Stairlift Chair Recommendations

  • Made of solid 304 stainless steel, highly corrosion-resistant, ideal for Taiwan’s humid climate.
  • Full-coverage handrail design provides stable support for both hands for a more secure and comfortable ride.
  • Swivel seat design allows easy height adjustment and can be folded to save space.
  • After production, quick on-site installation completes the setup in just one day!

→ Browse the full range of Tengcheng Stairlift Chairs now

Tengcheng Stairlift Chair Case Studies

Mr. Liu from Taoyuan installed a CF120 Stairlift Chair for his elderly parents living in Kaohsiung to make stair climbing easier. The route starts on the first floor with a 180° turn and ends on the second floor with a 90° L-shaped finish, making stair use effortless and safe. Additionally, engineer Mr. Yang customized the seat color to bright red based on Mrs. Liu’s preference, adding a touch of warmth and festivity!

Conclusion

Anyone experiencing knee pain while climbing stairs can use a stairlift chair to solve mobility issues. If you want to reduce the frequency of stair use, Tengcheng Stairlift Chair is your best choice! We provide a 2-year warranty on stairlifts and ongoing maintenance services. Contact us directly for professional assistance.

 

Further Reading

Guide to Home Safety Equipment for Seniors: 4 Key Planning Points to Prevent Falls

Who are stair-climbing assistive devices suitable for? Make good use of mobility aids to overcome movement limitations!

Straight-rail vs. dual-rail stairlifts: what’s the difference? Full comparison + installation guide revealed!

 

Cityfly is a Taiwan manufacturer of Stairlift products. Our mission is to bring bring generations together building products that families can rely on with peace of mind. We tackle the most difficult stairwell situations by using all Stainless Steel materials and mechanical designs, the most durable, reliable path for Generational Stairlifts.

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