Knee pain can surprise you in the ways it affects you. You might not notice any pain at all until performing certain activities, such as walking up or down stairs. Walking on stairs is better for your cardiovascular health, but it can put a lot of stress on your knees, especially when walking downstairs.

Knee pain when going downstairs can get in the way of your ability to move around freely. If you’re experiencing this type of pain, take a look at what could be causing it and what you can do about it.

What causes knee pain when going downstairs?

While it is possible that your knee pain when going downstairs is related to arthritis, don’t immediately jump to this conclusion. There are other potential causes that could be the source of your pain, including:

• Strained muscles
• Injured ligaments
• Injured tendons
• IT band syndrome
• Injured cartilage behind the kneecap

Treating knee pain when going downstairs

Treatments for knee pain when going downstairs vary from person to person. Some people may need nothing more than a little rest and home treatment. Others might need prescription medication or surgery. However, in many cases, physical therapy can help you manage your knee pain and improve your ability to move freely on stairs.

Physical therapists use a variety of techniques for treating knee pain. What they will use for you varies depending on the cause of your pain and other factors, like age, weight and medical history. 

Generally, physical therapy treatments for knee pain include methods like:

• Gentle exercises and stretches
• Hands-on therapy
• Posture education
• Gait analysis
• Movement education

Visit Rehab Access for knee pain treatment

Is knee pain when going downstairs keeping you from going where you want? Our team at Rehab Access is here to help. We can examine your knee and provide a personalized treatment routine to help you reach your recovery goals. Ready to learn more about managing your knee and improving the quality of your life? Contact our team today for more information about knee pain going downstairs or to schedule an initial appointment.