Intermittent knee pain that occurs while climbing up stairs may relate to numerous conditions that affect the knee joint. Some of these conditions include tendonitis in one or more of the tendons that support the knee joint, patellofemoral syndrome, prepatellar bursitis, or chondromalacia patellae. If the pain becomes more chronic or prolonged, speak to your doctor or healthcare practitioner.
Prepatellar Bursitis
Knee pain that occurs sporadically when you climb stairs may signal the onset of prepatellar bursitis, an inflammation that affects the bursa -- a small fluid-filled sac -- located immediately in front of the knee cap. Prepatellar bursitis causes pain during activity such as climbing stairs, and as the condition progresses, the knee cap will begin to swell swiftly and may become infected. Rest your knee until all pain has subsided, and apply ice to reduce the inflammation. If the symptoms persist, see your physician.
Tendonitis
Intermittent knee pain while climbing stairs may mean that you are developing a case of tendonitis in your knee. If the condition worsens other symptoms will include some swelling, and the pain will become constant. Tendonitis is a common injury that typically responds well to rest and ice. Laurie Tis, Ph.D., FACSM recommends a combination of strength training exercises and regular stretching to keep the supporting tendons and muscles of the knee both strong and flexible, which in turn helps avoid injury.
Patellofemoral Syndrome
Climbing up and down stairs will exacerbate patellofemoral syndrome, according to Barton Anderson M.Sc., which is characterized by pain on either side of the knee cap. If this condition progresses, you may experience a grinding sensation and hear a popping sound in the knee cap when climbing stairs or during other activities. Rest your knee and speak to your doctor or healthcare practitioner if the pain continues.
Chondromalacia Patella
Chondromalacia patella is more commonly known as runner's knee. If you feel intermittent knee pain while climbing stairs, you may be developing chondromalacia patella, which is caused by a misalignment of the knee cap. If this condition gets worse, you will experience swelling in the front of the knee around the knee cap. Tight quadriceps muscles tend to be the precursor of chondromalacia patella, so take a rest from stair climbing and perform stretching exercises to loosen the quadriceps.
References
- American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons: Prepatellar (Kneecap ) Bursitis; July 2007
- ACSM Fit Society Page: Basic Knee Injury Prevention; Laurie Tis, Ph.D., FACSM; Spring 2009
- Sports Injury Info: Patella Femoral Syndrome: Why Does Your Knee Hurt?; Barton Anderson, M.Sc.
- Sports Injury Handbook: Runner's Knee; Allan M. Levy, M.D.
