Why does it hurt when going downstairs but not when going upstairs?
Mar 28, 2023
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Lin Yunfei
Introduction
Pain when going downstairs but not when going upstairs may be related to factors such as posterior cruciate ligament injury, osteoarthritis, or fat pad inflammation. For mild cases, treatment is primarily medicinal, with surgery considered if necessary. Additionally, conditions like meniscus injury could also be responsible. Once the underlying cause is identified, it's important to follow medical advice and strengthen care for the affected joint.
Pain when going downstairs but not when going upstairs may be related to factors such as posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) injury, osteoarthritis, or fat pad inflammation. Mild cases are primarily managed with medication, while surgery may be considered if necessary. Specific analyses are as follows:
1. Posterior Cruciate Ligament (PCL) Injury
If the knee joint suffers trauma, the posterior cruciate ligament is easily injured. When going downstairs, the injured ligament is stretched, causing pain of varying severity. However, when going upstairs, the ligament remains in a relaxed state and typically does not cause pain. After injury, immobilization with a cast or brace is recommended. If needed, medications such as ibuprofen sustained-release tablets, diclofenac sodium sustained-release tablets, or etoricoxib tablets may be taken under medical guidance to relieve pain and inflammation.
2. Osteoarthritis
This condition usually arises from overuse or long-term wear and tear, leading to narrowing of the joint space and degeneration or erosion of articular cartilage, resulting in symptoms such as knee swelling and pain—particularly exacerbated when descending stairs. For mild cases, local heat application may help. If symptoms worsen, consult a doctor for treatment with medications such as glucosamine hydrochloride tablets, Kebi Gutai capsules, or glucosamine sulfate capsules to control disease progression.
3. Fat Pad Inflammation
Caused by impact to the front of the knee joint or chronic overuse, inflammation occurs in the infrapatellar fat pad, leading to knee pain when going downstairs. However, during stair ascent, there is no compression on this area, so pain typically does not occur. Mild cases can be treated with local heat therapy or physical therapies such as electrical heating. Severe or persistent cases may require surgical intervention.
In addition, other causes such as meniscus injury may also contribute. Once the underlying cause is identified, it is important to follow medical advice and strengthen care for the affected joint.
