No problem when walking, but legs feel weak and sore when climbing stairs.
Mar 28, 2023
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Lin Yunfei
Introduction
Walking is fine, but leg weakness and soreness when climbing stairs may be related to physiological factors, or could result from pathological causes such as meniscus injury or degenerative knee joint disease; appropriate treatment should be taken seriously once symptoms occur. In addition, conditions like osteoarthritis may also be responsible. Once diagnosed, it's important to follow the doctor's recommended treatment plan and avoid intense physical activity to prevent increasing stress on the legs.
Generally, having no issues while walking but experiencing leg weakness or fatigue when climbing stairs may be related to physiological factors, or could result from pathological conditions such as meniscus injury or degenerative knee joint disease. Once symptoms appear, timely treatment should be taken seriously. Specific analyses are as follows:
1. Physiological Factors
A prolonged lack of physical exercise can lead to reduced physical endurance. Suddenly increasing leg load by climbing stairs may cause symptoms such as leg weakness, pain, and fatigue. This is considered a normal phenomenon and usually improves with rest.
2. Pathological Factors
1) Meniscus Injury
The meniscus in the knee acts as a shock absorber. When injured or worn out, it can impair normal movement, especially causing feelings of soreness, weakness, and pain during stair climbing or hiking. Mild cases can be managed with cold compresses; in more severe cases, arthroscopic surgery may be required to promote recovery of leg function.
2) Degenerative Knee Joint Disease
With aging, the knee joint space may narrow and bone spurs may develop. Suddenly climbing stairs increases the weight-bearing load on the knee joint, leading to pain, weakness, and soreness. Patients may take medications such as glucosamine sulfate capsules, acetaminophen tablets, or ibuprofen sustained-release capsules as directed by a physician, which can help relieve discomfort.
In addition, conditions such as osteoarthritis may also be responsible. After diagnosis, patients should follow medical advice for treatment and avoid strenuous exercise to prevent further strain on the legs.
