Why does my knee hurt when walking on flat ground but not when going up or down stairs, and what should I do about it?

Knee pain when walking on flat surfaces but not when going up or down stairs may be related to muscle strain, knee joint cartilage wear, or knee arthritis. Treatment options include daily care and medication. Specific analyses are as follows:

1. Muscle Strain

The muscles and ligaments around the knee joint may become strained or painful due to overuse or injury. When walking on flat ground, these muscles and ligaments bear greater load and pressure, making pain more likely. However, when climbing stairs, the load on the muscles and ligaments is relatively smaller, so pain is less likely to occur. Patients may take medications such as Sanqi tablets or Huoxue Zhitong capsules as directed by a physician for symptom relief.

2. Knee Joint Cartilage Wear

Knee joint cartilage wear is a common condition in older adults, characterized by damage and degeneration of the articular cartilage. When walking on flat surfaces, the cartilage experiences increased friction and pressure, leading to pain. During stair climbing, the knee joint bends at a certain angle, reducing pressure on the cartilage and thus causing less pain. Patients should reduce physical activity and ensure adequate rest to help alleviate symptoms.

3. Knee Arthritis

Knee arthritis is an inflammatory condition. When walking on flat ground, the knee joint endures greater pressure and friction, which can trigger pain. However, when ascending or descending stairs, the pressure and friction on the joint are relatively reduced, making pain less likely. Patients may follow medical advice to take anti-inflammatory medications such as Etoricoxib tablets or Celecoxib capsules to relieve joint inflammation.

In addition to the above common causes, knee pain may also be associated with conditions such as patellar chondromalacia or knee ligament injuries. If symptoms persist, timely medical evaluation and treatment are recommended.