What causes knee pain when climbing stairs in a 50-year-old patient?

Generally, the main causes of knee pain when climbing stairs in 50-year-old patients include decreased muscle strength, improper exercise posture, knee osteoarthritis, patellar chondromalacia, and loose bodies in the knee joint. If discomfort occurs, it is recommended to seek timely medical evaluation and treatment at a正规 hospital. Specific analysis is as follows:

1. Decreased Muscle Strength

After age 50, lower limb muscles gradually atrophy and weaken. When climbing stairs, increased stress on the knees can lead to pain. Performing daily straight-leg raises and wall squats can strengthen leg muscles. Slowing down when going up and down stairs and using handrails can reduce knee strain.

2. Improper Movement Posture

Excessive forward leaning of the body or stepping on stairs with only the front part of the foot increases extra pressure on the knees, leading to pain over time. Adjust posture by keeping the body upright, placing the entire sole firmly on each step, taking one step at a time without skipping steps, and choosing gently sloped stairs or elevators to reduce knee load.

3. Knee Osteoarthritis

After age 50, degeneration and wear of knee cartilage cause uneven joint surfaces. Climbing stairs intensifies joint friction, resulting in pain accompanied by joint stiffness and clicking sounds. Under medical guidance, medications such as glucosamine hydrochloride capsules, celecoxib capsules, or diclofenac sodium sustained-release tablets may be taken. Hyaluronic acid injections can lubricate the joint. In severe cases, total knee arthroplasty may be required.

4. Patellar Chondromalacia

With aging, the patellar cartilage degenerates. When climbing stairs, friction between the patella and femur increases, causing cartilage damage and pain, especially noticeable during knee bending. Under medical supervision, medications such as sodium chondroitin sulfate tablets, ibuprofen sustained-release capsules, or etoricoxib tablets may be used. Wearing a patellar stabilizing brace and avoiding activities like squatting, kneeling, or stair climbing is recommended.

5. Loose Bodies in the Knee Joint

Loose fragments from damaged cartilage may break off and float within the joint. During stair climbing, these loose bodies can become trapped in the joint space, restricting movement and causing pain along with a sensation of joint locking. Under medical advice, medications such as naproxen sodium tablets, Huoxue Zhitong capsules (blood-activating and pain-relieving capsules), or eperisone hydrochloride tablets may be used. In severe cases, arthroscopic removal of the loose body may be necessary. After surgery, strenuous physical activity should be avoided.

In daily life, maintain a healthy weight to reduce knee load; wear soft-soled shoes and avoid walking on hard surfaces; keep the knees warm to prevent cold exposure; undergo regular knee check-ups to monitor cartilage degeneration; and follow medical advice for rehabilitation exercises while avoiding overexertion.