Knee pain while walking or ascending stairs can develop from many factors, including osteoarthritis, patellofemoral pain syndrome (runner’s knee), meniscus tears, and tendinitis. Each of these conditions affects the knee joint in a different way, and so it is important to know the cause of your knee pain in order to safely and effectively treat it. The trained team at Phoenix Physio in Wendover and Aylesbury can diagnose and manage your knee pain effectively.
Depending on the cause of your knee pain, treatment could include physical therapy, pain management, strengthening exercises, or potentially a referral for surgical consultation. We are here to help you feel comfortable moving again, whether you are searching for the best physiotherapist in Wendover or the best physiotherapy clinic in Aylesbury.
Why Does My Knee Hurt When I Walk or Climb Stairs?
Knee pain during basic activities like walking or taking the stairs is a common issue — and it often points to underlying problems with your knee joint, muscles, or alignment. At Phoenix Physio, with clinics in Wendover and Aylesbury, we treat dozens of people suffering from knee discomfort caused by poor biomechanics, past injuries, or age-related wear and tear.
Ignoring these signs can lead to chronic pain or more serious damage. Let’s explore the most common causes of knee pain while walking or climbing stairs and how our expert physiotherapists can help you recover.
Common Causes of Knee Pain on Stairs or While Walking
Knee pain when walking or using stairs can result from several underlying issues, including injuries such as ligament tears, meniscus damage, or chronic conditions like arthritis and patellofemoral pain syndrome. In many cases, muscle imbalances, excess body weight, or even prolonged sitting can place strain on the knee joint, especially during weight-bearing movements like climbing stairs. At Phoenix Physio, our experienced team offers tailored physiotherapy in Wendover and Aylesbury to accurately diagnose the root cause of your knee pain.
Whether it’s due to sports injuries, joint degeneration, or poor posture, our comprehensive treatment approach focuses on reducing pain, improving mobility, and helping you return to normal activity with confidence. If you’re looking for the best physiotherapist in Wendover or a trusted physiotherapy clinic in Aylesbury, we’re here to help.
1. Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome (Runner’s Knee)
Patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS)—commonly referred to as runner’s knee—is a frequent cause of discomfort at the front of the knee, typically around the kneecap (patella). This type of pain often worsens with activities such as running, squatting, using stairs, or even sitting for long periods with bent knees. Although PFPS is common among runners, it can affect anyone, especially those who suddenly increase their activity level or have structural issues like muscle imbalances or poor knee alignment.
At Phoenix Physio, we provide expert assessment and physiotherapy treatment in Wendover and Aylesbury to relieve PFPS symptoms and address the root cause. With the help of the best physiotherapists in Wendover and Aylesbury, you can regain strength, improve knee stability, and return to daily or athletic activities pain-free.
One of the leading causes of knee pain—especially when going up or down stairs—is runner’s knee. It happens when the kneecap doesn’t track properly, irritating the cartilage beneath.
Symptoms:
- Pain behind or around the kneecap
- Worse when climbing stairs or squatting
- Grinding or clicking sounds
2. Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is a chronic joint disease where the protective cartilage that cushions the ends of bones gradually deteriorates, leading to pain, stiffness, swelling, and loss of mobility. Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis and can develop as you get older. It can also develop due to prior joint damage or a particular injury to the joint, repetitive stress, or structural things that occurred as the joint formed. At Phoenix Physio we provide thorough and personal physiotherapy at our treatment venues in Wendover and Aylesbury to ensure you are managing your osteoarthritis symptoms as effectively as possible. Unfortunately, there is no definitive cure for osteoarthritis.
However, appropriate physiotherapy treatment is one way trauma or post-surgical pain can be alleviated, pain can be reduced, joint function can be improved, and quality of life can be enhanced. Whether you are looking for physical therapy in Aylesbury or looking for the best physiotherapist in Wendover, we have the experience to help you re-establish good long-term joint health.
This wear-and-tear condition affects the cartilage in your joints. As it wears down, bone rubs against bone, causing inflammation and pain.
Symptoms:
- Stiffness and aching
- Swelling in the joint
- Pain during movement or after rest
We provide arthritis-specific physiotherapy treatment in Aylesbury and Wendover to help restore movement and reduce pain.
3. Meniscus Tear
A meniscus tear is one of the most common knee injuries, especially among athletes and active individuals. It can happen suddenly during sports, or from simple daily activities like squatting or twisting awkwardly. At Phoenix Physio, we regularly help people from Wendover and Aylesbury recover from meniscus injuries. Common symptoms include knee pain, swelling, stiffness, and a catching or locking sensation when you move your knee. With tailored physiotherapy in Aylesbury and Wendover, many patients avoid surgery and get back to their normal activities faster with improved strength and mobility.
The meniscus is the cartilage that cushions your knee joint. A sudden twist, deep squat, or fall can cause a tear — especially in athletes or active individuals.
Symptoms:
- Sharp pain with movement
- Swelling
- Locking or clicking of the knee
Our sports physiotherapy clinic in Wendover offers targeted rehab to heal meniscus injuries without surgery whenever possible.
4. Tendinitis or Muscle Imbalance
Tendinitis and muscle imbalances are separate conditions but tend to go hand-in-hand, especially when it comes to athletes and active individuals. Tendinitis is simply the inflammation or irritation of a tendon, usually as a result of overuse or repetitive stress. Muscle imbalances, on the other hand, are when opposing muscle groups around a joint are not equally strong or equal in flexibility. This places uneven stress on the surrounding tendons and joints and contributes to chronic strain and eventually leads to tendinitis. At Phoenix Physio, we understand the correlation between both tendonitis and muscle imbalances, and to effectively treat tendonitis, you will need to treat the muscle imbalances first.
Our physiotherapy team in Wendover and Aylesbury can identify and treat both conditions. Whether you are an athlete or suffering with ongoing discomfort, our team will provide an agreement to accurately assess your condition, corrective exercise rehabilitation, ongoing assessment/feedback, and hands-on care from the best physiotherapists in Wendover and the most trusted physiotherapy clinics in Aylesbury so you can move pain-free.
Overuse, poor posture, or weak thigh/glute muscles can cause stress on the knee tendons—resulting in pain during daily tasks.
Symptoms:
- Pain during or after activity
- Tenderness along the front or sides of the knee
- Muscle tightness or stiffness
We focus on corrective exercises and manual therapy at our physiotherapy clinic in Aylesbury to restore muscle balance and protect your knees.
Physiotherapy Treatment for Knee Pain in Wendover & Aylesbury
A physiotherapy treatment plan for knee pain generally incorporates a combination of strategies to prevent pain, regain range of motion, and strengthen the knee. Our physiotherapists in Wendover and Aylesbury at Phoenix Physio will begin with a thorough assessment to establish the underlying cause of your knee discomfort. From there we will devise a customized plan that will typically combine strengthening, manual therapy, possibly electrotherapy and educating you on movement strategy.
Whether it is an injury, arthritis, or following a surgical procedure, our experienced team at the best physiotherapy clinics in Wendover and Aylesbury will assist you with confidence and get you back to your normal daily life free from pain. Your treatment may include:
- Manual therapy and soft tissue release
- Strengthening exercises for quads, hamstrings, and glutes
- Gait analysis and correction
- Balance and proprioception training
- Taping or bracing (if needed)
- Lifestyle and posture advice
We help you not only recover from knee pain but also prevent it from coming back.
When Should You See a Physiotherapist?
Pain, stiffness, or injury might feel like something you can “walk off,” but delaying treatment can often lead to longer recovery times or more serious problems. So, when should you actually see a physiotherapist? At Phoenix Physio in Wendover and Aylesbury, we recommend seeking physiotherapy as soon as pain, discomfort, or movement limitations begin to affect your daily life.
Book an appointment at Phoenix Physio Wendover or Aylesbury if you experience:
- Persistent pain when climbing stairs or walking
- Swelling or instability in the knee
- Clicking, locking, or weakness
- Pain that worsens with time or activity
- A history of knee injuries or arthritis
Why Choose Phoenix Physio?
At Phoenix Physio, we’re more than just a clinic—we’re your recovery partner. With years of experience and a proven track record, we provide personalised, hands-on care to help you recover faster, move better, and live pain-free. Whether you’re dealing with a recent injury, ongoing joint pain, or post-surgery rehabilitation, our expert team is here to support you every step of the way.
- Expert physiotherapists in Wendover & Aylesbury
- Sports injury specialists
- Tailored recovery programs based on your body
- Early appointments and full assessments
- 5-star local reviews from real patients
Book Your Knee Pain Assessment Today
Don’t wait for your knee pain to worsen. Get the care you need from the trusted team at Phoenix Physio. Whether you’re dealing with a mild strain, old injury, or arthritis, we’ll help you move better—with less pain.
Book your appointment with the best physiotherapist in Wendover or leading physiotherapy clinic in Aylesbury today.
