From the Research
The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is typically most painful when climbing stairs. When you climb stairs, your knee experiences significant forward forces that push the tibia (shin bone) forward relative to the femur (thigh bone), which is precisely the movement that the ACL works to prevent. If your ACL is injured or torn, this forward translation causes pain and instability during stair climbing. The pain is often described as sharp and may be accompanied by a feeling that the knee might give way. This differs from posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) injuries, which tend to be more painful during descending stairs.
The ACL is crucial for knee stability during weight-bearing activities that involve knee flexion and rotation, making stair climbing particularly challenging. According to a study published in 2019 1, the diagnosis of ACL rupture is made with a combination of patient's history, clinical examination, and, if appropriate, magnetic resonance imaging. The objectives of management are to restore knee function, address psychological barriers to activity participation, prevent further injury and osteoarthritis, and optimize long-term quality of life.
Some key points to consider when dealing with ACL injuries include:
- The importance of prompt evaluation and diagnosis of ACL injuries, as highlighted in a study from 2015 2
- The use of magnetic resonance imaging to confirm the diagnosis and evaluate the knee for concomitant injuries, as noted in a study from 2006 3
- The potential for ACL injuries to be associated with other ligamentous injuries, such as meniscal tears, as discussed in a study from 2006 4
If you're experiencing pain in your knee when climbing stairs, it's essential to see an orthopedic specialist for proper diagnosis, as treatment may range from physical therapy to strengthen supporting muscles (particularly quadriceps) to surgical intervention depending on the severity of the injury and your activity level.