My knees hurt when I climb stairs. What can help?

Knee pain on stairs at this age is often due to early osteoarthritis or weakness of the thigh muscles. Strengthening exercises for the thigh and hip muscles, keeping a healthy weight, and staying active with low-impact exercise such as walking or cycling help most people. A physiotherapist can show you the right exercises. See an orthopaedic doctor if the knee becomes swollen, red or hot, locks or gives way, the pain wakes you at night, or it isn't improving after about six weeks.