Hip pain when climbing stairs | 24 - 05 - 2025

Hip pain when climbing stairs

Do you experience hip pain when climbing stairs? You’re not alone. Hip pain is a common issue. Especially among older adults. It can make daily tasks like climbing stairs extremely difficult. Hip osteoarthritis is thought to affect 3.2 million people in the UK (NHS England, 2022). But what if there are solutions and you can significantly improve your quality of life? In this blog, we dive into the causes of pain and possible solutions!

Where does the hip pain come from?

The hip joint plays a crucial role in movement, absorbing impact and providing stability. However, if this joint is damaged climbing stairs may become painful. People with hip osteoarthritis often exhibit altered biomechanical patterns when using stairs, such as increased hip rotation and abduction (PMID: 7935457).

What are common causes of hip pain?

Hip pain can be caused by a number of conditions, especially when climbing stairs:

Osteoarthritis: About 11 out of every 100 adults over 45 in England suffer from osteoarthritis (NHS England, 2022). This is a degenerative joint disease that causes cartilage to break down and cause pain and stiffness.
Bursitis: Inflammation of the bursae, which are tiny sacs filled with fluid and used to cushion joints.
Tendinitis: Overuse injuries that cause inflammation in the tendons.
Labral tears: Damage to the cartilage surrounding the hip socket.

Seeking medical attention is crucial if hip pain lasts longer than a few weeks or gets worse over time. The diagnosis could include physical examination, x-rays or MRI scans or gait and mobility assessments.

How can hip pain be treated?

The underlying cause and severity of hip pain determine how it should be treated. Some common options include:

Physical Therapy: Mobility can be enhanced by hip-specific strengthening exercises.
Medications: Pain relievers and anti-inflammatory drugs can reduce symptoms.
Lifestyle Adjustments: Maintaining a healthy weight and engaging in low-impact exercise can reduce the risk of osteoarthritis (Bristol University, 2015).

What preventive measures and lifestyle adjustments to take?

While some causes of hip pain cannot be avoided, certain lifestyle modifications can help prevent or manage the discomfort:

Regular exercise: A study found that people who engage in weight-bearing activities are 2.2 times less likely to develop hip osteoarthritis (Bristol University, 2015).
Stretching and strengthening routines: Try to keep the surrounding muscles strong and flexible. This will improve the support of your joint.
Using supportive footwear: Wearing the right shoes can help maintain the alignment of your foot position. This also reduces pressure on the joints.

Should you consider a stairlift?

Have you had persistent hip pain while climbing stairs for a long time? Then a stairlift may be a safe option for you! Musculoskeletal pain is a major contributor to the 15.5 million people in England who suffer from chronic pain (Versus Arthritis, 2022). With a stairlift, you stay independent without worsening the strain on your hip. The main benefits are:

Less strain on the joints: With a stairlift, you no longer put unnecessary stress on your hips.
Improved safety: Less chance of falling.
Improved quality of life: You can move freely between floors without experiencing pain or problems.

If you have difficulties climbing stairs because of hip problems, a stairlift can significantly improve your quality of life.

About UP Stairlift

Your daily life can be greatly affected by hip pain when climbing stairs, but the symptoms can be effectively treated by being aware of the causes and available treatments. Fortunately, there are ways to reduce your discomfort and maintain your independence. For example, with a stairlift.

An UP Stairlift will help you to enjoy your home and family for as long as possible. The chair also fits seamlessly into your interior. It is made from artificial leather and available in various colors, which puts an end to the old ‘hospital’ stairlifts. The UP Stairlift is advanced in any way and can even be operated with an app!

Want to know more about stairlifts and how they can improve safety in your home? Please contact us or request our free brochure!