My knee hurts when I go down stairs. What can I do about that?

Quick Answer...

Yes, and you’re not alone. Knee pain on stairs is incredibly common, and it’s often something we can help with through gentle strength-building exercises and a thoughtful movement plan.

real people. real homes. real change.

(every quote below is from someone who trained right in their living room.)

“I was afraid of making it worse, but they knew just what to do.”
“They helped me move without pain.”
“I feel stronger and more stable now.”

or call 612-810-0373.

let's keep it simple.

Pain when going down stairs is often linked to weak or imbalanced muscles around the knee. The thigh muscles—both the quadriceps in front and hamstrings in back—help stabilize the knee joint. If those muscles are underused or not working together well, the joint can take on more strain. That’s where a personal trainer comes in. We assess what’s going on and build a custom plan to help support your knees without overdoing it.

why it matters.

It’s not just about the stairs. It’s about confidence, mobility, and knowing your body isn’t holding you back. When your knees hurt, it can make you hesitate—even in your own home. That feeling is frustrating, but it’s not permanent. With a little guidance and consistent care, most people start to feel improvement quickly.

how happy human does it.

At Happy Human, we come to you and take the time to really understand your body. We don’t just throw exercises at you. We look at how your muscles are working together and where your joints might need extra support. Often, building strength in the quadriceps, hamstrings, and glutes can relieve the pressure on your knees. Even if there’s joint damage or arthritis, smart strength work can help you feel better. And if you ever do end up needing surgery, this kind of pre-strengthening can make recovery easier too.

What's Next?

You don’t have to figure this out alone. We’d love to help. Your next step is to find your trainer. Or, if you prefer to talk it through first, call Amber at 612-810-0373. (She may not pick up right away, but leave a message—she always calls back.)