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Knee pain while using stairs first sign of arthritis

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Woman with knee pain
Woman with knee pain

Having knee pain while using the stairs may be an early sign of arthritis, a new study suggests.

Earlier intervention

"At present, we have little concept of 'early' osteoarthritis and often only see people when they have significant, longstanding pain and loss of function," research leader Philip Conaghan, a professor of musculoskeletal medicine at the University of Leeds in England, said in a university news release.

"This research is vital to understanding early symptoms of knee osteoarthritis," he said.

Read: Knee pain may run in the family

The study included more than 4,600 people who were at high risk for arthritis.  Researchers followed the volunteers for up to seven years.

First sign of pain

Using stairs was the first weight-bearing activity in which people with early knee arthritis noticed pain.

They later developed pain while walking, standing, lying or sitting, and finally, while resting in bed.

Read: Extra weight comes with more knee pain

"Knowing this will help us intervene earlier, perhaps leading to more effective ways of treating this very painful condition," Conaghan explained.

The study was published in the January issue of the journal Arthritis Care & Research.

Read More:

Drug-free relief for knee pain


Running won't raise risk of knee arthritis


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