Knee pain going up stairs or uphill specifically is due to an issue (typically weakness) within the gluteus maximus muscle (glute max). This is a powerful muscle that is used to help extend your leg at the hip. This muscle makes up about 70% of the iliotibial band (IT band), a thick band of connective tissue running down the outside of the thigh and connecting to the knee. Because of the connection to the IT band, weakness in this muscle leads to less lateral stability in the knee causing the knee to cave inward. This puts more strain on the medial and anterior collateral ligaments (MCL and ACL), and more compression forces through the lateral knee. Low back pain is also common with weak glute max muscles as they help with hip hinging and picking objects up off the floor.

Where is the dysfunction coming from?

Often these muscles will weaken due to an old injury or compensation from instability in the hips. Balancing and strengthening the muscles of the pelvis through various myofascial therapies can help when this is the case.

The glute max muscles, and many other muscles of the pelvis, are related to our reproductive organs (prostate, testes, uterus, and ovaries). This means if there is some stress or dysfunction in our reproductive organs then it is very likely and common for there to be low back pain, or knee pain, due to pelvic instability.

Conditions that may lead to a weakness in the glutes include, but are not limited to:

  • Low testosterone
  • Low progesterone
  • High estrogen
  • PCOS
  • Prostatitis
  • Ovarian cysts
  • Cancer (prostate, testicular, ovarian, or uterine)
  • Uterine fibroids
  • Benign prostatic hyperplasia
  • Epididymitis

If you have had chronic knee pain going up stairs with no resolution in pain with a musculoskeletal approach it may be time to have your hormones tested. Ideally use a salivary test for steroid hormones as this will tell you the amount of free hormone there is. Most standard blood tests for steroid hormones will test the total including hormones bound to protein. Hormones bound to protein are not used by the body until in dire need. So, knowing how much free testosterone, estrogen, and progesterone you have will give a better picture of what the body is currently using.

Living with chronic knee pain is certainly not normal, work with a holistic doctor that will look at all aspects of your health and start living pain-free.

I am a chiropractor with extensive training in functional medicine and exercise science. I have a passion for truly natural and holistic healthcare. I utilize dietary and nutritional therapies, movement therapies, as well as manual therapies to help the body heal and prevent future illness and injury.

Learn more about the technique I use: Systems Health Care


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Melissa
Melissa

I can’t say enough about Dr. Watts. The first thing I will say is that he cares. Not just about what he does, but he cares about the person sitting in front of him. I was so tired of being in front of other Doctors and feeling like I barely got time, and didn’t feel heard. I highly recommend Dr. Watts. It the first morning I woke up a little more rested and in hardly any pain 🙂

Lauren Clemens
Lauren Clemens

I’ve never written a review before, but the amazing care Dr. Watts provided for my TMJ prompted this exception. I was diagnosed with TMJ dysfunction in my teens, and was told by an Orthodontist it would require surgery. Not wanting to go down that route, I lived with almost continuous jaw pain and tightness for years. However, after being under Dr. Watts care for just 2 months, the tightness and pain have almost entirely disappeared! I had no idea that the Functional Medicine approach to healthcare could provide such incredible relief. I highly recommend Dr. Watts, not only for what he achieved with my jaw, but for his kindness, professionalism, and intelligent approach to providing outstanding natural treatment and care.

Hunter Overley
Hunter Overley

I’m very grateful for Dr. Zack. He is knowledgeable, thorough and thinks outside the box to get to the root of your problems. When our first son was born, I got zero sleep for months and my gut health and energy tanked. His guidance and treatment really helped me through that season and I’m feeling much better! If you’re seeking someone who truly cares about your health, look no further.

Argetxo
Argetxo

I came to Dr. Watts complaining of lower back pain and he approached my issue with knowledge and courtesy. After being treated by Dr. Watts, I felt relief from pain and had a better understanding of what was going on with me. He did a very good job at explaining things in a way that I could understand.

Joel Miller
Joel Miller

Dr. Watts is an incredible doctor and holistic practitioner! His knowledge of the body and ability to find the root causes of my health issues has been very impressive. I could tell from my first visit with him that he takes the time to listen and really understand everything that is going on. More importantly, he was able to get to the bottom of my health issues and really help me! It has been difficult finding a good holistic doctor that can do what Dr. Watts has been able to do. Thank you again, Dr. Watts! 🙂

Gabe Ariciu
Gabe Ariciu

Dr. Watts is fantastic! I was thoroughly impressed with how much he knew. He easily explained everything and is just a wonderful doctor. Would recommend anyone go to him! Very pleased!

Todd Anderson
Todd Anderson

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Dr. Watts is a true gem in the world of natural medicine. From the moment I stepped into his office, I knew I was in good hands. Not only does he possess an exceptional depth of knowledge in holistic healing, but his ability to truly listen and empathize sets him apart. Dr. Watts took the time to understand my concerns, addressing each one with care and attention. His personalized approach to treatment made me feel valued as a patient, and I left his office feeling empowered and supported on my journey to better health. I highly recommend Dr. Watts to anyone seeking a compassionate and skilled natural doctor.

Kristen Mallonee
Kristen Mallonee

My family and I have received excellent and comprehensive care for our whole selves from Dr. Watts. With his calm and caring manner, he listens well and has the skill and knowledge which helped my family and I recover our health. From working with my active teenage son to stay healthy, to being one of the few doctors that could help my anxious child with complicated long-term health challenges, to diligently finding the underlying causes of my own noise sensitivity— I’ve seen and experienced how well Dr. Watts cares for his patients. I highly recommend him, and I hope if you are reading this that you can get that support and help too. Dr. Watts is a great doc!

Justin H
Justin H

I highly recommend seeing Dr. Watts he’s incredible at figuring out how things are connected that I never would have thought of. I had horrible low back pain that other doctors weren’t able fix for very long. It just kept coming back. Dr. Watts was able to show me how my gut issues were actually related to it. He helped me fix my gut and my back pain went away! He very knowledgeable and great with so many other issues. Don’t even waste your time elsewhere!