The affected knee can hurt when go up or down stairs. Chondromalacia patella is usually treated with rest and ice â and little or no stair climbing at first. A supportive brace can also help stabilize the knee.tair Climbing Benefits. Strengthening the muscles around the knee will decrease the stress or strain on the joint itself. These muscles include the quadriceps at the front of the thigh and the hamstrings at the back of the thigh.