muscle/anatomy question

Ok, I spent the weekend getting ready for an apartment inspection. Among other things this meant *lots of trips up and down the stairs hauling trash, recycling and laundry.

Normally, I might make one trip a day. If that.

I noticed that while going up the stairs merely used a bit more effort than walking on someplace level, going down the stair hurt a bit and required my to use the railing. and to move very carefully.

So, after the inspection (and a long nap) I find that the top of my thighs (whatever muscles make up your lap) are *really* painful when I'm merely walking.

Anybody have any suggestions besides wait it out?