Hip & Knee Injuries
If you think your hip and knee pain are related, you may be right.
There are many muscles at the hip that control the movement of your leg as well as keep your knee in the proper position when walking or moving about. When those muscles weaken or strain from overuse, inactivity, injury, or disease (such as arthritis), it can lead to an abnormal gait and make your knee unstable, causing pain and making it susceptible to injury like an ACL tear.
In addition, problems with the hip joint itself can cause referred pain, or pain that travels along unexpected pathways to appear in areas of the body somewhat distant from its source. In this case, you may feel pain in the front of your thigh or in your knee. In fact, you may not even be aware you have a hip injury until you experience the pain elsewhere, like in your knee.
The following are just a few of the types of knee problems that may be caused by hip problems.
Iliotibial band syndrome is a condition that causes inflammation of the IT band, a thick band of tissue that runs from the hip to the outer knee. Tightness or weakness in the hip can strain the IT band, leading to irritation and pain on the outer side of the knee. This condition is often seen in athletes and can be aggravated by repetitive movements like running or cycling.
Knee bursitis, also called Goosefoot, develops when one of the small fluid-filled sacs (bursae) in the knee becomes inflamed. This causes swelling, tenderness, and discomfort in the area. Poor hip alignment or movement patterns can place extra stress on the knee, increasing the risk of bursitis. It is often caused by repetitive pressure, trauma, or overuse.
Patellar tendonitis, also known as jumper's knee, is an overuse condition that causes inflammation in the tendon connecting the kneecap to the shinbone. Weakness or instability in the hip can change the way you walk, placing added stress on the tendon and leading to pain below the kneecap. This condition is common in activities involving jumping or repetitive strain.
Patellofemoral syndrome involves pain at the front of the knee caused by improper tracking of the kneecap over the femur. Weak or imbalanced hip muscles can contribute to misalignment and uneven pressure on the kneecap. This often leads to discomfort during activities like squatting, climbing stairs, or sitting for long periods.
Osteoarthritis in the knee happens when the protective cartilage that cushions the joints wears down over time, leading to stiffness, pain, and reduced mobility. For those who are prone to osteoarthritis, it is very common for it to occur in both the hip and the knee.
Issues such as hip misalignment or uneven weight distribution can exacerbate wear and tear on the knee joint, accelerating the symptoms. Osteoarthritis in the knee typically develops gradually with age or prolonged joint stress.
Diagnosing Hip & Knee Problems
To accurately diagnose your knee pain, you’ll want to start by seeing an orthopedic specialist like Dr. H. Kurtis Biggs, who specializes in disorders of the hip and knee. Whether your complaint involves your hip or your knee, it is very common to examine both. Your gait, mobility, and muscle strength will be assessed.
Diagnostic imaging may be needed to properly identify the cause of your symptoms. If the root of your problem is still unclear, certain pain management methods, such as a nerve block injection at the hip, may be used; if it eliminates your knee pain, that confirms your issue is with the hip.
Hip & Knee Pain Treatment
If the issue is caught early enough, a physical therapy program that focuses on strengthening weakened hip muscles may be all you need.
Other common hip and knee pain treatments include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), pain management, or surgical options such as a joint replacement.
Seeking Hip & Knee Pain Treatment in Naples, FL? Call the Joint Replacement Institute!
Your hips and knees are large, weight-bearing joints that are built to take a beating. But when injuries take a toll, and you’re experiencing pain in your knee or hip (or both), you’ll want to resolve it as soon as possible.
Contact the orthopedic experts at the Joint Replacement Institute in Naples, Florida, to identify and treat the cause of your hip or knee problems. Call (239) 261-2663 or request an appointment to receive comprehensive hip and knee pain treatment now.
