A CDC report from the 2019 National Health Interview Survey found that 36.5% of adults had lower limb pain. This includes the hip, knee, and foot.
A significant number may experience hip and knee pain. If you’re one of them, you might wonder how these joints connect. The hip and knee work together, supporting your body’s movement. When one is weak, the other feels the strain.
Understanding this connection can help you find the right treatment. You can decide whether to focus on your knee or hip first. Read on to discover the link between hip and knee pain.
How Your Hip and Knee Work Together
Your hip and knee work together to support movement. They are part of the same kinetic chain. When one is weak or injured, the other takes on extra stress.
A weak or misaligned hip puts pressure on your knee. It increases the risk of pain or injury. Knee problems can also force your hip to adjust, leading to:
- Strain
- Stiffness
- Discomfort
- Swelling
- Weakness
- Reduced range of motion
A proper hip pain diagnosis can help find the root cause of your pain. It’s important to treat the real problem, not just the symptoms.
Ignoring the connection between these joints can make pain worse. Strengthening and stretching both areas can help improve movement and reduce pain.
Common Hip and Knee Pain Causes
Hip and knee pain often come from the same underlying problem. A condition affecting cartilage, tendons, or ligaments can impact both joints at the same time.
Understanding the cause of your pain is key to finding relief. The right treatment depends on the root problem. A joint pain specialist can help diagnose and treat the issue.
Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is the most common cause of joint pain. It happens when cartilage wears down over time.
Cartilage cushions your bones and helps them move smoothly. When it breaks down, bones rub against each other, causing pain and stiffness.
Age, obesity, and repetitive movements can increase your risk of osteoarthritis. It often affects both the hip and knee, leading to stiffness and swelling.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease that attacks the lining of your joints. Unlike osteoarthritis, RA does not come from wear and tear. Instead, the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissue, causing inflammation.
RA can affect multiple joints at once, including the hip and knee. Symptoms include:
- Swelling
- Pain
- Stiffness
- Warmth in the joints
- Redness
- Reduced mobility
Over time, it can cause severe joint damage. Early diagnosis is important to prevent long-term problems.
Bursitis
Bursitis occurs when the bursae – small fluid-filled sacs that cushion joints become inflamed. It can cause pain, swelling, and tenderness in the affected area.
Repetitive movements, prolonged kneeling, or hip strain can trigger bursitis. The pain often worsens with movement or pressure.
Rest, ice, and physical therapy can help manage symptoms. In some cases, a doctor may recommend injections for pain relief.
Tendonitis
Tendonitis is the inflammation of tendons, the strong fibers that connect muscles to bones. It can affect both the hip and knee, leading to pain and stiffness.
Overuse, sudden movements, or poor posture can cause tendonitis. Symptoms often include swelling, tenderness, and pain with movement.
Rest, stretching, and strengthening exercises can help with recovery. In severe cases, treatment may involve physical therapy or injections.
Injuries and Trauma
Injuries are a major cause of hip and knee pain. Falls, accidents, or sports injuries can damage bones, ligaments, or muscles.
A hip or knee injury can affect movement and stability. If left untreated, it may cause long-term pain and weakness. Treatment depends on the injury but often includes rest, physical therapy, or surgery in serious cases.
Hip and Knee Pain Treatment Options
Different orthopedic pain management options can help relieve hip and knee pain. Choosing the right treatment depends on the cause and severity of your condition. Some treatments focus on reducing pain, while others improve joint function.
Understanding these options can help you make the best decision for your situation. A doctor can assess your pain and recommend the most effective approach.
Medications
Medications help reduce pain and inflammation. Over-the-counter drugs like ibuprofen can help ease mild symptoms. For more severe pain, doctors may prescribe stronger medications or joint injections.
Anti-inflammatory drugs can help with swelling, while muscle relaxers reduce stiffness. If pain is due to arthritis, disease-modifying drugs may help slow joint damage. Always consult a doctor before starting any new medications.
Physical Therapy
Physical therapy strengthens muscles around the hip and knee. Stronger muscles support joints and reduce stress. A therapist can guide you through stretches and exercises to improve mobility.
Balance and posture training can help prevent further injury. If pain affects walking, assistive devices like braces may provide support. Regular therapy sessions can increase flexibility and reduce stiffness.
Minimally Invasive Procedures
If medications and therapy don’t help, minimally invasive treatments might be an option. Doctors can use injections to relieve pain and inflammation.
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy helps boost healing using your body’s natural growth factors. Arthroscopic surgery is another option that allows doctors to repair joint damage with small incisions. These treatments can help delay surgical knee replacement if used early.
Surgery
If pain is severe and daily activities become difficult, surgery may be needed. A hip replacement surgeon can replace a damaged hip joint with an artificial one. It restores movement and reduces pain.
For knee issues, a surgical knee replacement may be the best choice. The procedure replaces the worn-out knee joint with a prosthetic.
Finding Relief for Hip and Knee Pain
Hip and knee pain can limit your movement and daily activities. Understanding the connection between these joints helps you choose the right treatment. Whether caused by arthritis, injury, or overuse, proper care can ease pain and improve mobility.
If pain affects your life, seeking expert help is important. A doctor can diagnose the cause and suggest the best treatment. Options range from therapy and medications to surgery if needed.
At Elite Sports Medicine + Orthopedics, our doctors complete two extra years of specialized training beyond their standard medical education. We have deep expertise in treating hip and knee conditions.
Contact us today and let our team help you get back to living pain-free!
Author: writers-amwn
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