Hips and Knee Pain
What are common causes of Hip pain?
Osteoarthritis: This is a degenerative joint disease that commonly affects the hips. It occurs when the protective cartilage that cushions the joints wears down over time, leading to pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility.
Bursitis: Bursae are small fluid-filled sacs that cushion and lubricate the joints. Inflammation of the bursae in the hip, known as hip bursitis, can cause pain on the outside of the hip. It is often caused by repetitive activities or pressure on the bursae.
Tendinitis: Tendons are thick cords that connect muscles to bones. Inflammation of the tendons in the hip can lead to tendinitis, causing pain and discomfort. Overuse or repetitive activities can contribute to this condition.
Hip fractures: Fractures or breaks in the bones of the hip can cause severe pain and require immediate medical attention. Hip fractures are more common in older adults and are often caused by falls or accidents.
Muscle or tendon strain: Straining the muscles or tendons around the hip joint can cause pain. This can occur due to overuse, sudden movements, or excessive physical activity.
Hip labral tear: The labrum is a ring of cartilage that lines the rim of the hip socket. A tear in the hip labrum can cause pain in the hip or groin area, often associated with clicking or catching sensations. It can result from injury or repetitive motions.
Hip impingement: Also known as femoroacetabular impingement (FAI), this condition occurs when there is abnormal contact between the ball of the hip joint and the socket. It can lead to hip pain and limited range of motion.
Inflammation or infection: Conditions such as hip joint inflammation (synovitis) or infections in the hip joint can cause pain and discomfort.
Other causes: Other factors that can contribute to hip pain include hip dysplasia, sciatica, muscle imbalances, referred pain from the lower back, or certain medical conditions like rheumatoid arthritis or avascular necrosis.
What are common causes of Knee pain?
Osteoarthritis: This is a degenerative joint disease that commonly affects the knees. It occurs when the protective cartilage that cushions the joints wears down over time, leading to pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility.
Ligament injuries: Injuries to the ligaments in the knee, such as an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear, medial collateral ligament (MCL) tear, or posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) tear, can cause knee pain. These injuries often occur during sports activities or due to sudden twisting or impact to the knee.
Meniscus tears: The meniscus is a C-shaped cartilage that acts as a cushion between the thigh bone and the shinbone. A tear in the meniscus can cause knee pain, swelling, and limited mobility. It can occur due to sudden twisting or repetitive activities that put pressure on the knee.
Tendinitis: Tendons are thick cords that connect muscles to bones. Inflammation of the tendons around the knee, such as patellar tendinitis (jumper's knee) or iliotibial band syndrome (ITBS), can cause knee pain, especially with movement or activity.
Bursitis: Bursae are small fluid-filled sacs that cushion and lubricate the joints. Inflammation of the bursae in the knee, known as knee bursitis, can cause pain and swelling. It can be caused by repetitive activities or pressure on the bursae.
Patellofemoral pain syndrome: This condition involves pain around the kneecap (patella) and the front of the knee. It is often caused by overuse, muscle imbalances, improper alignment of the kneecap, or problems with the cartilage under the kneecap.
Overuse or repetitive strain: Excessive or repetitive activities, such as running, jumping, or repetitive knee bending, can put strain on the knee joint and lead to pain and inflammation.
Rheumatoid arthritis: This is an autoimmune condition that can cause chronic inflammation and pain in various joints, including the knees.
Gout or pseudogout: These are forms of arthritis caused by the buildup of uric acid crystals (gout) or calcium crystals (pseudogout) in the joints, which can result in sudden and severe knee pain.
Other causes: Other factors that can contribute to knee pain include fractures, dislocations, kneecap dislocation (patellar instability), alignment issues, certain infections, or referred pain from the hip or lower back.
