Hip and Knee Pain

Americans today are enjoying longer, more active lives. But inevitably, as we age our bodies change, and the wear and tear of everyday activities can take its toll. Painful, stiff joints can force you to alter or even curtail daily activities you once enjoyed.

Joint pain varies from person to person. Most people have joint pain at some point in their lives, commonly in the hips and/or knees. However, when joint pain limits activity, you should go to a specialist to have the pain evaluated.

Common Conditions

Bursitis

Bursitis is a painful inflammation of a small, fluid-filled sac – called a bursa – that works as a cushion and gliding surface to reduce friction between tissues of the body. Bursitis can occur in any joints, but is most common in the shoulder, elbow or hip. The most common causes of bursitis are injury or overuse, but it can also be caused by infection.

Runner’s Knee

Runner's knee means that you have dull pain around the front of the knee. It may be caused by a structural defect, or a certain way of walking or running. These are the most common symptoms of runner's knee are pain in and around the kneecap that happens when you are active; rubbing, grinding or clicking sound of the kneecap that you hear when you bend and straighten your knee; or a kneecap that is tender to the touch.

Sciatica

Sciatica is often caused by a herniated or bulging disc in your spine that presses on your sciatic nerve. This nerve extends from the back of your pelvis down the back of your thigh. Your sciatic nerve is the main nerve in your leg. It is also the largest nerve in your entire body.

Torn or Damaged Ligaments

There are four major ligaments in the knee, which connect the femur (thighbone) to the tibia (shin bone). When ligaments are damaged, the knee joint may become unstable. A torn ligament severely limits knee movement, resulting in the inability to pivot, turn, or twist the leg.

Diagnosis Hip and Knee Pain

Our specialists conduct a skilled, hands-on evaluation of your joint problem, explore your health history and order the appropriate testing to determine your diagnosis and the best overall plan of care.

Blood tests can help determine whether an infection, autoimmune disorder, or metabolic condition is contributing to the problem. Tests such as X-rays and MRIs can show the nature of the underlying damage to a joint.

Treating Hip and Knee Pain

Many joint problems can be managed through physical and occupational therapy, exercise, medication, weight loss and braces. Our medical specialists exhaust every appropriate treatment option before considering surgery.

Our specialists discuss multiple treatment options with you, taking into account your lifestyle and goals. If a surgical procedure is the best option for you, Crozer Health's specialists can correct problems related to joint pain. They’ll also ensure that you’re mentally and physically prepared for the procedure.

Total Joint Replacement

Replacing a joint in your knee or hip is a big step. As you consider making such a commitment to your good health and pain-free living, you can rely on Crozer Health's total joint replacement surgical team for accurate and up-to-date information about the process.