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Why Hip Pain Can Spread to Your Knees

Why Hip Pain Can Spread to Your Knees

Hip pain can make daily tasks such as walking, climbing stairs, and sleeping uncomfortable. The pain often worsens when it spreads to the knees.

If you experience hip and knee pain, seek a professional evaluation. Dr. Steven J. Svabek offers expert orthopedic care at his practice in Coral Springs, Florida.

Dr. Svabek uses diagnostic tools to identify the root of the problem. He may then suggest treatments such as physical therapy, medications, or joint replacement to ease your pain.

Causes of hip and knee pain

Hip and knee pain can stem from separate issues or from a single problem that spreads. Pinpointing the underlying issue is the first step to finding a treatment that helps.

Pain that starts in the hip and spreads to the knee can have several causes, including:

Various structures connect the hip joints to the knees, which is why many people with moderate to severe hip pain also experience knee discomfort.

As the hip joint deteriorates or an injury worsens, you put more stress on the knees, which can damage their protective cartilage over time.

Could it be osteoarthritis?

Osteoarthritis is a major contributor to hip and knee discomfort. It occurs when the cartilage that protects your bones wears down. The result is bone-on-bone friction, leading to chronic inflammation and pain.

Osteoarthritis is a chronic condition that often affects the hips and can lead to wear-and-tear on other joints, including the knees. As the protective cartilage wears away, it’s common to feel intense pain in the originating joints and other supportive joints.

Tips to avoid hip and knee pain

To protect your hips and knees, engage in regular, low-impact exercise several times per week. Use ice, heat, and over-the-counter anti-inflammatories during pain flare-ups.

Maintaining proper posture throughout the day and resting when necessary are also crucial for avoiding hip and knee problems. Supportive pillows and a comfortable mattress can alleviate pressure on your joints when you sleep.

How we can help

Sometimes home care isn’t enough to alleviate hip and knee pain. Fortunately, our treatment offerings can provide long-term pain relief. We tailor a treatment plan to the cause of your discomfort and your needs.

Dr. Svabek uses state-of-the-art imaging studies to find the cause of your pain. He evaluates your symptoms, along with any MRI or X-ray results, to determine the appropriate treatment.

We start with conservative measures, such as physical therapy, joint injections, or medications. That’s sometimes sufficient to address mild to moderate hip and knee issues.

If conservative measures fail to relieve your hip and knee pain, Dr. Svabek may recommend surgical intervention. Joint replacement can particularly address osteoarthritis and other degenerative conditions.

Don’t let hip and knee pain rule your life. Call the office of Steven J. Svabek, DO, PA, or request an appointment online today to learn more about our advanced treatment options.

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