“Oh my aching joints!”
If this sounds like you when getting out of bed each morning or even getting out of a chair, you’re not alone. This refrain becomes more prevalent as we age, although younger adults can experience joint pain too. Depending on a person’s exercise routine, or if they are runners, hip and knee pain can interfere with many of life’s activities.
Know The Cause, Find The Right Treatment
There are numerous reasons for hip and knee pain, and finding the right treatment depends on discovering the root cause. Be especially mindful of swelling, redness, and warmth at the site. If pain continues during the night, see Dr. Wingert as soon as possible.
Common Causes of Hip Pain
The hip is the largest joint in our body and although quite durable, it is not indestructible. There is a cushion of cartilage that helps prevent friction, but overuse and age can cause a break down of that cushion leading to discomfort and pain.
Arthritis
One common cause of hip pain is osteoarthritis, an inflammation of the joint and bone. Other types of arthritis include septic arthritis which is an infection at the joint caused by an injury, and rheumatoid arthritis, most common in older adults.
Bursitis
The bursa sac acts as a cushion between tissues. Overuse, repetitive motions and injury can cause the sac to become inflamed leading to bursitis and pain.
Fractures
Bones become more brittle as we age and are likely to break with a fall or other trauma. These types of injuries may require surgery.
Avascular Necrosis
Also known as osteonecrosis, this serious disease reduces blood circulation to the hip joint causing the bone tissue to die. This can occur after a dislocation, and should be evaluated and treated by DOCTOR as soon as possible.
Dehydration
Many adults don’t realize that staying hydrated can reduce hip pain. Manage your pain by increasing water intake and limiting caffeine drinks and alcohol.
Common Causes of Knee Pain
The knee joint is one of the most injury prone parts of our body. Knee pain can occur suddenly with a sports injury or a trauma to the knee. Pain can also develop slowly over time from arthritis, overuse, or a particular job involving bending and lifting. Common symptoms of chronic knee issues are pain, swelling and stiffness.
Tendonitis
The tendons are tissues which attach bones to the muscles in our knee. When these tendons become inflamed from overuse or some repetitive stress, pain is the result. The pain usually occurs in the front of the knee and becomes worse climbing stairs and walking up an incline.
Bursitis
Bursitis occurs when the bursa sac becomes inflamed from repeated overuse or injury to the knee.
Chondromalacia patella
Here pain develops as a result of damaged cartilage under the kneecap.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
This is a chronic autoimmune inflammation causing pain and swelling of the knee which may lead to bone deterioration.
Torn Ligaments
This is a common knee issue in which one of the four ligaments is torn and causes severe pain.
Dislocation
Painful trauma or injury to the knee.
Meniscus Tear
This painful rupture occurs in the cartilage.
Tumor
A tumor in the bone known as osteosarcoma or bone cancer.
Gout or Arthritis
This pain is due to an increase in uric acid.
While these may help to determine the root of your hip or knee pain, it’s important to visit your doctor for proper treatment. Contact Dr. Nathaniel Wingert today to set up an appointment!
