Baton Rouge Perio Logo

Hip & Knee Pain Q & A

What are hip and knee pain?

Hip and knee pain are two of the most common areas of joint pain. The pain can range from a dull ache to sharp pain whenever you move.

Your hips and knees are some of the most active weight-bearing joints in your body, so any pain in and around these joints can be inconvenient and disruptive.

What causes hip and knee pain?

Some of the most common causes of hip and knee pain are:  

  • Osteoarthritis
  • Rheumatoid arthritis
  • Joint inflammation (bursitis)
  • Joint dislocation
  • Fractures
  • Muscle strains
  • Tendon strains
  • Tendinitis
  • Ligament overstretching or tears
  • Cartilage injuries, including loose cartilage
  • Bone spurs

Certain factors, like carrying extra weight, frequent high-impact exercise, and standing for long periods every day, can increase the risk of hip and knee pain. 

When do I need medical care for hip and knee pain?

It’s a common misconception that joint pain is just part of aging. No matter your age, hip and knee pain are your body’s cry for help. Some clear signs that you need joint pain help include: 

  • Cutting down on the activities you usually enjoy 
  • Difficulty walking or rising to stand due to hip or knee catching, popping, or locking 
  • Pain that disrupts your sleep
  • Difficulty carrying out your regular routines at home

Ignoring hip and knee pain is never wise. As you use your hip and knee joints day in and day out, you can compound the damage and experience even worse pain — or become disabled. Seeking treatment early, when the damage is less severe, may allow you to prevent progression or even restore your joints.

How are hip and knee pain treated?

Treatment typically starts with conservative methods like physical therapy, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), chiropractic care, and lifestyle changes. Holistic methods like acupuncture may help as well. If your pain persists, injections could be the next step. 

Corticosteroid injections reduce inflammation and relieve pain for as long as several months. 

Cellular rejuvenation injections are a leading-edge natural treatment that uses potent biological substances to heal and restore the injured or damaged joint. This leads to natural repair, reduced inflammation, and pain relief.

Some hip and knee problems, like severe sports injuries or end-stage osteoarthritis, may require surgery. The skilled orthopedic surgeons usually use minimally invasive approaches, like arthroscopy, whenever possible. 

For help with knee or hip pain, call Medicus Spine & Joint or book your appointment online today.