Hip and Knee Pain

Hip pain may be due to osteoarthritis, but more often it is a result of an imbalance in the muscles which control the hip joint. Misalignment of the hip can lead to low back pain or problems in the knee on the same leg. People often come to the osteopath complaining of knee pain and the hip is found to be the cause of the problem.

Knee pain can arise from any of the structures which make up the knee joint. Common sporting injuries include tears of the meniscus (a cartilage pad inside the knee joint), the cruciate ligaments or the ligaments at the side of the knee. These injuries usually arise as a result of trauma.

Chronic wear and tear can lead to osteoarthritis of the hip or the knee joint, which is more common among older people and those who are very overweight. If you are having a hip or knee replacement you may benefit from treatment post-surgery. Pain in the patella (kneecap) is more common among younger people and is also due to wearing away of cartilage which lines the back of the patella. This may be due to an imbalance between muscles which are attached to the patella.

Osteopathic treatment of the knee depends on the nature and cause of the injury. For a traumatic knee injury the main objective is to promote healing of the torn tissues and to ensure that new tissue is laid down in the correct alignment. Where there is a chronic problem which is due to improper alignment, the osteopath will focus attention on rebalancing the muscles and correcting alignment. If necessary we will refer you back to your GP for further investigations (x-ray or MRI scan) and in case of severe injury you may need an operation (eg a repair of the cruciate ligament).

Treatment may include soft tissue treatment to the muscles which cross the knee, articulation to the knee itself, articulation of the hip joints and lumbar spine. In cases of osteoarthritis, use of the InterX may offer significant pain relief, which gives you greater mobility, which in turn improves the nutrition of the joint.

If you have suffered a traumatic knee injury, your first line of attack should be to ice the knee. This reduces swelling which would otherwise impede blood flow into and out of the area. Swelling is the body's way of immobilising the joint, so you should remember the importance of rest for a few days to allow healing to get underway. However remaining inactive for too long can be counter-productive, so after a few days of rest, it is best to start gentle exercise.

If the swelling persists for more than a week, it is best to consult a doctor, as there are many kinds of arthritis which affect the knee, and these will need medical attention.

REMEMBER: if a joint is red, hot and swollen, you should see your GP the same day or go straight to A&E, as the joint could be infected.