Are you experiencing pain that travels from your hip to your knee? Hip and knee pain can be difficult to manage. People who experience pain in their hips and knees often have trouble keeping up with their daily routine. Simple activities like standing and walking can become much more uncomfortable and challenging. Pain between the hip and knee will not necessarily go away on its own. Left untreated, your discomfort may worsen and lead to further symptoms. To find relief and avoid more issues, seeking treatment as soon as possible can be essential.

Hip and knee pain are relatively common symptoms. Knee pain is especially prevalent and has only become more common in recent years. According to one study, knee pain prevalence increased by almost 65% between 1998 and 2018. Knee pain also accounts for nearly 4 million primary care visits annually. Fortunately, this pain is often treatable. Physical therapy is one highly effective treatment approach. With specialized treatments tailored to each patient, physical therapists work to deliver optimal results. Once the cause of your pain is identified, your physical therapist can start providing treatments customized to match your needs.

What causes pain from the hip to the knee?

Not sure why you’re experiencing pain from your hip to your knee? This pain may be especially concerning if you don’t know the cause. By learning more about some potential causes, you may be able to get a better understanding of the reasons behind your own symptoms. Some possible explanations include:

• Bursitis — Bursitis is a condition that develops when the fluid-filled sacs cushioning a joint become inflamed. These sacs, called bursae, function to reduce pressure and friction around joints. Your bursae can become inflamed due to repetitive stress. Bursitis can occur in joints throughout the body, including joints in the hips and knees. If you’re experiencing pain that radiates from your hip down into your knee, the cause could be hip bursitis. In addition to pain, hip bursitis can come with symptoms including swelling and restricted mobility. The outer part of your hip may feel tender to the touch as well. Bursitis symptoms often worsen with activity. If you have hip bursitis, you may notice your condition becoming aggravated with activities like walking up stairs. Lying down in a position that puts pressure on your hips or knees can also make your symptoms worse. Because of this, your symptoms may flare up during the night. If you have bursitis, rest and physical therapy can be key to making a complete recovery.
• IT band syndrome — The iliotibial (IT) band is a thick band of tissue that runs along your thigh. Your hips and knees rely on the IT bands in each leg, as the IT band provides stability and support for movement. When you walk, your IT band plays a crucial role in keeping your legs stable as your knees flex and extend. With too much stress, though, the IT band can start to lose its ability to function. IT band syndrome develops when the IT band becomes irritated and inflamed. This generally occurs due to tension. When the IT band tightens, it can start to rub against the thigh and knee bones. Over time, this can aggravate your IT band as well as the surrounding tissue. IT band syndrome often develops in athletes who frequently engage their upper legs in strenuous activities. Runners and cyclists tend to be especially vulnerable. Sports performance training can help reduce your risk of painful conditions like IT band syndrome. If you have IT band syndrome, you may experience pain around the outside part of your hip, knee and thigh. Your physical therapist can help you find relief.
• Sciatica — The sciatic nerve, which runs from your lower back all the way down into your foot, is the longest nerve in the body. This nerve functions to send signals between your leg and your central nervous system. When the sciatic nerve is pinched by surrounding tissue, it can lead to discomfort across the whole length of the nerve. Sciatic nerve compression is also called sciatica. Sciatica, which can develop due to a lower back issue such as a herniated disc or spinal stenosis, tends to come with sharp, shooting pain in the upper leg. You may feel a burning or tingling nerve pain in your hips, lower back, thighs and knees. Sciatica can also cause weakness in the legs. If you have sciatica, you may find it hard to stay on your feet for extended periods of time. Effective treatment options for sciatica include manual therapy and electrical stimulation.
• Osteoarthritis — Osteoarthritis is a chronic degenerative condition. It occurs when the cartilage surrounding the joints starts to break down. This typically happens with age due to natural wear and tear; it can also be aggravated by injuries that damage the cartilage. Osteoarthritis can affect the hip and knee joints, leading to pain in both areas. If you have osteoarthritis, you may also experience persistent stiffness. Physical therapy can help you manage your symptoms and maintain your physical capabilities.

How to tell if your knee pain is coming from your hip

When you’re experiencing discomfort in both regions, it can be hard to identify the original source of your pain. If you’re not sure where the source of your pain is located, you may have trouble effectively addressing your symptoms. Knowing where your pain is coming from can help you start working toward targeted relief.

There are a few ways you can tell whether your knee pain is coming from a condition affecting your hip. One way is identifying symptoms besides pain. For example, you may feel pain throughout your upper leg, but only your hip is stiff. In this situation, tension around your hip may be causing referred pain in your knee. By loosening the muscles and tendons in your hip, you might be able to reduce your knee pain.

Another way you can determine the source of your knee pain is by paying close attention to your discomfort. Does your pain seem to occur simultaneously in your knee and hip, or does it start in one region first? If you initially feel hip pain that then seems to radiate further down into your leg, your hip is likely the source of your pain. Radiating pain is fairly common with conditions like osteoarthritis and sciatica.

To get a definitive answer regarding the source of your pain, a comprehensive physical therapy evaluation is a great option. At the start of treatment, your physical therapist will work to identify and locate the cause of your pain. Whether your knee pain is coming from your hip or somewhere else, your physical therapist can offer solutions tailored to your particular condition. By directly addressing the source of your pain, your physical therapist will work to alleviate and prevent pain throughout your leg. This can be much more effective than managing each symptom separately. If your knee pain is coming from your hip, your physical therapist may be able to provide relief in both regions by treating the condition affecting your hip.

Address your leg pain with help from Lattimore Physical Therapy

Are you ready to get treatment for your hip and knee pain? You can receive top-notch care at Lattimore Physical Therapy. Our team is committed to treating each patient “the Lattimore way,” which means taking a personal, hands-on approach. Working one-on-one with one of our expert physical therapists, you can start your journey toward lasting relief.

Contact our team today for more information or to schedule an initial appointment.