Knee and Hip Pain

Knee and hip pain changes how you get through the day. You grab the railing on the stairs. You need a minute to straighten up after sitting through a movie. A walk around the neighborhood that used to feel good now ends with an ache. At Hanson Chiropractic Center, we see a lot of knees and hips, and they usually turn out to be connected.

Why your knee and hip are a team

Your knee sits between your hip and your foot, and it takes orders from both. If your hip is stiff or the muscles around it are weak, your knee tends to drift inward when you walk or climb stairs. If your foot rolls in, the same thing happens. Over time, the knee gets sore even though the trouble started somewhere else.

That's why we don't only look at the joint that hurts. We watch you walk, squat, and step up, and we check your hips, knees, ankles, and lower back together.

What causes knee and hip pain

Pain at the front of the knee, around the kneecap, often shows up with stairs, squats, or long periods of sitting with your knees bent. Pain on the outside of the hip, especially when you lie on that side, is usually an irritated tendon. A deep ache in the groin tends to come from the hip joint itself. And morning stiffness that eases once you get moving often points to wear-and-tear arthritis.

Common triggers include starting a new running or walking program too fast, a lot of stairs at work, extra weight, old sports injuries, and long days on your feet on hard floors.

How we treat knee and hip pain

We start with a hands-on exam and a look at how you move. Then we explain what we found and what we think is driving the pain.

Most plans include gentle adjustments to get stiff hips, knees, ankles, and the lower back moving well together again. Our massage therapist works on tight thigh, hip, and glute muscles that pull the kneecap and hip out of line. For sore, inflamed spots, laser therapy can help calm things down.

Strength is the other half. Weak hip muscles are behind a lot of knee pain, so we'll show you a few simple exercises, like side-lying leg lifts and bridges, to do at home.

Everyday ways to take pressure off

Keep walking, but stick to flat ground for now and skip the hills. Take the stairs one at a time, leading with your good leg going up and your sore leg going down. When you sit for a long time, stretch your legs out every so often. Wear supportive shoes, especially if you stand on hard floors all day. If you sleep on your side, put a pillow between your knees to keep your hips level.

When to see a doctor right away

Go to the ER if you can't put weight on your leg after a fall, especially if you're older, since that can mean a broken hip. Get checked soon if your knee pops and swells quickly after a twist, locks so you can't straighten it, or turns hot and red with a fever. Pain and swelling in your calf can be a blood clot, so don't wait on that one. MedlinePlus has more on knee injuries and disorders.

Questions about knee and hip pain

Can a chiropractor help with knee pain?

Yes, especially when the pain comes from how your knee, hip, and foot move together. We get stiff joints moving, loosen tight muscles, and help you strengthen the hips and thighs that support the knee. If your exam points to a torn ligament or other injury that needs imaging, we'll tell you. Results vary from person to person.

Why does my knee hurt going down stairs?

Going down puts a lot of pressure on the back of your kneecap. If the muscles around your knee and hip are tight or weak, the kneecap doesn't glide smoothly, and it complains. Strengthening your thighs and hips usually helps a lot.

Is my hip pain really coming from my back?

Sometimes. Pain deep in the groin usually comes from the hip joint itself. Pain in the buttock, especially if it runs down the back of your leg, often starts in the lower back. We check both so we treat the right spot.

Can you help with knee arthritis?

Yes. We help your knee move better, ease the tight muscles around it, and build strength that takes pressure off the joint. Many people with arthritis find it easier to stay active with that kind of care.

Should I keep walking if my knee hurts?

Usually, yes. Walking on flat ground at an easy pace is good for most sore knees. Skip the hills and long stairs for now, and stop if the pain gets sharp.

Why does the side of my hip hurt when I lie on it?

That's usually an irritated tendon or the small cushion over the bony point of your hip. Try sleeping on the other side with a pillow between your knees. Strengthening the muscles on the side of your hip helps it heal.

This page is general information and doesn't replace advice from your doctor. Results vary from person to person. If your hip pain runs down your leg, see our page on lower back pain and sciatica. For heel pain, see plantar fasciitis. Fill out your new patient paperwork before your first visit.