Don’t Let Hip and Knee Pain Slow You Down!

Hip bursitis is a painful condition caused by inflammation of a bursa in the hip. Bursae are fluid-filled sacs present in joints between bone and soft tissue to reduce friction and provide cushioning during movement. Hip bursitis is often seen in people who participate in sports such as soccer which involve a lot of running. This can lead to overuse and irritation of the bursa, causing inflammation. Bursitis can be due to an injury, fall to the hip or after a surgical procedure of the hip.

Hip impingement is when an unusually shaped hip joint causes the bones to press against each other. It is also called femoroacetabular impingement or FAI. Hip impingement can injure the labrum, a tissue that cushions the hip joint. This causes pain and can lead to arthritis if it is not treated. You may experience pain when you sit for a long time, get in or out of a car, or pivot when playing sports.

The labrum is a ring of cartilage that lines the rim of your hip socket. It helps hold the thigh bone securely in the joint, allowing flexibility and motion. The labrum cushions the joint and distributes pressure during physical activity. Labral tears often occur due to trauma such as car accidents, falls and dislocations. Other causes include hip impingement and joint degeneration. People who participate in sports that involve repeated hip hyperextension, external rotation and pivoting such as ballet, soccer, running and sprinting are prone to such injury. The symptoms usually start as a dull ache in the front or side of the hip but can be sharp or “snap” in specific movements.

The iliotibial band (IT Band) is a tendon that runs along outside of your leg. Inflammation occurs when the knee or the hip muscles are overused. Along with overuse, factors like incorrect training habits and inflexible or weak muscles can also contribute to the syndrome.

The most common symptom associated with IT band syndrome is lateral knee pain, often experienced as a sharp, burning or stinging pain.

The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is probably the most commonly injured knee ligament. The ligament is often injured when people participate in sporting activity. Those sports requiring the foot to be planted and the body to change direction rapidly (such as basketball or soccer) carry a high incidence of injury. Many patients would hear a loud pop when the ligament is torn and feel their knee give way.

Kneecap dislocation occurs when the round-shaped bone covering the knee (patella) moves or slides out of place. Dislocation usually occurs due to a sudden change in direction while running or a direct result of injury. The patient’s knee may experience swelling, pain or tenderness, and it may appear deformed. Kneecap dislocation damages your knee joint. It can lead to cartilage injuries and increase the risk of developing osteoarthritis at a younger age. Repeat dislocations will make the condition worse and harder to treat.