Hip, Leg, Knee and Foot Pain

The symptoms indicate the cause of the pain. They help professionals determine what’s causing the pain and what could be the underlying problem. The following are some of the common pain conditions and their corresponding symptoms:

• • Hip Pain

    If the pain is felt inside the hip and the groin, the problem could be in the hip joint. However, if the pain is felt outside the hip and in the outer buttock and upper thigh, the problem could be in the soft tissues, tendons, ligaments and muscles surrounding the hip joint. The common symptoms of hip pain include joint and groin pain, swelling, tenderness, loss of motion, limping, difficulty lying on the hip, and a warm sensation on the affected area.

• • Knee Pain

    Knee pain could be due to an injury like torn cartilage or ruptured ligament. In other cases, it could be a symptom of medical condition like infection, gout, and arthritis. Depending on the underlying cause, the severity and location of the knee pain varies, as well as the accompanying symptom which may include the following: swelling and stiffness, weakness, instability, redness, warm to the touch, and inability to straighten the knees.

  • Leg Pain

    Leg pain is usually a result of overuse, wear and tear, or injury in the joint, bone, muscle, tendon, ligaments or soft tissues. In some cases, the leg pain is a symptom of a particular lower spine problem, poor circulation, varicose veins or blood clots. Depending on the cause, the leg pain may be burning, throbbing, aching or searing. It may also come with tingling or shooting sensation and numbness.

  • Knee Arthritis

    Arthritis is caused by the wearing out of the cartilage, causing the joints to rub against each other. This rubbing results in knee pain. The most common arthritis in the knee is osteoarthritis. The pain is usually increases when you are active, or when moving the knees. The movement also comes with a crackly or creaking sound. Other symptoms of knee arthritis include swelling, stiffness, warmth in the joint, and decreased mobility.

  • Musculoskeletal Sports Injuries

    As mentioned, the lower extremities are prone to injuries. Athletes often experience injuries in the knees, legs, feet and hips. The injuries usually affect both the muscles and the bones. The most common symptom of musculoskeletal sports injury is sudden and severe pain. Aside from this, other symptoms may also be present. These may include swelling, tenderness, limited movement, and weakness.

  • Peripheral Nerve Injuries

    The peripheral nerves link the brain to the spinal cord and other body parts. Since they are fragile, they are easily damaged when injury arises. Depending on the injury and the extent of damage, the symptoms may be mild or severe. Some types of peripheral nerve injuries are difficult to treat. This is why if your peripheral nerves are affected by an injury you’ve been in, it’s best to seek specialized care from a pain professional immediately.

  • Hip Arthritis

    Arthritis may also affect the joints of the hips. The most common type of hip arthritis is osteoarthritis. This condition mainly results in pain in the hip and the surrounding areas. The pain can be dull, sharp or stabbing. Aside from pain, people with hip arthritis may also experience tenderness or swelling in the hip joint, creaking sound of joints, joint stiffness, and inability to move the hip or limited mobility.

  • Joint Pain

    The joints may be damaged due to an injury, overuse or a health condition. The joints in the hips, legs, knees or feet are at risk. Depending on the underlying cause and the extent of damage, the joint pain may also come with other symptoms like swelling, redness, tenderness, loss of range of motion, stiffness, weakness, and locking of the joint.