Hip and knee pain can become a problem for people of all ages. Pain in these areas can affect mobility and quality of life, limiting our ability to participate in daily activities and hobbies. In the US, the prevalence of knee pain in individuals over 45 years old is 25 percent, and hip pain occurs in about 14 percent of the population over 601,2. These statistics are concerning, given the harmful effects of chronic pain. Hip and knee pain are often linked to arthritis, a condition that’s more common in older adults3. However, it is important to understand that hip and knee pain aren’t always caused by arthritis and may be associated with other conditions that affect these joints.
This article will cover the different causes of pain in the hips and knees and discuss the importance of imaging scans in getting to the root cause of these problems.
Hip and knee pain can occur for various reasons, each requiring a different treatment and management approach4. While arthritis is a very frequent cause of this pain, particularly in older adults, it is important not to overlook other potential issues that may be causing it.
There are two main types of arthritis: rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease where the body attacks its own joints, causing pain, swelling, and stiffness, often in multiple joints at once. Rheumatoid arthritis can occur at any age and more commonly emerges in early adulthood. Osteoarthritis, on the other hand, is caused by wear and tear over time, leading to the breakdown of joint cartilage, and is the type most common in older adults. Arthritis is accompanied by several symptoms, including pain in the affected joint, stiffness, swelling, and reduced range of motion5.
Depending on the severity and type of arthritis, different approaches can be used to treat it. These can include specific exercises and lifestyle modifications. Medications for arthritis include non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. In more severe cases, surgical replacement of the affected joint is commonly recommended and is typically highly effective5.
Injuries and overuse of joints can lead to knee and hip pain. These are particularly common in athletes and active adults who continuously put a strain on their hips and knees. Ligament tears, meniscus injuries, and tendonitis all contribute to knee and hip pain. Knee pain can also be caused by a fracture of the kneecap4. Furthermore, injury to one joint can have knock-on effects on other areas of the body6. Some injuries are minor and require a small amount of rest to be resolved, while others require surgery and can take months or years to recover from.
Other conditions that cause hip and knee pain include bursitis, when the small, fluid-filled sacs (called bursae) that cushion your joints get irritated or swollen, and joint infections in the knees and hips7. While these are less common causes than injury and arthritis, an accurate diagnosis of the underlying cause is essential for distinguishing between different conditions and directing appropriate care.
There are several imaging methods available for effectively diagnosing different causes of hip and knee pain. These approaches offer a non-invasive and painless way to identify underlying issues.
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans use magnets and radio waves to take detailed pictures of the inside of your body. They’re especially useful for examining soft tissues like muscles, cartilage, and ligaments, which don’t appear as clearly on regular X-rays. This makes them particularly useful for diagnosing pain issues such as osteoarthritis, which can be caused by the erosion of cartilage, which acts as a buffer in joints to stop bones from touching. Furthermore, their ability to detect different tissue types makes them a more versatile tool compared to computed tomography (CT) and ultrasound. MRI can also be particularly valuable in diagnosing complex or unclear cases of joint pain and for assessing changes in the bone marrow that can be a precursor for issues like rheumatoid arthritis8–10.
X-rays are a quick and painless way to check the health of your bones. Fractures and bone deformities show up very clearly on X-rays, making them a great tool for diagnosing even small injuries to bones, though MRIs are superior for examining very small breaks known as microfractures11. X-rays can also be used to assist in the diagnosis of arthritis by allowing healthcare providers to visualize bones coming into contact with each other in an arthritic joint12. X-rays are somewhat limited when compared to MRI scans because they are not as good at imaging soft tissues such as ligaments and cartilage, which are important for diagnosing different sources of joint pain.
CT scans capture multiple images to build more complex pictures of the area being examined. This makes CT scans useful for looking at joints deep inside the body, including the pelvis12. Ultrasounds use high-frequency sound waves to create images and are useful for detecting abnormal fluid in joints, which can be a source of pain. They can be particularly useful for examining synovitis, inflammation of the synovial membrane, which lines and lubricates joints13.
Persistent joint pain can have a significant impact on quality of life14. However, discussing your hip and knee issues with a healthcare professional is the first step toward accurate diagnosis and the administration of appropriate treatment. Short-term pain due to an explainable event, such as banging your hip or knee against a surface, should resolve quickly, but if you experience symptoms of pain, swelling, or stiffness that last more than three days or recurs multiple times in a single month, you should consider consulting your healthcare provider15. It’s important to give your doctor an honest and accurate account of your medical history as this can help them with diagnosis16.
Imaging scans are a great, non-invasive way to help guide treatment plans for knee and hip pain. It’s important to be proactive in seeking medical attention, as many hip and knee pain issues can be resolved with the appropriate care. Diagnosis with scans like MRI leads to better outcomes while alleviating chronic pain issues that prevent us from engaging in everyday activities17.
Identifying the underlying cause of hip and knee pain is essential for effective treatment and improving quality of life. While arthritis is a common culprit, other conditions such as injuries, overuse, and less common ailments must be considered. Imaging technologies like MRI, X-rays, and CT scans play a vital role in accurate diagnosis by offering detailed insights into joint health. These tools empower healthcare providers to create personalized treatment plans, alleviating chronic pain and helping individuals regain mobility and independence.
Don’t let knee or hip pain hold you back. With Ezra’s advanced MRI scans, you can uncover the root cause of your discomfort and take the first step toward recovery. Book your scan today and regain control of your joint health.
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