Knee problem or hip problem: how do the symptoms differ?

The short verdict

The hip and knee share nerves, so the brain can misread hip trouble as knee pain. This is most common with hip arthritis in older adults and with some hip conditions in children and teenagers. A knee with normal examination and scans but persistent pain should always prompt a look at the hip. Sometimes both joints contribute, and treating the right one first matters.

How the symptoms compare

• Where it hurts: knee problems are often pinpointed to the inner, outer or front joint line; hip-referred pain is a diffuse ache, often above the kneecap or along the front of the thigh
• Groin and buttock: pain or stiffness here points towards the hip
• Knee signs: swelling, locking, catching or giving way point to the knee
• Movements: hip-referred pain is often worse with putting on socks or shoes, getting out of a car, or crossing the legs; knee pain is often worse with stairs, squatting, kneeling or twisting
• Pressing the knee: a knee problem is usually tender to touch; with hip-referred pain the knee often feels normal to press
• Children: a limp with knee pain can be a hip problem and needs prompt assessment

Who each tends to affect

Knee-sourced pain is common at every age, from sports injuries in young adults to knee arthritis later in life. Hip-referred knee pain tends to affect older adults with hip arthritis, people who sit on the floor and find hip rotation stiff, and children or teenagers with certain hip growth-plate problems, especially if overweight or in a growth spurt. Back problems can also refer pain to the knee.

When to see a specialist in Doha

See a doctor promptly if a child or teenager limps or has knee pain without a clear injury. Otherwise book an assessment if knee pain persists, especially with groin pain or stiffness. Dr. Gelber at Aman Hospital examines the hip and back as well as the knee, and arranges hip X-rays when needed. If the hip is the main cause, you will be referred to a hip specialist.