Your knee might hurt for likely one of four reasons: knee osteoarthritis, a worn-out meniscus, sciatica or hip arthritis.
Osteoarthritis is arthritis from normal use. A meniscus is a C-shaped cushion between your knee’s leg and thigh bones that can wear out and tear with normal use.
Sciatica is pain that runs down your leg, with the knee often hurting the most. Hip arthritis radiates pain to your thigh and your knee.
I once saw a patient who had a total knee replacement but still had thigh and knee pain. My exam showed stiffness in their hip, and a hip x-ray showed bad arthritis!
This is why all pain in your knee area should call for an evaluation of possible sciatica, your hip, and your knee. If your knee hurts, see your doctor, and be sure to ask if it could be a back or hip problem!
Walker Wynkoop, M.D., lives in Los Banos and is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon with 35 years of experience. He works at Surgical Affiliates of California. Please email questions to Doc@Wynmd.com.
