Pain is a common symptom in both the knee and hip. Because of their proximity to each other, dysfunction in one of the joints can cause dysfunction in the other. There are several muscles that attach to both the hip and knee joints, and when strained, they can cause injury and pain in one or both locations. The hip joint is one of the most mobile joints in the body, and therefore has less stability and is more prone to injury.
Quadriceps Strain
The quadriceps is a group of four muscles: the rectus femoris, vastus medialis, vastus lateralus and vastus intermedius. These muscles attach to the femur near the hip joint, and run down the front of the thigh. They then combine into one thick tendon that runs around the kneecap and attaches near the knee joint. These muscles are responsible for extending the knee, and also play a part in flexing the hip joint. A strain of one or several of the quadricep muscles leads to tearing of the muscle fibers. This usually occurs when the muscle is used too quickly and severely on short notice, such as may be required in sports, according to the website Sports Injury Info. A quadriceps muscle strain can cause pain and inflammation in the hip, thigh or knee.
IT Band Syndrome
Iliotibial band syndrome, or IT band syndrome, is a tightening or dysfunction of the IT band, a collection of tough fibrous tissue that attaches to muscles near the hip, such as the gluteal muscles and the tensor fascia lata muscle. The band then continues down the lateral side of the thigh where it attaches to the tibia just below the knee. Tightening and shortening of this tissue is a common occurrence for runners and other athletes. It causes friction to occur at the knee and hip when in motion. According to Rice University, IT band friction is caused by improper biomechanics during repetitive use of the muscles. Treatment involves decreasing inflammation, resting, stretching and correcting the biomechanics.
Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is a form of arthritis that results from excessive stress on the joints. It causes destruction of the cushioning cartilage that lines the joints, and eventually leads to joint destruction and deformation. Osteoarthritis often results from poor biomechanics that lead to undue stress on joints and soft tissues. There is no direct cure for osteoarthritis, but ensuring muscle strength, a healthy body weight and good posture can help prevent its onset or progression. According to MayoClinic.com, osteoarthritis can occur in any joint in the body, but is common in the spine, knee and hip. Symptoms include pain, stiffness and grinding in the joint during movement.
