Could a Hip Condition Cause My Leg and Knee Pain?

If you’re experiencing persistent leg or knee pain, the cause might not be your leg or knee at all. At Robotic Hip and Knee Replacement LA, we often see patients in the Los Angeles, CA area who are surprised to learn that their discomfort is actually stemming from the hip. The hip is a large and complex joint, and when it isn’t functioning properly, the effects can radiate down the leg, impacting mobility and quality of life.

How Hip Conditions Lead to Leg and Knee Pain

The hip joint is where the femur (thigh bone) meets the pelvis. It’s responsible for a wide range of motion and plays a major role in weight-bearing activities like walking, standing, and climbing stairs. When there’s a problem in this joint—whether from injury, inflammation, or degeneration—it can affect the nerves, muscles, and joints connected to it, especially in the legs and knees.

A common example is hip bursitis, an inflammation of the bursa (fluid-filled sacs that reduce friction in the joint). This condition can lead to aching pain that radiates down the thigh, often mimicking sciatica or a knee issue. Other culprits include osteoarthritis, labral tears, hip impingement, and tendonitis, all of which can cause referred pain in the leg or knee.

Why You May Mistake Hip Pain for Knee Problems

Because the hip and knee share many muscles and nerve pathways, the brain can sometimes misinterpret the source of the pain. The sciatic nerve, which runs from the lower back through the hip and down each leg, can be compressed by hip inflammation, sending sharp or burning pain down the thigh.

In fact, a study published in the Journal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons found that hip pathology was responsible for knee pain in up to 22% of patients evaluated for knee discomfort.

The Role of Advanced Diagnostics and Robotics

At Robotic Hip and Knee Replacement LA, we use advanced imaging and diagnostic technology to accurately identify the true source of your pain. For patients whose hip degeneration is affecting their mobility and quality of life, we offer robotic-assisted hip replacement procedures that provide greater precision and better outcomes.

Our clinic in Los Angeles specializes in providing innovative joint treatments, from conservative procedures like hip injections up to complete robotic hip replacements. If you are experiencing hip, leg or knee pain, we can provide an accurate diagnosis and recommend a treatment plan for relief.

When to See a Specialist

If you’re in the Los Angeles area and dealing with chronic leg or knee pain that doesn’t respond to standard treatments, it’s time to look beyond the obvious. Consider an evaluation of your hip joint. Early diagnosis of hip-related conditions can prevent further damage and may reduce your need for more invasive treatments in the future.

Get Expert Help for Hip-Related Leg and Knee Pain

Don’t let referred pain from the hip limit your lifestyle. At Robotic Hip and Knee Replacement LA, we help patients across Los Angeles, Santa Monica, Beverly Hills, and beyond get answers and relief. Contact us today for a consultation and find out if your leg or knee pain could really be a hidden hip problem.