If problem is in hip joint then why do I have pain in the knee?

Question

Hi doctor,

I am a 24-year-old. I have had stiffness and pain in my thighs and knees for more than a year. I cannot sit properly and stand up instantly. I am having problems with each and every activity involving my legs. I have reduced mobility and flexibility in my legs. My report shows AVN stage 3 of the hip joint, for which I have been suggested hip replacement surgery. My question is, if the problem is in the hip joint then why do I have so many problems with my knees? When I stand up, my knee gets blocked and I cannot stand instantly. There is a cracking sound in my knees when I sit or stand up. I am worried whether I have some other problem with my knees also.

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

Hip avascular necrosis (AVN) and hip arthritis causes pain in the affected hip and also sometimes in the knees as the same nerve which supplies the hip also supplies the knee joint. It is called as obturator nerve. This nerve supplies both the joints. So if there is hip joint pain, many patients also get pain in the knee joint. But, also to be sure if nothing is wrong with the knee joint, you should take X-rays and document it. Get x-ray of the knee joint both in anteroposterior view (AP) and lateral view and then get a follow up done to confirm your problem.

Thank you.