Why Treating the Knee Is Important When Managing Hip Pain

by Son PMR(Physical medicine & Rehabilitation ) & Chiropractic Clinic in Seoul

When addressing hip pain, it is crucial to also assess and manage the knee joint. There are several anatomical and biomechanical reasons for this integrated approach.

1. The Hip and Knee Are Functionally Connected

The hip and knee joints are part of a continuous structural and functional chain in the lower body. The femur (thigh bone) forms both the hip and knee joints.
When the hip is dysfunctional, it can alter the alignment and movement of the femur, leading to abnormal stress and dysfunction in the knee.

  • Reference:

    • Neumann, D. A. (2010). Kinesiology of the Musculoskeletal System.

      The femur structurally connects the hip and knee, and dysfunction in one joint directly affects the loading and movement patterns of the adjacent joint.

2. Hip Dysfunction Causes Compensatory Stress on the Knee

When hip mobility is restricted or hip muscles are weakened, the knee often compensates during walking or daily activities. This compensatory movement places excessive load on the ligaments, cartilage, and muscles around the knee, potentially leading to pain or injury over time.

  • Reference:

    • Powers, C. M. (2010). The influence of abnormal hip mechanics on knee injury: a biomechanical perspective.

      Dysfunctional hip mechanics increase compensatory load on the knee joint, raising the risk of knee pain and injury.

3. Hip Muscles Play a Critical Role in Knee Stability

The gluteus medius and minimus muscles around the hip are essential for stabilizing the pelvis and femur. When these muscles are weak or dysfunctional, abnormal knee alignment—such as internal collapse or lateral shifting—can occur, contributing to knee pain and instability.

  • Reference:

    • Hollman, J. H., et al. (2009). Hip abductor weakness as a risk factor for knee injuries.

      Weakness of the hip abductors leads to malalignment of the knee joint, increasing the risk of injury.

4. Referred Pain from the Hip to the Knee

Hip problems can often cause referred pain to the knee area. Patients with hip joint disorders sometimes report knee pain without obvious knee pathology. This phenomenon is explained by neuroanatomical connections and altered movement chains.

  • Reference:

    • Birnbaum, K., et al. (2001). Clinical anatomy and pathophysiology of referred pain to the knee.

      Hip joint disorders can refer pain to the knee via neurological pathways.

[Conclusion]

Because of the close anatomical, functional, and neurological connections between the hip and knee, it is essential to evaluate and treat both areas together.

Focusing solely on the hip may overlook important biomechanical imbalances that could cause persistent or recurrent symptoms. At Hand of Hope Rehabilitation Medicine Clinic, we emphasize comprehensive evaluation and management of the hip, knee, and entire lower body to provide more complete and lasting solutions for patients. 

👍Consultation and Appointment Information

Son PMR & Chiropractic Clinic( 2nd floor, 229-1 Gucheonmyun-Ro, Gangdongu, Seoul, South Korea) 

by  Dr Son MD & DC 
Contact: 02-482-8875 in Seoul( +82-2-482-8875)

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