Hip and knee joint complaints
Causes, diagnosis & treatment
Whether sitting, doing sport or climbing stairs: Many people suffer from hip and knee joint pain, which leads to restrictions at work, during sport and in everyday life. The pain can develop gradually or occur after an accident. We get to the bottom of your complaints in our practice!
Our holistic concept also includes prophylaxis, nutritional advice and sports medical examinations.
Common causes include:
Osteoarthritis of the hip joint
Osteoarthritis of the hip joint is a very common and, at an advanced stage, painful wear and tear disease characterized by progressive deterioration of the joint cartilage. Risk factors for osteoarthritis of the hip joint include age, inactivity, genetics, obesity, rheumatologic diseases and hip dysplasia.
Hip dysplasia
Hip dysplasia is a congenital malformation of the hip joint. Even if it is diagnosed and treated early in childhood, symptoms such as pain in the groin or joint blockages can occur in adulthood.
Osteoarthritis of the knee joint
Osteoarthritis is a common cause of knee pain and describes the progressive wear and tear of the joint, which can lead to restricted movement in the knee joint. Those affected often complain of knee pain after climbing stairs. Our doctors provide preventive treatment, identify risk factors and work with you to slow down the process of osteoarthritis through individually tailored therapy.
Sports injuries
Twisting (sprains) of the knee joint in particular can lead to painful restrictions in movement. Particularly after an accident, there can be stabbing and pulling pain in the knee joint. Injuries to the cruciate ligaments, meniscus and collateral ligaments can lead to complaints such as a feeling of instability (“buckling of the knee joint”) or cracking, crunching noises when moving the knee joint. X-ray imaging is often not sufficient to assess the extent of the injury.
Meniscus tear
The menisci are crescent-shaped cartilage discs that distribute the pressure on the knee joint. Tears in the meniscus can occur as a result of wear and tear or after accidents. Cracking noises and painful restrictions of movement can occur in the knee joint. Surgery is often unnecessary, particularly in the case of degenerative meniscus tears.
Patella tip syndrome (jumper's knee)
Athletes in particular often suffer from pain below the kneecap after jogging. The cause is often an imbalance between the load and load-bearing capacity of the patellar tendon. The pain is often persistent and occurs during exercise.
Baker's cyst
A Baker’s cyst is a fluid-filled protrusion in the hollow of the knee, often as a result of knee joint diseases (e.g. osteoarthritis of the knee joint) or meniscus damage. It causes a feeling of tension and pain in the hollow of the knee.
Diagnosis
In addition to a detailed medical history, a physical examination of the affected joint can already provide clues as to the cause of the symptoms. X-rays, ultrasound and an MRI often support the diagnosis.
Treatment of hip and knee joint complaints
We offer a wide range of conservative treatment methods in our practice. From prevention to the treatment of advanced symptoms, we will find the optimal therapy for you. These include, among others:
Hyaluronic acid
Hyaluronic acid is a natural component of the body that plays a crucial role in joint health. It acts as a lubricant in the joint and ensures that the joint surfaces can move smoothly past each other during movement.
In a healthy joint, hyaluronic acid is produced by the cartilage and helps to nourish the joint. In damaged joints, for example due to osteoarthritis, the natural hyaluronic acid content can be greatly reduced.
The composition of the synovial fluid is optimized through targeted injections into the affected joint. The additional hyaluronic acid acts as a lubricant and supplies the cartilage with important nutrients. This improves mobility and reduces pain. Physical activity can be increased again.
For people who ask themselves: “What can I do about my osteoarthritis?” or “How can I get rid of joint pain?”, hyaluronic acid therapy offers an effective and gentle way of slowing down the progression of osteoarthritis and improving quality of life in the long term.
PRP therapy
PRP (Platelet Rich Plasma) therapy, also known as autologous blood therapy, promotes regeneration processes in the body and stimulates self-healing mechanisms.
Autologous blood therapy has proven to be particularly effective in the treatment of osteoarthritis as well as injuries to muscles, tendons, ligaments and even bony structures. Several studies have demonstrated relevant improvements in pain, joint function and stiffness when used for osteoarthritis.
ACP therapy
ACP therapy (autologous conditioned plasma) is a special form of autologous blood therapy that supports natural regeneration processes in the body. Similar to PRP therapy, ACP relies on the healing powers of the patient’s own blood to relieve pain and promote healing.
The main difference between ACP and PRP lies in the preparation of the blood: in ACP therapy, blood is taken from a vein and processed in a special centrifuge. The procedure concentrates blood plasma, which is rich in blood platelets (thrombocytes). These platelets contain a variety of growth factors that support the body’s self-healing process.
ACP therapy is used for osteoarthritis, joint pain and injuries to muscles, tendons and ligaments. It is particularly effective for overuse syndromes as it stimulates the natural healing processes – without any chemical additives or invasive procedures.
Chirotherapy (manual therapy)
Chiropractic is a gentle treatment method that can help with hip and knee pain. It focuses on the manual mobilization and traction of joints to improve mobility. Targeted movements restore joint function and reduce pressure on surrounding structures, which leads to pain relief. Chiropractic therapy can be particularly effective for functional complaints caused by misalignments or muscular tension. Chiropractic therapy promotes blood circulation and supports natural regeneration without having to resort to invasive procedures or medication.
Shock wave therapy
Shock wave therapy is a gentle treatment method that is used for hip and knee pain. High-energy sound waves are targeted at the affected areas to stimulate blood circulation, cell metabolism and healing. Shockwave therapy can be particularly effective for tendon and ligament injuries, chronic inflammation or calcifications in the hip and knee area. The shock waves relieve pain and improve mobility. The therapy offers a gentle alternative to medical or surgical interventions and in many cases shows good results in the long-term reduction of pain.
Treatment of sports injuries
Our doctors have an additional qualification in trauma surgery and have many years of experience in the treatment of injuries that occur in accidents. In our practice, we treat hobby, amateur and professional athletes alike. This includes the treatment of bone fractures, dislocations and muscle injuries. If an operation has been recommended for you, we will be happy to give you a second opinion. Please bring all previous findings with you.
Nutritional advice
Nutritional advice can be a valuable support for therapy, especially if the symptoms are caused by inflammation or joint diseases such as osteoarthritis. A balanced diet with anti-inflammatory foods can help to alleviate symptoms and promote joint health. Omega-3 fatty acids from fish, linseed or chia seeds, for example, have anti-inflammatory properties. Antioxidants from fruit and vegetables, such as vitamins C and E, can slow down the breakdown of joint cartilage and support regeneration. Professional nutritional advice will help you to create an individual nutrition plan that takes your lifestyle into account. Reducing excess weight through an adapted diet can reduce the strain on the joints.
Kinesio taping
Kinesio tapes are elastic patches that are used to support muscles, ligaments and joints in cases of knee and hip joint pain. These tapes are applied directly to the skin and promote stability and relief of the affected areas. Kinesio tapes provide proprioceptive stimuli that support muscle activity and can therefore improve joint movement.
Orthotics and insoles
Orthotics refers to the use of special orthopaedic aids such as supports, shoe inserts or orthoses to relieve knee and hip pain and support joint function. These aids can help to relieve pressure on the joints and correct unhealthy movement patterns. In the case of knee and hip pain caused by osteoarthritis, orthoses or insoles can help to specifically reduce the pressure on the joints.
Vitamin infusion
As a complementary therapy, vitamin infusions can reduce inflammation and influence regenerative processes in cases of deficiency. For example, vitamin C can support collagen formation, while B vitamins are important for cell metabolism and nerve function. Magnesium and other trace elements help to relax the muscles and reduce cramps.
Prevention (sports medical examination)
A sports medical examination is particularly important for those who have not done any sport for years due to work or family commitments and now want to start again.
The sports medical examination helps to determine the current state of health and select the right type of sport to minimize risks and prevent injuries.
Many injuries are not only caused by sporting activity, but also by one-sided everyday activities – for example, prolonged sitting, heavy lifting or monotonous repetitive movements. Incorrect posture and one-sided strain can be corrected with targeted adjustments to prevent long-term damage to bones, cartilage, joints and ligaments.
Together, we identify individual risk factors and recognize signs of wear and tear, such as osteoarthritis, at an early stage. With a preventative approach, we aim to effectively prevent injuries so that sport remains a healthy part of your life.
If you are looking for fast and competent orthopaedic help, you have come to the right place! Dr. Baron & Kollegen look forward to assisting you with personal care and comprehensive expertise. For your health and mobility.