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. In our practice, we get to the bottom of the cause of your pain!
Our holistic concept also includes prophylaxis, nutritional advice and sports medical examinations.
Common causes:
Osteoarthritis of the hip joint
Osteoarthritis of the hip joint is a widespread and, at an advanced stage, painful wear and tear disease characterized by the progressive breakdown of the joint cartilage. Risk factors for hip osteoarthritis include age, lack of exercise, genetic predisposition, 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 in childhood, symptoms such as groin pain 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. Many sufferers complain of pain, particularly after climbing stairs. Our doctors focus on preventive measures, identify risk factors and slow down the osteoarthritis process with individually tailored therapy.
Sports injuries
Twisting (sprains) of the knee joint in particular can lead to painful restrictions in movement. After an accident, there is often stabbing or pulling pain in the knee joint. Injuries to the cruciate ligaments, menisci or collateral ligaments can lead to complaints such as instability (“buckling of the knee”) or cracking, crunching noises when moving. An X-ray is often not sufficient to assess the full extent of the injury.
Meniscus tear
The menisci are crescent-shaped cartilage discs that distribute the pressure in the knee joint. A meniscus tear can occur due to wear and tear or after an accident. Symptoms include cracking noises and painful movement restrictions. Surgery is often not necessary, particularly in the case of degenerative meniscus tears.
Patella tip syndrome (jumper's knee)
Athletes in particular often complain of pain below the kneecap, especially after jogging. The cause is usually an imbalance between the load and load-bearing capacity of the patellar tendon. These complaints are often persistent and occur particularly under stress.
Baker's cyst
A Baker’s cyst is a fluid-filled protrusion in the hollow of the knee, which often occurs as a result of a knee joint disease (e.g. osteoarthritis 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 often provides initial clues as to the cause of the symptoms. Imaging procedures such as X-rays, ultrasound or an MRI scan can be used for further diagnosis.
Treatment of hip and knee joint complaints
In our practice, we offer a wide range of conservative treatment methods. From preventive measures to the treatment of advanced symptoms, we develop a customized therapy for you. This includes, among other things
Hyaluronic acid
Hyaluronic acid is a natural component of the body and plays a crucial role in joint health. It acts as a lubricant in the joint and ensures that the joint surfaces glide smoothly past each other during movement.
In a healthy joint, hyaluronic acid is produced by the cartilage and contributes to the supply of nutrients to 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 can be optimized through targeted injections into the affected joint. The additional hyaluronic acid acts as a lubricant and supplies the cartilage with essential nutrients. This improves mobility, reduces pain and physical activity can be increased again.
For anyone asking themselves: “What can I do about my osteoarthritis?” or “How can I get rid of my 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 the body’s self-healing powers.
This 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 shown significant improvements in pain, joint function and stiffness in osteoarthritis patients.
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 uses 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. This concentrates the blood plasma, which is rich in blood platelets (thrombocytes). These contain numerous growth factors that actively 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 manual mobilization and traction of the joints to improve mobility. Targeted hand movements restore joint function and reduce pressure on surrounding structures, which leads to pain relief.
Chirotherapy can be extremely effective, especially for functional complaints caused by misalignments or muscular tension. It also promotes blood circulation and supports natural regeneration – without any invasive interventions or medication.
Shock wave therapy
Shock wave therapy is a gentle treatment method for relieving hip and knee pain. High-energy sound waves are targeted at the affected areas to stimulate blood circulation, cell metabolism and healing.
Shock wave therapy is 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.
This therapy is a gentle alternative to medical or surgical interventions and in many cases shows good long-term success in reducing symptoms.
Treatment of sports injuries
Our doctors have additional qualifications in trauma surgery and many years of experience in treating injuries caused by accidents. In our practice, we treat hobby, amateur and professional athletes alike.
Our range of services includes the treatment of bone fractures, dislocations and muscle injuries. If you have been recommended an operation, we will be happy to offer you a competent second opinion. Please bring all previous findings with you.
Nutritional advice
Nutritional advice can be a valuable support for therapy, especially in the case of inflammation-related complaints or joint diseases such as osteoarthritis. A balanced, anti-inflammatory diet can help to alleviate pain and promote joint health.
Omega-3 fatty acids from fish, linseed or chia seeds 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 a personalized nutrition plan that takes your circumstances into account. In addition, targeted weight reduction through an adapted diet can reduce the strain on your joints.
Kinesio taping
Kinesio tapes are elastic plasters that are used to support muscles, ligaments and joints in cases of knee and hip joint pain. They are applied directly to the skin and promote stability and relief of the affected areas.
By providing proprioceptive stimuli, kinesio tapes 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 help to relieve pressure on the joints and can correct unhealthy movement patterns.
In the case of knee and hip pain caused by osteoarthritis, orthoses and insoles can specifically reduce the pressure on the joints.
Vitamin infusion
Vitamin infusions can reduce inflammation and positively influence regenerative processes as a supplementary therapy for deficiencies.
Vitamin C, for example, supports collagen formation, while B vitamins play an important role in cell metabolism and nerve function. Magnesium and other trace elements promote muscle relaxation and help to 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 assess 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 stresses – 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.