Hip, Leg, Knee and Foot Problems

Hip, leg and foot problems are commonly the result of joint dysfunction and nerve interference in the spine, pelvis or lower limb.

Chiropractors are trained to identify the cause, assist in its management, and give advice for prevention.

Many common problems such as sciatica, bursitis, runners knee, recurrent ankle and knee strains/sprains, shin splints respond well to chiropractic management.

Why do problems occur?

Causes of pain in these areas can be of local origin or referred from another area :

HIP PAIN

Hip problems can be the result of joint dysfunction and nerve interference in the lower spine or pelvis. In some cases there may be some arthritic changes of the hip joint or local muscular conditions that are causing pain.

Lumbar or sacro-iliac joint subluxation:

Malfunction of joints in the pelvis and lower back may interfere with nerves exiting from the spine.
This can cause referred pain, numbness, pins and needles or weakness in the limb.
Nerves to the blood vessels may be affected and cause hot or cold changes, or pain in the limb.
Lumbar and sacro-iliac joint subluxation, malfunction of other joints and muscle/tendon injury most frequently arise from:

• Sudden trauma - may include injuries from sporting and car accidents, or from falls, knocks and jolts
• Over-use/excessive loading - resulting from repetitive stresses from work poor posture, carrying school bags on one shoulder, sporting activities, poor bedding or sleep patterns, incorrect footwear etc.

Osteoarthritis of the Hip and Knee:

Injury and poor function of joints can cause premature wear and tear leading to osteoarthritis. Correct joint alignment, mobility and muscle balance are essential in preventing degenerative change.

KNEE PAIN

Knee pain can occur from local trauma to the knee or from injury to the surrounding soft tissues.
Disruption to the internal ligaments and the cartilage of the knee joint can also be responsible for knee pain.
Often knee pain is referred from the hip or the lower back even though pain may not be noticed in these regions.
Osteoarthritis is also a possibility. Injury and poor function of joints can cause premature wear and tear leading to osteoarthritis.
Correct joint alignment, mobility and muscle balance are essential in preventing degenerative change.

LEG PAIN

Upper or lower leg pain may arise as referred pain from the lower back, hip, knee, ankle or foot.

Commonly leg pain is known as sciatica.

The pain can often be of muscular origin, especially if there has been strain or longstanding malfunction of the knee or ankle joints of the lower limb.

In some cases the pain can be of vascular origin and so testing is done to eliminate the arteries as a possible cause, before any treatment is commenced.

FOOT PAIN

Foot pain may arise as referred pain from the lower back, hip, knee, ankle or within the bones of the foot.

It can be of muscular origin, especially if there has been strain, sprain or perhaps a longstanding malfunction of the ankle joint or the joints of the foot.

Arthritic changes have to be considered in each case as well as other disease processes.

What can be Done?

As a Chiropractor I recognise that poorly functioning joints of the spine or lower limb interfere with nerve pathways. This often leads to weakness, poor co-ordination and breakdown leading to pain and discomfort.

The chiropractic approach is to restore function by:

• Correcting subluxations (i.e.. poorly functioning joints causing nerve irritation)
• Improving muscle balance and strength
• Advising on remedial exercises and preventive procedures

See also : The Chiropractic Approach