Understand the cause of your hip or knee symptoms
Explore common hip and knee conditions assessed and treated by Mr Daniel Dowen, from arthritis and persistent joint pain to meniscus injuries and problems following previous joint replacement surgery.
Start with the symptoms affecting you
- Hip pain and hip arthritis
- Knee pain and knee arthritis
- Meniscus tears and mechanical knee symptoms
- Painful hip or knee replacement assessment
Joint pain is a symptom, not always a diagnosis
Pain in the hip or knee can develop for many different reasons, and similar symptoms can sometimes have very different underlying causes.
Arthritis is common, but it is not the only explanation. Pain may also be linked to cartilage damage, a meniscus injury, inflammation, previous trauma, altered joint mechanics or a problem affecting an existing joint replacement.
A specialist assessment aims to identify where the pain is coming from, how it affects movement and daily life, and whether scans or other investigations are required.
Treatment recommendations depend on the diagnosis, the severity of the symptoms and the priorities of the individual patient. Surgery is only one possible option and is not automatically recommended.
You do not need to diagnose yourself before arranging an appointment. A consultation can begin with your symptoms, concerns and any previous investigations.
Common hip and knee problems
Select a condition to learn more about its common symptoms, possible causes, diagnosis and available treatment options.
Hip pain
Pain in the groin, outer hip, buttock or upper thigh may be caused by arthritis, soft tissue irritation, injury or pain referred from another area.
Learn about hip painHip arthritis
Hip arthritis can cause groin pain, stiffness and reduced mobility, often making walking, dressing, sleeping and everyday activity more difficult.
Learn about hip arthritisKnee pain
Knee pain may develop gradually or after an injury and can be associated with swelling, instability, locking, stiffness or difficulty bearing weight.
Learn about knee painKnee arthritis
Arthritis of the knee commonly causes pain, stiffness, swelling and reduced walking tolerance as the joint surfaces become damaged over time.
Learn about knee arthritisMeniscus tear
The meniscus is a strong pad of cartilage within the knee. A tear may result from injury or gradual degeneration and can cause pain, catching, locking or swelling.
Learn about meniscus tears- Pain around the knee joint line
- Clicking, catching or locking
- Swelling after activity
- Difficulty twisting or squatting
Where are you experiencing pain?
Symptoms do not always fit neatly into a single diagnosis. These pathways can help you find the most relevant information based on the area causing difficulty.
Hip symptoms
Hip conditions may cause pain in the groin, outer hip, buttock or thigh and can affect walking, bending, dressing and sleep.
Knee symptoms
Knee conditions may cause pain, stiffness, swelling, instability, clicking or locking and may make stairs, walking or exercise difficult.
Pain following a hip or knee replacement
Most joint replacements provide substantial and lasting improvement, but some patients experience ongoing or new symptoms after surgery.
Pain does not automatically mean that revision surgery is required. A careful assessment may include a review of the original operation, examination, imaging, blood tests or other investigations to understand the cause.
How hip and knee conditions are assessed
Understanding your symptoms
The consultation begins with how the problem started, where the pain is felt and how it affects work, mobility, sleep, exercise and daily life.
Clinical examination
Movement, strength, stability, tenderness and walking pattern may be assessed to help identify the structure or joint responsible for the symptoms.
Reviewing investigations
Existing X-rays, scans and clinical letters can be reviewed. Further imaging or tests may be arranged when required.
Discussing the options
The diagnosis and available treatment choices are explained clearly, including non-surgical care, injections, monitoring and surgery where appropriate.
Symptoms that should not be ignored
Many hip and knee problems can be assessed routinely, but certain symptoms may require urgent medical attention.
- Severe pain following a fall or injury, particularly if you cannot stand or bear weight.
- A visibly deformed joint or concern that a joint may be dislocated.
- A hot, red and swollen joint accompanied by fever or feeling generally unwell.
- Sudden calf swelling, chest pain or shortness of breath, especially after recent surgery.
Seek urgent medical advice through NHS 111, an urgent treatment centre or emergency services where appropriate. Do not wait for a routine private consultation if symptoms are severe or rapidly worsening.
Arrange a specialist hip or knee assessment
A consultation with Mr Dowen provides the opportunity to discuss your symptoms, review any existing investigations and understand which treatment options may be suitable.