Why Your Knee Pain May Be Coming from Your Hip

When knee pain strikes, it’s natural to assume the problem lies within the knee itself. However, the source of your discomfort may actually be higher up, in your hip.

Your hip and knee joints work closely together as part of the kinetic chain that allows you to walk, run, and move freely. If your hip is misaligned, weakened, or restricted in movement, the stress on your knee increases. Over time, this imbalance can lead to inflammation, strain, and pain in the knee joint.

Common hip-related causes of knee pain include muscle imbalances, joint misalignments, and limited hip mobility. Weakness in the gluteal muscles, for example, forces the knee to compensate during movement, leading to improper tracking of the kneecap or increased wear on the joint. Likewise, pelvic misalignments can change the way forces are distributed through your legs, placing excessive strain on your knees.

Chiropractic can help by restoring proper alignment and movement in the hip and pelvis. Adjustments improve joint function, reduce muscle tension, and help re-establish normal motion patterns. By addressing the root cause in the hip, chiropractic can relieve knee pain and prevent recurring strain.

In addition to adjustments, targeted stretches and strengthening exercises can help support hip stability and improve lower body biomechanics. This combination not only eases knee pain but also enhances your overall movement and athletic performance.

If your knee pain hasn’t improved with traditional approaches, it’s worth exploring whether your hip may be the hidden culprit. By looking beyond the symptom and addressing the whole body, chiropractic offers a path toward lasting relief and improved mobility.