Adam Rufa - 9/23/2006

Question
I have OA in my right hip which I am waiting an op for. However, can I ask a stupid question. I get awful pain in my knee too which I am told is referred. Why though does it refer to the knee? Is it because I walk badly due to my damaged hip? Thanks for taking th time

Ju

Answer
Ju

Your knee pain could be caused by numerous things. It could be referred pain from the hip/low back, it could be due to extra stress on the knee due to your hip pain. Referred pain occurs when your brain misinterprets where the pain is coming from. For example, people often have arm and jaw pain when they are having a heart attack.

Bottom line is that it can sometimes be difficult to determine the origin and cause of pain.

Adam