BOSS ORTHOPAEDICSPatrick Pallitto, M.D.

Article

Hip vs. Knee Arthritis:
Comparing the Symptoms

By Patrick Pallitto, M.D.

Hip and knee arthritis can feel similar in some ways, but the symptoms and warning signs are often different. Here's how to tell them apart.

Hip Arthritis

What Hip Arthritis Feels Like

  • Groin, thigh, or buttock pain that limits daily activity
  • Stiffness that makes it hard to put on shoes or get in/out of a car
  • Pain that persists at rest or interrupts sleep
  • A noticeable limp, or reliance on a cane or walker

Knee Arthritis

What Knee Arthritis Feels Like

  • Knee pain that limits walking, stairs, or daily activity
  • Stiffness or swelling that doesn't improve with rest
  • A knee that feels unstable, "gives way," or locks
  • Visible deformity (bowed or knock-kneed appearance)

Why the Difference Matters

Getting the Right Diagnosis

Hip pain is sometimes felt in the groin or thigh rather than the hip itself, and can even be mistaken for knee or back pain, since the nerves that supply the hip joint overlap with those areas. An accurate diagnosis starts with an exam and imaging, so it's worth having any persistent joint pain evaluated rather than guessing at the source.

Good to Know

Frequently Asked Questions

Can hip arthritis cause knee pain?

Yes — hip pain is sometimes felt in the thigh or even down toward the knee, which can make the source of the pain confusing without an exam.

Do hip and knee arthritis have the same causes?

Largely, yes. Both are commonly caused by osteoarthritis (wear-and-tear breakdown of cartilage), though rheumatoid arthritis, post-traumatic arthritis, and other conditions can affect either joint.

Related Reading

Hip Replacement Overview →Knee Replacement Overview →Signs It's Time for Hip or Knee Replacement →

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