Last month I had an elderly male patient enter my office complaining of “sciatica” (leg pain that refers from the low back).

He simply assumed that the pain in his groin and front of his thigh was originating from his back because he had experienced symptoms similar to this before and ended up having low back surgery to correct it.

Although the leg pain he was describing this time could have been originating from his low back, a detailed examination of that area revealed nothing significant.

Knowing that hip problems can cause similar pain patterns, I then examined the hip joint.

By asking a few simple questions and moving the hip joint around in different directions, it was very obvious that there was a problem.

By turning the leg inward and outward, the leg and groin pain could be reproduced or intensified.

It was then apparent that any treatment he was given should be directed to the hip joint and not the low back. 

Once this gentleman’s hip was x-rayed, my suspicion of osteoarthritis (“wear and tear” arthritis) was confirmed.

I then explained to him that just because he had arthritis does not mean he should “baby” the joint.

In fact, an arthritic joint will not last longer and the arthritis will not slow down if the joint does not get used.

Because of the leg pain, he had been getting hardly any exercise. This would have made the problem even worse.

Any joint, arthritic or not, must undergo regular movement to prevent further stiffness and pain.

I started him on a light stretching, foam roller, and strengthening program for the muscles in and around the hip joint.

He also received some chiropractic treatment of the muscles and the actual joint.

This gentleman would also have benefited from losing a few pounds. For every pound extra he carried, it is three pounds more stress on his hip joint when walking.

Together, we decided that he should start a pool exercise program. This allowed him to use the muscles and move the joint without putting too much pressure on the areas that were affected by the arthritis.

Within a short period of time, his ability to walk was significantly improved and the intensity of the leg pain was much less.

If you are experiencing leg, thigh, groin, or knee pain, consider having the hip joint examined by your chiropractor.