Mild knee or hip pain that many people dismiss as simple muscle soreness from overuse or aging could be an early sign of osteoarthritis. If left untreated, these symptoms may worsen over time and make movement increasingly difficult.
 

How to Tell the Difference Between Muscle Pain and Joint Pain

One of the best ways to distinguish between muscle pain and joint pain is to observe the location and nature of the discomfort:

• Muscle pain usually feels generalized, presenting as soreness or fatigue in a specific muscle or muscle group.
• Joint pain is usually localized around the joint, with a sensation of pain in the joint area, which may be accompanied by swelling and warmth.

 

Signs That Your Pain May Be Osteoarthritis of the Knee or Hip

Osteoarthritis symptoms usually develop gradually but may sometimes appear suddenly after excessive or heavy use. Common signs of knee and hip osteoarthritis include the following:

• Pain: Early stages of osteoarthritis often cause pain during activities such as walking, climbing stairs, or squatting, which improves with rest but returns when you move again. Hip osteoarthritis pain is often felt in the groin or buttocks and may radiate to the inner knee or thigh.
• Joint stiffness: Stiffness, especially in the morning or after resting, may make it difficult to move the knee or hip until you've been active for a while.
• Grinding or clicking sounds: A grinding or clicking sound is heard in the knee or hip when moving.
• Swelling: Joints may appear swollen, feel warm, or be tender to the touch due to inflammation.
• Joint instability: A feeling of weakness or that your knee or hip might give way when moving.
• Joint deformity: Advanced osteoarthritis may cause visible changes such as bow legs (varus), knock knees (valgus), or shortening of the affected leg, leading to difficulty walking and increased risk of falls.
• Difficulty bearing weight: Pain radiating to the thigh or knee, limping, or feeling like one leg is shorter than the other can make walking challenging.

 

Who is at Risk

• People age 50 and above
• People with weak muscles around the knee
• People with excess body weight
• People who sit cross-legged, squat, or kneel for prolonged periods
• People who participate in activities that stress the knee, such as standing or walking for long hours, or participate in high-impact sports like marathon running, tennis, football or basketball.

 

When to See a Doctor

If you experience persistent knee or hip pain that doesn’t improve with rest or notice other symptoms such as stiffness, swelling, joint noises, or a deformity, see a doctor promptly. Early diagnosis and treatment can help slow disease progression, reduce pain, and help you maintain a good quality of life.
 
At the Bumrungrad Advanced Arthritis & Arthroplasty Center, our team of experienced orthopedic specialists and multidisciplinary healthcare professionals provides advanced diagnosis and personalized care. With cutting-edge technology, we offer comprehensive treatment plans — from lifestyle modification and physical therapy to minimally invasive joint replacement surgery and post-operative rehabilitation — helping patients return to pain-free, active lives.