Chronic Lower Body Pain Symptoms and Diagnosis
Each person suffers pain in his or her own unique way. At UPMC Orthopaedic Care, we'll work with you to diagnose the cause and create a treatment plan for your chronic lower body pain.
Common areas of the lower body that are prone to injury include the:
- Lower back
- Hips
- Knees
- Feet and ankles
Lower back pain symptoms and diagnosis
Back pain — especially in the lower back — is one of the most common ailments for people of all ages.
Causes of back pain are as wide in variety as those who suffer from the condition.
Common causes include:
- Sports injuries
- Poor posture
- Arthritis
- Sleep issues
- Poor lifting techniques
To pinpoint the cause of your lower back pain, your doctor may perform a series of imaging tests such as:
- X-rays
- MRI scans
- Bone scans
- CT scans
Hip pain symptoms and diagnosis
While there can be multiple causes attributed to hip pain, one the most common conditions is trochanteric bursitis.
Our hips have two major bursae. These fluid-filled sacs create a smooth, gliding surface, reducing friction when we move our hips.
When either of these sacs becomes inflamed, we experience the pain associated with trochanteric bursitis.
Knee pain symptoms and diagnosis
When discussing knee pain, one of the most common issues revolves around the kneecap area — also known as the patella.
Often caused by high-impact activities or improper alignment, those suffering from patellofemoral pain syndrome most often feel a dull ache underneath the kneecap when:
- Walking down the stairs
- Getting up after an extended period of rest
- Bending the knee
To diagnose the cause of your knee pain, your doctor will:
- Ask you about your symptoms
- Perform an exam by feeling the area of the kneecap
- Order imaging tests, if necessary
Foot and ankle pain symptoms and diagnosis
Foot pain can be due to a problem in any part of the foot, such as the:
- Bones
- Ligaments
- Tendons
- Muscles
- Fascia
- Toenail beds
- Nerves
- Blood vessels
Common symptoms associated with foot ailments include:
- Discomfort upon standing or walking
- A constant feeling that you are standing on a rock or pebble
- Numbness in the foot
- Radiating pain that feels like electrical impulses
Ankle pain may result from:
Common symptoms of an ankle injury include:
- Swelling
- Numbness or tingling
- Burning sensation
- Inability to put weight on the affected ankle
- Stiffness
Learn more about chronic lower body joint pain symptoms and diagnosis
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