Leg and Hip Pain
Understanding the Cause – Treating the Chain
Leg and hip pain can stem from a variety of underlying issues. In many cases, these complaints are linked to dysfunction in the lower back, pelvis, hips, knees, or ankles — and often involve a combination of these regions.
When someone experiences knee pain, for example, the body tends to compensate by shifting movement patterns to avoid discomfort. This compensation can lead to altered biomechanics, placing excess stress on the hips or lower back. Conversely, hip or knee problems may actually originate from the lumbar spine or pelvis.
Referred Pain and Nerve Irritation
Lower back issues, such as joint dysfunction or nerve compression, can cause radiating pain into the leg. This may present as:
Dull, nagging leg pain
Stiffness or limited mobility
Muscle fatigue or weakness
Tingling, numbness, or pins and needles
A “dead leg” sensation
Symptoms similar to intermittent claudication (vascular leg pain)
At Chiropractie Aalst-Waalre, we assess the full movement chain to identify the root cause of your symptoms. Our treatment focuses on restoring function and coordination across the lower body, reducing compensatory strain and helping you move freely again.
Examination
Through an initial consultation, all symptoms will be mapped out before proceeding with a physical examination. The causes of leg and hip complaints can be very diverse, which is why it’s important to conduct a thorough orthopedic, neurological, and chiropractic assessment to tailor the treatment accordingly.
During the examination, we assess what we refer to as the entire ‘movement chain’ — meaning that if a patient presents with lower back pain, we will also examine the movement of the hips, knees, and ankles. You could compare this to a machine: if multiple parts are rusty, replacing or oiling just one part won’t solve the problem. We need to examine the entire system — in this case, the whole body. This approach is also known as a holistic perspective.
Treatment
Based on the examination, we will determine what the treatment plan will look like for your specific complaints. In some cases, it may first be necessary to perform corrections or manipulations of the back, hips, knees and/or ankles to improve mobility.
After that, we will often provide exercises and tips to strengthen the affected area, aiming to reduce or prevent future complaints. A preventive approach is an essential part of the treatment plan. Getting rid of pain is one thing — making sure it doesn’t return is another.