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Pain and swelling of the hip and knee joint are frequently signs and
symptoms of arthritis. Progressive destruction of these joints
may lead to the need for hip or knee replacement. These symptoms
may also be signs of fracture, especially in those with osteoporosis
or recent injuries.
Spinal Stenosis, ruptured discs and spondylolisthesis
all can lead to nerve compression. This may produce pain, numbness and
tingling in the hip, knee or the entire leg. Treatment by spinal surgeons
may become necessary. Recent advances with lumbar artificial discs
may be helpful to some.
Burning pain and numbness in the feet and legs may occur with different
forms of peripheral neuropathy. These conditions can be seen with
chemotherapy and diabetes. Chronic pain syndromes, including reflex
sympathetic dystrophy, may be treated with medical therapy by pain
management doctors and hematologists. Surgeons may implants dorsal
column stimulators or pain pumps to help control the problems.
Hot red joints may occur from infection, gout or pseudogout.
They are usually treated with medications, although surgical intervention
may be needed.
Swelling and pain in the calf may be a sign of deep vein thrombosis.
If not recognized, clots may break off and spread to the lungs, producing
pulmonary emboli.
Excessive sweating in the legs may be a sign of over activity
of the sympathetic nervous system. Surgical division of these fibers by
vascular and cardiac surgeons may be needed.
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