Lower Limb Pain

At Nexus Pain Management we are experts in diagnosing and treating all facets of pain from the top of your head to the tips of your toes. We offer treatment solutions for any cause of pain from mechanical issues (such as joint, tendon, ligament damage, hypermobility), neuropathic pains (pain resulting from nerve damage or over-activation), pre- and post-surgical pain, acute to chronic pains and anything in between.

Lower limb pain can significantly impact mobility, daily activities, and overall quality of life. Whether the discomfort originates from the hips, knees, or ankle/foot, identifying the underlying cause is essential for effective treatment. Below, we outline the most common conditions associated with each region.

Hip Pain

Hip pain can arise from various sources, including joint issues, nerve compression, and soft tissue injuries. Common causes include:

Joint & Bone Conditions

• Osteoarthritis – Degeneration of joint cartilage, leading to stiffness and pain.

• Femoroacetabular Impingement (FAI) – Extra bone growth causing joint irritation.

• Hip Labral Tears – Damage to the labrum, leading to instability and discomfort.

• Hip Dysplasia – Structural abnormalities causing improper joint alignment.

Muscle & Tendon Injuries

• Gluteal Tendinopathy and Trochanteric Pain Syndrome (often called bursitis) – Pain around the outside of the hip related to chronic strain and overuse of the hip abductor muscles

• Hip Flexor Strain – Overuse or trauma to the hip flexor muscles.

• Hamstring Tendinopathy – Irritation where hamstrings attach to the pelvis.

• Snapping Hip Syndrome – Tendons rubbing over hip structures, causing clicking sounds.

Nerve & Referred Pain

• Sciatica – Compression of the sciatic nerve causing radiating leg pain.

• Meralgia Paresthetica – Compression of the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve, leading to thigh burning or tingling in the outside of the thigh.

• Referred Pain from the Spine – Lumbar spine conditions mimicking hip pain.

Knee Pain

The knee is a complex joint vulnerable to injury, wear and tear, and inflammatory conditions. Common causes of knee pain include:

Joint & Bone Conditions

• Osteoarthritis – Cartilage breakdown leading to pain and stiffness.

• Rheumatoid Arthritis – Autoimmune inflammation affecting the knee joint.

• Gout or Pseudogout – Crystal buildup causing sudden severe pain.

• Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome – Misalignment or irritation of the kneecap.

Ligament & Cartilage Injuries

• ACL, MCL, PCL, LCL Tears – Ligament injuries affecting knee stability.

• Meniscus Tears – Cartilage damage causing locking or catching in the knee.

• Patellar Tendinitis (Jumper’s Knee) – Inflammation of the patellar tendon.

Muscle & Overuse Injuries

• Iliotibial Band Syndrome (ITBS) – IT band irritation from repetitive movement.

• Quadriceps or Hamstring Strains – Muscle injuries from sudden movements.

• Osgood-Schlatter Disease – Growth-related pain at the shinbone in adolescents.

• Pes anserine bursitis – Pain and inflammation the inside of the knee related to chronic overload of the muscles

Ankle & Foot Pain

The ankle and foot endure constant pressure of the entire body weight. This makes them prone to injuries and chronic conditions. Common conditions include

Joint & Bone Conditions

• Ankle Osteoarthritis – Joint wear leading to pain and stiffness.

• Heel Spurs – Bony growths under the heel leading to discomfort.

• Bunions & Hammertoes – Toe deformities causing pain and pressure.

Ligament & Tendon Injuries

• Plantar Fasciitis – Inflammation of the plantar fascia causing heel pain.

• Ankle Sprains – Ligament overstretching or tearing.

• Achilles Tendinopathy – Inflammation of the Achilles tendon.

• Peroneal Tendinitis – Outer ankle tendon irritation.

Nerve & Circulation Issues

• Morton’s Neuroma – Nerve irritation between the toes leading to sharp pain.

• Peripheral Neuropathy – A complex condition causing nerve pain from the tips of the toes moving up to in a “stocking distribution” up the leg.

• Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome/Soleus Sling Syndrome – Compression of the tibial nerve causing pain tingling or numbness in the sole of the foot.