Hip & Knee
Conditions We Treat
Start with the area that hurts. Explore common symptoms, understand your care options, and take the next step toward an evaluation.
Where are you feeling pain?
Choose hip or knee to see relevant symptoms and conditions below.
Hip conditions
Explore causes of groin, buttock, and thigh pain, including catching, clicking, instability, and referred pain.
- Hip osteoarthritis
- Hip impingement (FAI)
- Labral tears
Knee conditions
Explore causes of knee pain, swelling, stiffness, instability, buckling, catching, locking, and difficulty bearing weight.
- Knee osteoarthritis
- Meniscus tears
- Patellofemoral pain
Understand what may be causing it.
Explore symptoms that sound familiar. These overviews can help you prepare for a conversation with your care team; an evaluation is needed to determine the cause.
Hip & Groin Conditions
Femoroacetabular Impingement (FAI)
FAI occurs when the ball and socket of the hip joint do not fit together properly, causing abnormal friction and pressure with movement. Over time this damages the cartilage and labrum, leading to pain and progressive dysfunction. Dr. Stewart has published peer-reviewed research on FAI in collaboration with UW-Eau Claire and has been treating it arthroscopically since 2000.
Labral Tear
The labrum is a ring of cartilage lining the hip socket that keeps the ball firmly in place. Tears cause deep hip and groin pain, a catching or locking sensation, and instability. Commonly caused by FAI, trauma, or repetitive motion.
Osteoarthritis of the Hip
The most common form of hip arthritis. Cartilage wears away over time, leaving bones to rub together. Pain develops gradually, worsens with weight-bearing activity, and is typically felt in the groin, thigh, and buttock.
Avascular Necrosis of the Hip
Occurs when blood supply to the femoral head is disrupted, causing bone tissue to die. If left untreated, the joint surface collapses. Can result from steroid use, excessive alcohol, trauma, or occur without a clear cause.
Abductor Tendonitis & Tears
The hip abductor tendons stabilize the pelvis during walking. Inflammation or tearing causes significant lateral hip pain and a Trendelenburg gait, an abnormal walking pattern where the pelvis drops on the unsupported side when lifting one leg to step. Often misdiagnosed, this condition is treated surgically when conservative care fails.
Ischial Tendonitis
Inflammation of the tendons attached to the ischial tuberosity at the base of the pelvis. Common in athletes and active patients, causing deep buttock pain that worsens with sitting, running, or bending forward.
Hip Fractures
A break in the upper portion of the femur near the hip joint. Most commonly caused by falls in older adults or high-energy trauma in younger patients. Requires urgent evaluation and often surgical treatment to restore function.
Transient Osteoporosis of the Hip
A rare, self-limiting condition characterized by sudden onset hip pain and temporary bone loss in the femoral head. Most common in middle-aged men and women in late pregnancy. MRI is essential for diagnosis.
Failed Hip Replacement
Hip replacements can fail due to loosening of components, wear, dislocation, or fracture around the implant. Revision surgery is complex but often necessary to relieve pain and restore mobility.
Infected Hip Replacement
Periprosthetic joint infection is a serious complication of hip replacement surgery. Symptoms include increasing pain, warmth, swelling, and fever. Requires prompt diagnosis and typically staged surgical treatment with antibiotics.
Knee Conditions
Osteoarthritis of the Knee
The leading reason for knee replacement surgery. Protective cartilage wears away and bones begin to rub against each other. Pain worsens progressively with activity, climbing stairs, and prolonged standing. Dr. Stewart uses Mako robotic-arm technology for partial and total knee replacements.
Meniscus Tear
The meniscus is a C-shaped cushion between the thigh and shin bones. Tears cause pain, swelling, catching, and locking. Can result from a sudden twist or gradual wear in older patients.
ACL Tear
A tear of the anterior cruciate ligament, one of the four main knee ligaments. Often caused by sudden stopping, pivoting, or direct contact. Causes immediate pain, swelling, and a feeling that the knee gives way.
Patellofemoral Tendonitis
Inflammation of the tendon connecting the kneecap to the shinbone, known as jumper's knee. Causes pain below the kneecap that worsens with running, jumping, and kneeling. Common in active and athletic patients.
MCL Strain
The medial collateral ligament runs along the inside of the knee. Sprains or tears are often caused by a blow to the outside of the knee. Causes inner knee pain, swelling, and a sense of instability.
Tibial Plateau Fracture
A fracture of the top surface of the shinbone, which forms the lower half of the knee joint. Often caused by high-energy trauma such as a car accident or fall. Causes significant pain, swelling, and inability to bear weight.
Patellar Dislocation
The kneecap slips out of its groove, usually to the outside of the knee. Causes sudden pain, swelling, and a visible deformity. Common in young active patients and may recur without treatment.
Quadriceps Tendon Tear
A tear of the tendon connecting the quadriceps muscle to the kneecap. A complete tear causes immediate inability to straighten the knee. More common in patients over 40 and often requires surgical repair for full recovery.
Failed Knee Replacement
Knee replacements can fail due to wear, loosening, instability, or stiffness. Revision surgery is more complex than the original but can restore function and relieve pain when the primary implant is no longer performing.
Infected Knee Replacement
Infection around a knee implant is a serious complication requiring urgent attention. Signs include increasing pain, warmth, swelling, drainage, and fever. Treatment typically involves surgery combined with targeted antibiotic therapy.
Understand your treatment options.
Your next step starts with an evaluation. Treatment depends on the cause of your symptoms, your goals, and what you have already tried.
Know what comes next.
An evaluation gives you time to discuss your concerns and understand the next steps in your care.
Tell your story.
Share where it hurts, when symptoms started, and how they affect your everyday activities.
Understand the problem.
Your clinician evaluates your joint and discusses whether imaging or other testing is needed.
Review your options.
Talk through appropriate treatments, ask questions, and agree on a next step.
Common questions
Do I need to know my diagnosis before booking?
No. You can start by describing where it hurts and how your symptoms affect daily life. The evaluation is an opportunity to understand the cause and discuss next steps.
Does an evaluation mean I need surgery?
No. Your visit is a chance to discuss your symptoms and appropriate care options, including care without surgery.
What information should I have ready?
Bring a list of your medications, notes about your symptoms, and information about treatments or imaging you have already had. Ask the office whether it needs records sent before your visit.
How do I check referrals and insurance?
Contact your insurance plan about coverage and referral requirements, and call the office at (715) 832-1400 to confirm appointment requirements.
Surgical specialties
Explore hip and knee procedures that may be discussed when surgery is appropriate.
Knee Arthroscopy
A minimally invasive knee procedure used to evaluate and treat select meniscus, cartilage, and joint problems through small incisions.
Learn MoreMako Robotic Total Knee Replacement
State of the art robotic-arm assisted surgery for partial and total knee replacement, delivering sub-millimeter precision and a faster recovery.
Learn MoreTotal Hip Arthroplasty
Total hip arthroplasty is one of Dr. Stewart's core strengths in orthopedic surgery, helping patients move more comfortably and recover confidence.
Learn MoreHip Arthroscopy
A minimally invasive hip procedure used to evaluate and treat select labral, cartilage, and joint problems through small incisions.
Learn MoreTake the next step toward relief.
Schedule an evaluation with Dr. Stewart and his orthopedic team to better understand your diagnosis and next steps.
