What's Causing Your Pain?

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.