Lower Body Orthopedic Conditions

For injuries and conditions that affect bones, joints and muscles (the musculoskeletal system), come to Trinity Health Of New England. Orthopedic surgeons and other providers offer surgical and nonsurgical treatments to help you recover and prevent future injuries.

We have expertise in diagnosing and treating lower body issues such as:

Hip and Thigh Injuries and Conditions

• Hip impingement: An abnormality in the ball or socket of the hip joint can cause the two bones to pinch or grind together. If left untreated, hip impingement can cause damage to hip cartilage, leading to pain and osteoarthritis.
• Iliotibial (IT) band syndrome: The IT band is a tendon (strong cord of tissue that connects bones to muscles). Running along the outside of the thigh, the IT band connects the pelvic bone to the knee. With repetitive knee bending and extending, the IT band rubs against the thighbone and can become inflamed and swollen.
• Piriformis syndrome: The piriformis muscle is located in the buttocks. Overusing the muscle can cause it to spasm and press on the nearby sciatic nerve. This large nerve begins in the spine and runs down the buttock and leg. Pressure on the sciatic nerve can cause pain and numbness in the leg and foot.
• Snapping hip syndrome: This condition causes a snapping or popping sensation when you extend your leg, such as when you stretch, run or stand up. The snapping you experience happens because a muscle or tendon catches as it moves over the hip bones. The condition usually doesn’t cause pain but can lead to bursitis.

Knee and Lower Leg Injuries and Conditions

• ACL injury: Ligaments are connective tissue that attach bones together. The anterior cruciate ligament is one of several that support the knee and connect upper and lower leg bones. ACL injuries are sprains or tears in the ligament that can result from an impact, a change in direction or a sudden stop.
• Meniscus tear: The meniscus is cartilage that provides a cushion between bones in the knee. Meniscus tears can happen because of an impact or forceful twist of the knee.
• Runner’s knee: This condition, also called chondromalacia patellae, occurs when cartilage under the kneecap becomes worn or damaged. Runner’s knee can result from direct impact, overuse, weak thigh muscles or misaligned kneecaps due to congenital factors.

Foot and Ankle Injuries and Conditions

• Achilles tendon injuries: The Achilles tendon connects the calf muscle to the heel bone. Although it can withstand heavy stress, overuse of the Achilles tendon can cause tendonitis or tears.
• Plantar fasciitis: The ligament that supports the foot’s arch is called the plantar fascia. Repeated stress or stretching may result in tears that cause inflammation and pain. If plantar fasciitis is not treated, it may eventually cause a heel spur. This calcium deposit forms where the ligament connects to the heel bone.
• Turf toe: A sprain in the main joint of the big toe is called turf toe. When artificial turf became more widely used on playing fields, more players began experiencing this condition. The sprain results from repeated running and jumping that causes the big toe to hyperextend.

Other Orthopedic Injuries and Conditions

Find out about upper body and other orthopedic conditions we treat at Trinity Health Of New England.

Services vary at Orthopedic Care locations.