Is it difficult for you to engage in your regular activities due to hip or knee pain? Whether your hip or knee pain occurs when you’re moving or sitting, physical therapy can help get you back to your regular routine. Be sure to call Solutions Physical Therapy for a consult to find out how we can help alleviate your pain. No one should have to live in pain.
What is Hip and Knee Pain?
The hips and knees are the body’s largest joints. They work in close coordination with each for mobility and support the body’s weight. The hips and knees have a demanding task.
The knee is made of several ligaments and muscles and is a complicated joint. Knee pain can wreak havoc on your quality of life. As a matter of fact, knee pain is the second most common cause of chronic pain. The hip joint consists of two main parts: the femoral head and the acetabulum. The femoral head of a ball-shaped piece of bone and the acetabulum is the socket into which the femoral head fits. Ligaments connect the ball to the socket. Like the knee, the hip is a complex structure. Hip pain can also affect younger people.
Causes and Symptoms of Hip and Knee Pain
Knee pain can be caused by a wide variety of injuries and diseases. It can be the result of auto accidents, recreational activities, sports or a slip and fall. The most common causes of knee pain include:
- Osteoarthritis
- Anterior injuries
- Ligament strains and sprains
- Overuse
- Gout
- Fractures around the knee
In addition to causing pain, knee pain can affect mobility, reduce strength and affect muscle control. Problems with the hip joint can result in pain in the groin or inside the hip. When the pain is on the outside of the hip, it’s typically due to issues with tendons, muscles, and ligaments that surround the hip joint. Hip pain can also be due to:
- Osteoarthritis
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Hip fracture
- Sciatica
- Sprains
- Bursitis
With hip pain, you may experience intense pain or the inability to stand.
How Physical Therapy Helps Hip Pain and Knee Pain
A physical therapist will do a gait evaluation, palpitation, range of motion measurements, function mobility tests to determine a treatment plan for your hip pain or knee pain.
Different modalities may be incorporated into your treatment plans, such as heat and ice therapy, ultrasound and specific exercises. Research has shown that joint mobilization techniques used by a physical therapist can help with long and short-term pain involving the hip. There is typically an improvement in mobility also.
If you’re experiencing hip or knee pain, be sure to call and schedule a one-on-one consultation with one of our physical therapists at our Alexandria, VA location. We can help eliminate your pain, so you can return to your normal activities. We’ve helped many others suffering from hip and knee pain, and can help you, too. We’ll help you live a pain-free life.
