Do you find yourself unable to participate in particular activities due to hip or knee pain? Have you been avoiding stairs or steep inclines because of discomfort in your knees? You’re not alone. Hip and knee pain are super common and affect people of all ages for different reasons.
Depending on whether your discomfort occurs while sitting or while moving, physical and occupational therapy may be wonderful options for you!
Our number one goal at Park Rehab Clinic is to get you back to your usual, pain-free routine. Request a consultation with a licensed therapist to learn how we may assist you in overcoming your pain!
Hip and knee health: it’s more important than you think!
The hips and knees are the largest joints in your body. They work together to provide optimum movement while supporting your body's weight. They have a tremendous job ahead of them. Therefore they must be able to do it successfully.
According to statistics, knee pain is the second most common source of persistent pain. A multitude of ligaments and muscles make up your knee. If you don't take care of this type of discomfort, it might cause many problems in your life.
Your hip joint comprises two parts: the femoral head and the acetabulum. The acetabulum is the socket into which the femoral head fits, and the femoral head is a round, "ball-shaped" bone. The structures that connect the femoral head to the acetabulum are known as ligaments.
Hips, like knees, are complicated structures that can cause pain at any age.
Common causes of knee pain
Several different accidents or disorders can cause knee pain. A car accident, a hard fall, or a sports-related injury might all contribute to it. Some of the most prevalent types of knee discomfort are as follows:
- Osteoarthritis
- Injuries to the anterior body
- Fractures of the kneecap
- Ligament strains and sprains caused by gout
- Excessive usage (example: too much running on rough, hard ground)
Knee pain can make it difficult to move around and affect your strength and muscle control.
Common causes of hip pain
If you have hip joint problems, you may experience pain in your groin or right inside your hip. If your pain is outside your hip, it is most likely caused by problems with your tendons, muscles, and ligaments.
If you have hip pain, it may be difficult for you to stand. Hip pain can also be caused by the following medical conditions:
- Sprains
- Hip fracture
- Sciatica
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Bursitis
- Osteoarthritis
Occupational therapy can help alleviate hip and knee pain
If any of the above conditions or symptoms apply to you, you should consult with a physical or occupational therapist. To form a custom treatment plan for your hip or knee pain, your therapist will perform an in-depth evaluation of your gait, palpation, range of motion measurements, and mobility.
This assessment will give them the information they need to create a treatment plan that is unique to their needs and geared towards a full recovery for them!
Every treatment plan is different. Your specific condition may require heat or ice therapy, therapeutic exercises, or ultrasound therapy. Research shows that joint mobilization techniques can help with long-term and short-term hip ailments. Even better, there is usually an improvement in overall mobility!
No matter what your treatment plan entails, know that our therapists are always available for questions and to show you your progress. Some of your treatments may involve at-home exercises to ensure you’re making progress outside of the clinic!
Request an appointment today
Living with chronic pain in your knees or hips can change everything for you. Being unable to perform your daily activities or your job without discomfort can affect your mood and overall morale. We understand that this is a difficult time for you, and we’re here to help you find the relief you deserve.
If you are experiencing hip or knee pain, please contact us to schedule a consultation with one of our skilled physical therapists. We can help you reduce or even eliminate your pain, allowing you to resume the lifestyle you’ve been missing.
