Your knee is a very complex joint comprising cartilage, tendons, ligaments, blood vessels and it is here that three bones come together – namely the fibula and tibia (lower leg), and the femur (thigh). It’s the largest and most complicated joint in the body. Like the elbow, it’s a hinge, allowing the joint to bend and straighten.
Hip and Knee Pain
Do you hear (or feel) that crack, snap and popping noise when you stand, walk or climb stairs? Have you experienced increased stiffness in your joints? When the weather changes, do you feel it in your hips and knees? Do you have pain, and have you lost flexibility and range of motion? Do your joints not move the way they used to?
Fortunately, physical therapy may be able to provide relief from these problems with your hips and knees.
Causes of Hip Pain
The hip joint is the largest joint in your body and can withstand repeated motion and substantial wear and tear. However, this joint is not indestructible. The cartilage that provides cushioning and lubrication can break down due to overuse or an accident.
Osteoarthritis is a condition that leads to inflammation and breakdown of this cartilage, causing pain in your hip, buttocks and even down to your knees.
Bursitis occurs when the liquid sacs (bursae) found between tissues such as bone, muscles and tendons get inflamed. This painful condition usually occurs as a result of repetitive activities that irritate the hip joint.
Tendinitis is the inflammation or irritation of the thick bands of tissue that attach muscles to bones (tendons) usually caused by overuse.
Causes of Knee Pain
Knee pain can keep you from getting a good night’s sleep and from functioning normally during the day. Osteoarthritis is one of the leading causes of knee pain. It starts with inflammation in the joint, which displaces the normal blood flow in the joint. The restricted blood flow causes the synovial fluid in the joint space, and the cartilage, to degrade. The bones then begin to rub together, causing discomfort and pain.
The Benefits of Physical Therapy for Hip and Knee Pain
While hip and knee replacement surgery are the most common joint replacement procedures in America, physical therapy provides improved mobility, reduction of pain, less inflammation and a better lifestyle – all without the risk of going under the knife.
The initial visit will consist of a thorough evaluation that includes gait analysis, range of motion testing, and strength measurements to confirm your diagnosis and rule out any underlying conditions. Having completed these tests, your skilled therapist will develop a customized treatment plan that will address your strength, flexibility, mobility and pain.
Periodically throughout your treatment plan, your therapist will evaluate your progress to determine your range of motion, pain levels and overall function. Upon completion of your therapy, you will be given after-care instructions that will help you stay mobile and pain-free.
Treatment with a physical therapist for pain in the hip or knee can result in a speedier recovery and help you avoid surgery. This will help reduce or eliminate the need for pain medications.
If you are suffering from hip or knee pain, please call us toll-free at (877) 342-2669 to schedule an evaluation. Progressive Physical Therapy can be your partner in leading a healthy and painless life.
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