Experiencing Hip and Knee Pain? Occupational Therapy Can Help
Do you find yourself sitting out of certain activities because of your hip or knee pain? Physical and occupational therapy may be excellent options for you, depending on whether your pain is felt while sitting or while moving.
At Ozark PT Specialists, our number one goal is to help you get back to your normal, pain-free routine. Request an appointment for a consultation with a licensed therapist, and learn how we can help relieve your pain.
What do you know about your hips and knees?
The hips and knees are your body’s largest joints. They collaborate closely to allow for maximum mobility and to support your body’s weight. Needless to say, they have a big job to do, so it’s critical that they do it well.
Did you know that knee pain is the second most common cause of chronic pain? Your knee is made up of a number of ligaments and muscles. Failure to address this type of pain can lead to major problems in your life.
The femoral head and acetabulum are the two parts of your hip joint. The femoral head is a round, “ball-shaped” bone, and the acetabulum is the socket into which the femoral head fits. Ligaments are the structures that connect the femoral head to the acetabulum.
Hips, like knees, are complex, and both types of pain can occur at any age.
Common causes of knee pain
Knee pain can be a direct result of a variety of injuries or diseases. It can also be caused by a car accident, a bad fall, or a sports-related injury. The following are some of the most common types of knee pain:
- Osteoarthritis
- Anterior injuries
- Fractures around the knee
- Gout
- Ligament strains and sprains
- Overuse (example: too much running on rough, hard ground)
Knee pain can impair your overall mobility, as well as 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 on the outside of 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. The following medical conditions can also cause hip pain:
- Sprains
- Hip fracture
- Sciatica
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Bursitis
- Osteoarthritis
Alleviate Your Knee and Hip Pain With Occupational Therapy
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 physical therapist will perform an in-depth evaluation of your gait, palpation, range of motion measurements, and mobility.
Every treatment plan is different. Your specific condition may require heat or ice therapy, therapeutic exercises, or ultrasound therapy. According to research, joint mobilization techniques can help with both long-term and short-term hip ailments. Even better, there is usually an improvement in overall mobility!
If you are experiencing hip or knee pain, don’t hesitate to contact Ozark PT Specialists to schedule a consultation with one of our skilled therapists. We can help you reduce or even eliminate your pain, allowing you to resume the lifestyle you’ve been missing.