Hip & Knee Pain

Man in park holding left knee.Med1Care Therapy Partner’s physical therapists specialize in the treatment of hip and knee pain. Hip and knee pain can indicate significant inflammation, including swelling, redness, tenderness, warmth, pain and fever.

People commonly hear a popping sound at the time of a hip or knee injury. Immediate medical attention is required for symptoms that include a deformed joint, inability to bear weight, inability to move the leg or hip, sudden swelling, intense pain or indicators of infection, such as fever.

Reasons for Hip and Knee Pain

Many issues can cause hip and knee pain. The condition may arise from problems with the joint itself or soft tissues that surround the joint, such as the ligaments, tendons or bursae.

Common causes of hip and knee pain include:

  • Arthritis (juvenile idiopathic arthritis, osteoarthritis, psoriatic arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, septic arthritis)
  • Inflammation and injury (bursitis, fracture, tear, inguinal hernia, sprain, tendinitis)
  • Pinched nerves (sciatica, sacroiliitis, meralgia paresthetica)
  • And even cancer (bone cancer, leukemia, advanced metastatic cancer)

If your hip or knee pain was caused by a forceful impact, or if minor persistent pain interferes with daily activities or sleeping, seek immediate medical attention at an urgent care or the emergency room.

How We Can Help

If you are suffering from hip or knee pain, our experienced physical therapists can help you restore your strength, improve your mobility and regain your quality of life.

Med1Care Therapy Partner’s experienced therapists are trained in treating hip and knee pain. Your treatment plan will include assistance with physical therapy exercises for knee pain and hip that support increased muscle strength around your joint, increase your flexibility and decrease your pain. We will partner with your physician to help you build a road to recovery.

Call us at 419.866.0555 to schedule a consultation.
Our specialists will help you chart a course forward.

Rest, ice, compression, elevation and NSAIDs (anti-inflammatory drugs) are frequent self-care options for hip and knee pain. Primary care physician approval is recommended.

Throughout the day, pay attention to your joints as you move, sit and stand. Do gentle daily stretches that allow your joints to experience a full range of motion. Know your limits and don’t overextend. A physical therapist can guide you in ways to correctly align your posture and treat your joints gently while you sit, stand and move (Learn more on what physical therapy is).

Progressive strength-building exercise is important. However, exercise should not involve high-impact activities or repetitive motions. Engage in exercise that builds muscles around your joint without damaging the joint.

Exercises to do:

  • Cycling
  • Water aerobics
  • Swimming
  • Walking
  • Low-impact aerobics

Exercises to avoid:

  • Running
  • Tennis
  • Jumping
  • Aerobics
  • Repetitive movements, as in repeating a tennis serve

Read more about the best exercises for sufferers of knee pain here.

Although no pain reliever is completely free of side effects, hip and knee pain can be managed relatively safely with occasional over-the-counter medications, including acetaminophen (such as Tylenol), ibuprofen (such as Advil or Motrin IB) or naproxen sodium (such as Aleve). Primary care physician approval is recommended.