Hip & Knee Pain
HIP PAIN
The hip joint is vital for movement and for weight bearing capabilities, as it is the connection between the legs and torso. The hip joint is strong and stable, and an integral part of the pelvis. Hip pain can be brought on by certain conditions such as:
- Arthritis: Caused by trauma, excessive exercise or increased weight through the hip joint.
- Trochanteric Bursitis: Where there is inflammation of the bursa over the outside of the hip joint, brought on by increased activity or by lying on a hard surface.
- Tendinopathy: An acute or chronic tendon irritability
- Snapping-Hip Syndrome: When muscles and ligaments are imbalanced.
- Hip Fractures: Due to trauma or osteoporosis
Osteopathic treatment involves a holistic approach where symptoms and history are evaluated to determine the most appropriate course of action and management to produce the best outcome.
KNEE PAIN
The knee is one of the biggest joints in the body. It takes the full weight of our body every time we take a step, and more when we use the stairs or run. Although the knee joint is large and strong, it relies on the soft tissues (ligaments and tendons) for its stability.
Common knee injuries are soft tissue related injuries eg: sporting injuries where the knee has been twisted suddenly, causing ligament or cartilage damage. Patella (knee cap) issues where pain or grinding sensation is felt at the front of the knee or pain around the knee due to soft tissue tension, causing runners knee or patella tendinopathy. Osteoarthritis is also a very common cause of knee pain.
Osteopathic treatment incorporates identifying the painful tissue and assessing the mechanical factors that may have caused the injury. Trauma can be inflicted from another area of the body such as the ankle or hip, or be related to footwear that’s affecting the gait or running style.