Hip and Knee Pain – The Effect Of Arthritis

By Andrew Siyabalawatte, Posted April 2021.

At least half a million people in the UK grapple with the challenges of hip and knee pain, impacting over 10 million individuals, including children and young people. The reassuring news is that effective management approaches exist for arthritis, a prevalent cause of hip and knee discomfort.

This post explores the common symptoms of swelling, pain, stiffness, and reduced joint range of motion, shedding light on how targeted therapies like massage and specific exercises can provide relief from the burdens of hip and knee pain.

What is Arthritis?

Arthritis is very common but is not well understood. Actually, “arthritis” is not a single disease; it is an informal way of referring to joint pain or joint disease. There are more than 100 types of arthritis and related conditions – Arthritis Foundation

Common symptoms include-

• swelling
• pain
• stiffness
• reduced joint range of motion

Massage for Arthritis

Managing hip and knee pain involves maintaining a controlled diet and engaging in the right amount of exercise. Opt for low-impact activities that are gentler on the joints, such as swimming, walking, and cycling. These approaches prove effective in promoting joint health and alleviating discomfort.

Massage therapy emerges as a valuable ally in the battle against hip and knee pain associated with arthritis. By improving circulation and reducing inflammation, massage helps enhance blood flow to arthritic joints, promoting improved movement and diminished pain.

Our experienced massage therapists specialize in catering to clients with osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. They apply personalized techniques to reduce pain and joint stiffness effectively.

Whether you’re grappling with hip pain, knee discomfort, or both, our therapists tailor their approach to address your specific needs.

Hip Pain Exercises – By An NHS Physio

Here are a couple of strengthening exercises for those that have arthritis in the hips and knees, or for those who just want to improve general strength and alleviate hip and knee pain.

To advance further, incorporate the use of a resistance band to increase the load through the joints and further improve strength and stability in these areas.

Knee Pain Due To Tight Hip Flexors

Those that run a lot or those that sit for long periods of time are more at risk of experiencing knee pain due to tight hip flexors.

Whether at a computer, driving, eating, playing video games and/or watching TV, prolonged sitting places the hip sockets in a constantly flexed position.

Poor posture affects the biomechanics of the pelvis which alongside tight hips, contribute significantly to lower hip and knee pain.

Inflexible hips will affect the knees ability to transmit load through to the foot, which can cause poor biomechanics of the knee and thus contribute significantly to knee problems in the short or long term.

Hip Mobility Test

The deep squat is used to assess bilateral, symmetrical, functional mobility of the hips, knees, and ankles—essential for understanding and addressing hip and knee pain. The deep squat is used to assess bilateral, symmetrical, functional mobility of the hips, knees, and ankles

In conclusion, managing and alleviating hip and knee pain associated with arthritis requires a multifaceted approach, from targeted exercises to therapeutic interventions like massage.

For those that are not sure whether treatment can benefit your type of arthritis, it may be worthwhile consulting with your GP beforehand.

We also offer various services like Osteopathy or Laser therapy, which are a proven techniques to gently improve hip and knee pain and alleviate symptoms of arthritis. Alternatively, drop us a line and we will be happy to advise accordingly.