Finding treatment for hip arthritis pain that spreads down your leg

Due to the legs’ proximity to the hip joints, leg pain can frequently develop as a result of conditions such as arthritis. In addition to localized aches, pains and stiffness, arthritis pain that spreads down your leg can make it even harder to stay active and accomplish everyday tasks. Compounding this is the fact that the exact connection between hip arthritis and leg pain can be a challenge to pinpoint, making it difficult to treat and find relief. 

This is where a physical therapist can help. Therapists are trained to be experts in the functioning of the body, giving them a deep understanding of how hip arthritis can affect surrounding areas. If you’re looking for treatment of your hip arthritis that can help you find relief and resume normal activities, we’ve prepared the following guide. 

Working with a physical therapist to treat leg pain related to hip arthritis

Everyone is different, which is why physical therapy should be centered around individualized care that provides a thorough evaluation of your condition and symptoms. When you first meet with a therapist, here are the typical steps he or she will take to identify the causes of your symptoms: 

• Review your health history and previous treatments you’ve attempted
• Thoroughly discuss your specific symptoms and movements that may be triggering them 
• Perform a hands-on physical examination that includes posture, balance and movement tests
• Determine your treatment and recovery goals

With this information, your therapist can work with you to develop a custom treatment program designed to relieve pain, improve range of motion, and increase hip and leg stability and strength. Physical therapy treatment methods include therapeutic exercise, manual therapies such as joint and soft tissue mobilization, interventions such as electrical stimulation and patient education. By combining physical therapy sessions with healthy lifestyle choices, patients with hip arthritis and related leg pain can see surprising results, including better mobility and less pain. 

Experience the difference at SSOR

At Specialists in Sports and Orthopedic Rehabilitation, our talented team of licensed therapists is passionate about helping people find relief and improve their quality of life. If hip arthritis is keeping you away from the people and activities you love, we can help you with one-on-one care that is right-sized for your needs and lifestyle. To learn more, contact us today. We’ll be happy to help you schedule your initial appointment.