Physical Therapy for Hip and Leg Pain In omaha, nebraska

Hip and leg pain can be extremely debilitating, making it difficult to walk or even stand. Many people in Omaha turn to pain medication to help ease the discomfort, but this only treats the symptoms and doesn't address the underlying problem. Physical therapy is an excellent option for treating hip and leg pain because it addresses the root cause of the issue. 

A wide variety of causes can lead to hip pain. The location of the pain in your hip can help pinpoint the underlying cause.  

Pain on the Inside / Front of the Hip / Groin Area 

Pain on the inside, front of your hip, or groin area is usually caused by problems within the hip joint itself, such as arthritis.  

Hip Impingement

 Hip impingement, also known as femoroacetabular impingement (FAI), may cause hip stiffness and pain in younger people.  

Hip impingement is when the ball of the hip joint pushes up against the cup of the hip joint, resulting in damage to the cartilage surrounding the cup of the hip joint. Over time, this condition can lead to arthritis. However, the exact cause of hip impingement is unknown.  

Pain on the Outer Hip / Upper Thigh / Outer Buttocks 

Problems with muscles, ligaments, tendons, and other soft tissue surrounding the hip joint usually manifest as pain on the outer hip, upper thigh, or outer buttocks.  

Hip Bursitis 

Hip bursitis is one common condition that causes pain on the outer hip. The bursa is a small, fluid-filled sac that cushions areas where bone would otherwise rub against soft tissue like muscle, tendons, or skin. Bursae decrease friction, rubbing, and inflammation. They can be found throughout your body. When the bursa around the joints is inflamed and swollen, the condition is known as bursitis.  

Bursitis typically occurs in older people or those who participate in activities involving repetitive movements, such as manual labor (like carpentry) or sports (like when a pitcher throws a baseball over and over or a tennis player practices their swing).  

Occasionally, bursitis is caused by a sudden injury or infection.  

Symptoms of bursitis include:  

• Swelling 
• Limited range of motion 
• Pain, especially when moving 
• Redness, warmth, fever, and chills if you have an infection  

Other Possible Causes of Outer Hip Pain

Muscle Overuse

When walking or running, weak hip and gluteal muscles can tighten and irritate the iliotibial or IT band, a band of connective tissue located on the outer thigh, extending from the knee to the hip.  

Tendonitis 

Tendons connecting the gluteal muscles to the hip bone can become inflamed due to muscle imbalance resulting from a lack of activity.  

Tight Hip and Gluteal Muscles 

When hip muscles, gluteal muscles, and IT band are too tight, they pull at the thigh bone where they attach, causing pain on the side. 

Because the hip joints, lower back, and legs are connected, pain or inflammation in the hips can spread to the lower back and legs. Pain originating in one area that extends around it is known as referred pain.  

Sciatica 

Nerve pain from the back of the hips can travel down to the legs. The sciatic nerves travel from the lower back, through the hips and buttocks, and down each leg. When the sciatic nerves are pinched, usually by a herniated disk or an overgrowth of bone on the vertebrae, the nerves are irritated, resulting in sciatica.  

Other types of injury that result in hip and leg pain are:  

• Bone fractures 
• Nerve damage 
• Muscle injury or inflammation 
• Joint problems  

If you experience any of these conditions, talk to your healthcare provider since they are in the best position to make an accurate diagnosis. Depending on the situation, they may recommend physical therapy. 

Physical therapy can be a very effective non-surgical means of treatment, depending on the extent of your pain and medical history. Physical therapy can improve your quality of life and possibly prevent surgical intervention in some cases.  

If you are scheduled for hip or leg surgery for your pain, physical therapy can still be an essential part of recovery both before and after surgery.  

Physical Therapy Before Hip Surgery 

Your physician may send you to physical therapy before surgery for various reasons. Pre-surgical physical therapy serves many purposes, including strength development, education, and the development of a home exercise routine.  

Research shows many patients who participate in pre-surgical sessions with a physical therapist have faster recovery times and require less intensive therapy afterward.  

Physical Therapy After Hip Surgery 

After hip surgery, you may be referred to a physical therapist for a short period to help you rehabilitate from surgery. The goal of post-surgery physical therapy is to help with regaining mobility, improving strength, and getting back to your previous level of daily activity. 

 When you see a physical therapist about your hip and leg pain, they will conduct an initial evaluation that may include but is not limited to:  

• A gait assessment to see small changes in the hip while walking 
• Range of motion measurements to see how far your hip is bending, straightening, or rotating 
• Strength measurements to determine if muscular weakness or imbalance is causing your hip and leg pain.  

Physical therapy treatments for hip pain may include the following:  

• Stretching and strengthening exercises 
• Balance training 
• Gait training 
• Joint mobilization/stabilization 
• Heat, ice, ultrasound, or electrical stimulation  

Your physical therapist can also advise you on using orthotics and assistive devices. They will also work with you to create a home exercise program to help you maintain your quality of life beyond your sessions.  

Hip and leg pain can make everyday activities difficult. Consult with your physician to determine if physical therapy might be an option for treatment. Physical therapy is an effective treatment for hip and leg pain and can even eliminate the need for surgical intervention in some cases.   

If you live in Omaha or surrounding areas, Nebraska Accident and Injury Clinic offers free consultations designed to help you understand your treatment options and how we can work with you in your recovery. If you want to get started on the path to managing your pain, please reach out to us today.