Stairs tell you a lot about your knees and hips. Going down hurts, standing up from a chair takes a push, and a short walk with the dog starts to feel long. As knee pain chiropractors at Hanson Chiropractic Center in Edmond, we find the source of your pain and look at the joints around the sore spot. Then we build a gentle plan around you.
Your hip, knee, and ankle work as one chain
When one joint in your leg stiffens, the others make up for the loss. A tight hip changes how your knee bends, and a stiff ankle shifts load onto your knee. Even your low back plays a part, since your spine connects to your hips. So the pain you feel in your knee sometimes starts somewhere else.
For this reason we examine the whole leg, plus your low back. We want to know why the joint is overloaded, not only where the pain sits.
Common reasons for knee pain
Knee pain often comes from overuse, because running, jumping, and long hours of kneeling or standing irritate the tendons around the kneecap. Pain at the front of the knee when you climb stairs or squat points toward this problem. People call this runner's knee or jumper's knee. Sprains, a twist during sports, and tight thigh and calf muscles also bring knee pain.
Common reasons for hip pain
Hip pain shows up in several places. Pain on the outside of the hip, especially when you lie on the sore side, often involves the tendons and muscles there. Pain in the groin more often involves the joint itself. Stiff hips and a stiff low back frequently go together. A pinched nerve in the low back sometimes causes pain in the hip and buttock.
Wear and tear, or an irritated tendon?
Arthritis is a common cause of knee and hip pain, especially after age 50. The joint surface wears over time, and the pain tends to build with activity and morning stiffness. Care won't undo wear on a joint. Still, many people with arthritis find gentle care for stiff joints and sore muscles helps them move with less pain. Tendon problems feel similar, so an exam matters. We explain what we find and what we recommend.
How we treat knee and hip pain
After your exam, our chiropractors match your care to what's causing your pain. Many plans combine a few of the options below.
Gentle adjustments and massage
We use low-force gentle adjustments to restore movement in the hip, knee, ankle, and low back, with no twisting and no forceful popping. Tight muscles around the hip and thigh pull on the joint, so our massage therapist works on them when massage fits your plan.
Laser and shockwave therapy
Class IV laser therapy sends light energy into sore tissue to calm inflammation and support healing. Most people feel only gentle warmth. For stubborn tendon pain, such as pain at the side of the hip, we sometimes recommend shockwave therapy. Sessions last 5 to 15 minutes, with 3 to 6 starter visits about a week apart. We review your history first to make sure shockwave fits you.
Making stairs and walking easier
Wear supportive shoes, and replace pairs once the soles wear down. Use the handrail on stairs. Then lead with your stronger leg going up. A pillow between your knees helps when you sleep on your side. Short, gentle walks often feel better than long rest. We'll show you which movements and strengthening exercises suit your joints right now.
Your first visit
We ask when the pain began, what makes the pain worse, and which injuries or surgeries you've had. Then we check how you stand, walk, and bend. We examine your hip, knee, ankle, and low back, and we take digital x-rays when they help. Before you leave, we explain what we found and what we recommend. Bring the shoes you wear most. Complete your new patient paperwork ahead of time, and see who you'll meet on our team page.
How soon will you feel better?
A recent sprain or overuse flare often eases within weeks, but long-standing joint pain takes longer. Many people notice a difference in the first few visits. We adjust the plan as your joints respond and talk through realistic expectations at your first visit.
When to get medical care first
Go to an emergency room if you are unable to put weight on your leg after an injury. Go too if a joint looks out of place. Seek care right away for sudden swelling after a pop, or for a hot, red, swollen joint with a fever. Call 911 for leg pain with chest pain or shortness of breath. Call your physician if one calf becomes swollen and painful, or if pain wakes you at night. Also call if you've had a joint replacement and notice new pain.
Questions about knee and hip pain
Does chiropractic care help knee pain?
Many people with knee pain choose chiropractic care. The care focuses on stiffness, muscle tightness, and tendon irritation around the joint. We examine your whole leg and low back, then recommend a plan with adjustments, laser therapy, shockwave, or massage as they fit.
Does my hip pain come from my back?
Sometimes. The low back and hip share nerves and muscles, which blurs the line between them, so an exam sorts out where the pain starts. We check both, and treat whichever is driving the pain.
Do chiropractors help with arthritis in the knee or hip?
Many people with arthritis come to us for help moving with less pain. Gentle care for stiff joints and tight muscles around the joint often makes daily life easier. We work alongside your physician and explain what to expect.
Should I keep exercising?
Usually yes, with changes, since low-impact choices like walking, swimming, and cycling load your joints less than running or jumping. Sharp pain or swelling means stop and call us.
How long does knee or hip pain take to improve?
Overuse flares often improve within weeks, and long-standing joint pain takes longer. After your exam, we give you a realistic timeline and check your progress at every visit.
What if my foot or low back is part of the problem?
Foot problems often travel up the leg. Read about plantar fasciitis and heel pain, or see our low back pain and sciatica page.
Talk with us about your knee or hip
Call us to schedule your consultation at Hanson Chiropractic Center. We welcome patients from Edmond, North Oklahoma City, Deer Creek, and nearby communities.
Call (405) 341-0494 Send Us a Message
1717 S Blvd Ste A, Edmond, OK 73013
Monday to Thursday: 6:30 am to 12:00 pm and 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm
Friday: 7:30 am to 10:30 am
Last reviewed October 2026 by the chiropractors at Hanson Chiropractic Center. This page gives general information and does not replace advice from your physician. Individual results vary. Read about other concerns we help with on our Conditions We Treat page.