Extremity Pain (shoulders, elbows, wrists/hands, hips, knees and ankles)

 

Extremity pain affects the joints and muscles of the shoulders, elbows, wrists, hips, knees and ankles which can be caused by injury, repetitive strain, poor movement patterns or degenerative changes (Souza, 2016).

 

How Extremity Pain Can Typically Present

1. Shoulder Pain – Rotator cuff strain or impingement leading to pain, restricted movement or clicking/popping sounds.

2. Elbow Pain (e.g. Tennis/Golfer’s Elbow) – Pain on the inner or outer elbow, often worse with gripping or repetitive use.

3. Wrist & Hand Pain – Discomfort from repetitive strain, tendonitis or tension (e.g., from typing).

4. Hip Pain – Groin, buttock or outer hip pain from joint stiffness, muscle strain or conditions like tendinopathy or bursitis.

5. Knee Pain – Pain around or behind the knee from conditions like patellofemoral syndrome, ITB syndrome or arthritis.

6. Ankle & Foot Pain – Often from sprains, instability, or plantar fasciitis, affecting walking or running.

 

Common Causes

• Overuse or repetitive motions (sports, manual work, typing)

• Sprains, strains or direct injuries

• Poor posture or biomechanics

• Weak or imbalanced muscles

• Arthritis or joint degeneration

• Incomplete rehab after injury
  (Souza, 2016; Brantingham et al., 2011)

 

How Chiropractic Can Help

Chiropractic care aims to address the root cause, whether it’s in the joints, muscles or movement patterns. Evidence supports manual therapy and targeted rehab for reducing pain and improving function in extremity conditions.

• Manual Therapy & Joint Mobilisation – Improve joint motion, ease stiffness and relieve pain (Brantingham et al., 2011).

• Soft Tissue Therapy – Reduce muscle tension and improve flexibility (Souza, 2016).

• Exercise Rehabilitation – Strengthen, stabilise and restore mobility to help prevent recurrence (Page et al., 2010).

• Biomechanical & Ergonomic Advice – Optimise movement and posture at work, sport and home.

• Co-Management & Referral – Work alongside Physiotherapists, Podiatrists or other health professionals for comprehensive care.