Common signs
- Deep pain that gets worse when standing, walking or climbing stairs
- Stiffness on waking that passes fairly quickly
- Rubbing or cracking when the joint moves
- Swollen joint
- Joint that moves less than before
When to see a doctor
- Red, hot and swollen joint
- Fever as well as the pain
- Swollen knee while you are taking an anticoagulant or have a blood clotting disorder
- Unable to put your foot on the ground or to walk
What physiotherapy does
Rehabilitation follows a programme made for you: type of exercises, how often and how hard. The physiotherapist guides you at first, then you carry on alone at home. The aim is to keep the joint mobile and the muscles around it strong, with stretching, strengthening and posture work, sometimes combined with heat.
Techniques used at the practice
Muscle strengthening, maintaining range of movement and adapted physical activity. Joint mobilisations, manual therapy, heat therapy or cold therapy depending on the symptoms. Pain-relieving electrotherapy and ultrasound for certain indications, as a complement to active work.
How the sessions go
Assessment of limitations and priority activities. A progressive programme using the rehabilitation gym to build strength, endurance and independence. Pain-relieving techniques can make it easier to take part in the exercises.
My pain diaryFill it in every day, show it at your sessionAdvice
Do the exercises regularly and adapt their intensity to what you can tolerate. Avoid prolonged rest and favour activity you can keep up over time.
Sources
- Arthrose (new tab)Manuels MSD pour le grand public, accessed October 26, 2026
- Douleurs du genou : que faire et quand consulter ? (new tab)Assurance Maladie (ameli.fr), accessed October 26, 2026
- Traitement de l'arthrose de la hanche (new tab)Assurance Maladie (ameli.fr), accessed October 26, 2026
Page reviewed on October 30, 2026
This page is for information and does not replace a consultation. Only a doctor can make a diagnosis.