Hip and Leg Pain Causes
If you're feeling pain in your hip and legs, you may have one of three common conditions. These include Arthritis, Sciatica, and Tendinitis. If unsure about your condition, you should visit a doctor for a proper diagnosis. Certain back conditions can also cause back pain.
Bruised hips
Bruised hips are painful injuries that occur in the hip joint. If the pain is severe or prevents you from moving, you should see a doctor immediately. An X-ray will confirm if you have a broken bone. However, a bruised hip usually heals on its own.
Hip pain can come from many different conditions. Some will go away independently, while others require ongoing pain and symptom management. If the pain interferes with your daily life, you should seek medical care for hip and leg pain.
Arthritis
Arthritis is a chronic disorder that affects the joints in the body. It causes leg and hip pain and reduces the range of motion. Arthritis is usually caused by damage to the cartilage. It usually starts at the hip joint and can spread to the thigh, knee, and buttocks. The pain usually worsens with movement, and rest helps to alleviate it.
There are over 100 types of arthritis, but the most common ones affect the hip. Different types of treatment are used for different conditions. Treatment for hip arthritis will depend on the type and severity of the condition. The most common type of arthritis is osteoarthritis. The wear and tear of the joints cause the cartilage to wear away, creating rough surfaces that cause pain and inflammation. If left untreated, osteoarthritis can permanently damage the structure of the joint.
Sciatica
If you have sciatica, the first step to finding a cure is to consult your orthopedic surgeon. This pain is caused by a pinched nerve in the lower back, which causes pain in the hips and legs. The pain typically is centered in the groin region but may radiate to the foot or buttocks. It often requires rest and may cause limitations in the range of motion.
Your doctor may recommend medications to help with the pain. Some of these include over-the-counter medications and heat or ice. Other treatments may include back exercises to strengthen the muscles and increase the spine's flexibility. For the first couple of days, you should limit your activity. Avoid lifting heavy objects or twisting your back. If this doesn't provide relief, your physician may prescribe physical therapy. Additional treatments will depend on the underlying cause of your sciatica.
Tendinitis
Tendinitis, or inflammation of a tendon, is a common cause of hip and leg pain. The pain may be constant, occur gradually, or be severe and require surgery. In either case, treatment usually involves rest and ice. In some cases, doctors may also recommend corticosteroid injections to reduce inflammation and pain. Physical therapy and splinting may also be prescribed. Surgery is usually only recommended for severe cases.
A physician can help patients deal with pain caused by tendonitis by performing a thorough physical exam to determine the underlying cause of their pain. The physician will also check their range of motion and stability and ask about their physical activity. Some physicians may also recommend an x-ray to rule out a bone problem. Other medical tests may include an ultrasound and MRI to see if scarring or thickening of the tendon is present.
Lower back problems
Pain in the hip and legs can be a symptom of a problem with the lower back. Doctors use different diagnostic tests to rule out severe conditions. Physical examinations and neurologic tests can help diagnose the problem and determine the appropriate treatment. While imaging tests are not necessary in most cases, they help rule out specific causes of pain, such as tumors or spinal stenosis. Blood tests can also detect infections or inflammation in the back.
Exercise may be helpful for back pain. However, it should be done carefully. You may experience discomfort while exercising, but it should go away after a few minutes. Exercise will help reduce the discomfort and help you manage back pain better. However, it is essential not to overdo exercise and seek medical attention if the pain persists. Ideally, it would help if you started with a small exercise session and gradually increased the intensity of the activity.
