Hip Pain That Radiates Down the Leg Could Be Sciatica
If you're experiencing pain in your hip that radiates down the leg, you might be suffering from sciatica. This condition affects the sciatic nerve, which runs from the lower back of the hip down the back, front, and sides of your leg. Often, it's accompanied by tingling and numbness. It may also be a symptom of a herniated lumbar disk. Physical therapy may help with the symptoms.
Symptoms of sciatica
Sciatica is an uncomfortable condition whereby a sciatic nerve in the back of the leg is compressed. The pain may be constant or intermittent. It typically affects one leg but can also affect both legs at once. The pain usually worsens after prolonged sitting or bending over. The pain also tends to increase when coughing or sneezing. It can even make it difficult to drive long distances.
A doctor can diagnose sciatica by performing a few tests. A spinal X-ray can reveal bone spurs that may be pressing on the nerve. An MRI can also reveal spinal cord, nerves, and soft tissue problems. A doctor can prescribe appropriate treatment based on the results of these tests.
Treatments for sciatica
Treatments for hip pain that radiates up the leg include home remedies and prescription medications. These treatments are designed to help maintain hip strength and range of motion, and the goal is to restore normal hip function. They may involve a team approach involving a health care provider, physical therapist, and chiropractic care provider.
Arthritis is a common cause of hip pain that radiates down the leg. It results from the body's immune system attacking healthy tissue, including the cartilage in the hip joint. When this occurs, the synovial membrane (the capsule surrounding the hip joint) becomes inflamed and releases substances that break down hip cartilage. The disease usually affects smaller joints first, so patients may not experience symptoms until their hip is inflamed.
Common causes of hip pain that radiates down the leg
Several different conditions can cause hip pain that radiates down the leg. One of the most common causes is bursitis, an inflammation in the hip bursa. This bursa is located on the outer side of the hip and protects the tendon from rubbing against bone. While bursitis is expected in the hip, it can also occur in other body parts.
Another common cause of hip pain that radiates down the legs is sciatica, which is caused by irritation of the sacral and lumbar spinal nerves. This pain can radiate down the leg and may even stop at the knee. It may be accompanied by numbness or tingling in the leg. People who suffer from sciatica should see their doctor for an evaluation. They should avoid standing for long periods as this can aggravate the condition. Physical therapy can help reduce pain and help patients recover from their condition.
Treatments for iliopsoas tendonitis
Several treatment options are available for iliopsoas tendinosis or hip pain radiating down the leg. These methods vary, and the best one for you will depend on your condition's cause and severity. Mild episodes usually require rest, icing, and over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications. You may also need to reduce activity that may aggravate the condition. In addition, treatment will depend on whether or not you have arthritis. In this case, medications that target arthritis will also be helpful.
Home treatment for iliopsoas tendonosis that radiates down the leg may include ice, rest, and gentle stretching exercises. A specialist may recommend physiotherapy or prescription medications to ease the pain in more severe cases.
Treatments for femoral acetabular impingement
If you're experiencing hip pain radiating down your leg, you may be experiencing femoral acetabular impingement (FAI). This condition occurs when too much friction between the acetabulum and femoral head causes pain and stiffness throughout the joint. It can also lead to labral tears. Treatments for FAI range from medication to surgery.
Surgical treatment may be necessary if the impingement is severe and has caused significant damage to the acetabular cartilage. Surgical treatments include acetabular rim trimming, osteotomy of the greater trochanter, and femoral head reattachment. Surgical procedures can also correct structural deformities in the hip joint. In surgical hip dislocation, the femoral head is moved away from the acetabular rim and fixed with screws.
