Do you suffer from hip and leg pain? Have you tried all treatment methods to end your pain but nothing is helping? At MidSouth Pain Treatment Center, Memphis, we understand how frustrating it can be to have tried everything to feel better, now come to us for relief.
Hip pain and leg pain affect people of all age groups. The pain will affect everything you do and hamper your ability to perform routine tasks and fully enjoy life. Looking at the symptoms and causes of hip and leg pain will help you decide what steps you can take to get rid of your pain.
Symptoms of Hip and Leg Pain
The symptoms of hip and leg pain include pain on the inside of the hip joint, groin, or thigh. You may experience pain when running, cycling or walking. The pain may cause you to limp when you walk. Further, a limited range of motion can also accompany the pain. The pain may emanate from other parts of your body and spread to the hip region. It may deteriorate with time, particularly if arthritis is the cause.
Speak to your doctor if your pain does not ameliorate after a few days of rest. Further, seek immediate medical attention if you feel numbness in your genitals or experience difficulty in moving your legs.
Causes of Hip and Leg Pain
Hip and leg pain can originate from a number of conditions, including:
- Arthritis – Inflammation of the joints can cause pain and swelling.
- Injuries – Dislocations or fractures can lead to pain in the knee or hip.
- Bursitis – Bursitis happens when the bursae become inflamed. Bursae are fluid-filled sacs that protect the muscles and bones near your joints. Bursitis can cause hip and leg pain.
- Sciatica – Sciatica is a pain that is caused by the irritation of the sciatic nerve, the longest nerve in the body. It can develop gradually or can occur suddenly. Common symptoms of sciatica include numbness, weakness, tingling or burning sensation in the toes or down the leg, and lower back pain.
- Leukemia – Leukemia, which is the cancer of bone marrow or blood, can cause pain in the hips and limbs.
- Neuropathy – Damage to the peripheral nervous system can cause numbness in the buttocks and legs.
- Osteoporosis – A type of arthritis, osteoarthritis involves swelling of the joints, causing stiffness and pain.
- Sacroiliitis – Sacroiliitis is characterized by the inflammation of the sacroiliac joint, which is located in the area where the spine connects the pelvis. This can cause pain in the lower back and buttocks.
Diagnosis
To diagnose your condition precisely, your physician will ask you about the location of the hip and leg pain, when you first experienced the pain, medicines you are taking, and your family history of autoimmune diseases. He/she will physically examine you and study your medical history. Your physician may also order laboratory and radiological imaging tests that may include:
X-rays: X-rays use ionizing radiation to create images of organs, bones, and internal tissues. They are used to determine the existence of joint abnormalities and bone fractures.
CT scan (computerized tomography): CT scan uses a combination of computer technology and X-rays to create cross-sectional views of your organs and bones.
MRI (magnetic resonance imaging scan): MRI uses a combination of radio waves and a large magnet to create detailed pictures of structures within your body.
Please note that your doctor may order laboratory tests such as a white blood cell count, urinalysis, and a complete blood count.
What to Do Next
There are many options available to treat hip and leg pain. You should work with your doctor to determine the best treatment plan for your condition.
If physical activity leads to pain in your hips and legs, stop doing that activity for the moment and see if your pain improves.
Physical therapy may help ease your pain and strengthen your leg and hip muscles. However, it is recommended to speak with your physician before commencing an exercise program.
If tight muscles are responsible for your hip and leg pain, stretch these muscles regularly to alleviate pain.
You may be prescribed muscle relaxers or pain medication depending on the severity of your condition. Herbal supplements, such as glucosamine, collagen, and green tea, may help in relieving your hip and leg pain. However, do not include these supplements in your daily dietary regimen without consulting your doctor.
If you are obese and suffer from hip and leg pain, try a weight loss program as it can help mitigate your pain. However, stay away from extreme dieting and work with your healthcare provider to find the best weight loss program for you.
Don’t let your hip and leg pain stop you from living an active life and participating in daily activities. Contact MidSouth Pain Treatment Center in Memphis now to book an appointment. We are here to help you. We will analyze your condition and create a treatment plan customized to your needs.
So if you or anybody you know is suffering from chronic pain or hip and leg pain, click here to request a consultation today and find Midsouth Pain Treatment Center branch near you in Tennessee or Mississippi.