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Groin pain-unable to lift leg

I am an avid hiker, biker kayaker etc.  For four months I've been unable to lift my leg without pain. Example, getting into a car. I have to lift my right leg.  To cross my legs when sitting I have to lift my leg.  It is undiagnosed but my GP sent me to Physical Therapy.  They have no idea, but have me doing pilates style exercises.  Nothing is changing. I'm worried, frustrated and miss my life the way it was. Any ideas what this might be, what type of Dr. I should see?  Help
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Avatar universal
I am surprised no one has mentioned red/infrared light therapy.  660/880 nm) I have had bad kness for a while, but ever since the light therapy,am a lot better, and have avoided surgery.  The wavelenght of light used activates the ATP, or energy, of the cells, promoting healing.
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3 Comments
I've never even heard of that for this kind of pain!  How long did you have to do it for?
It takes a few days to notice it helping, and I use it for maintenance.  The red light (660nm) penetrates to about 2cm, the infrared light to 11cm.  As I saud, it increases the Adenosinetryphosphate (ATP) in the cells.  Lots of light therapy products on Amazon.
*said
Avatar universal
I have the same problem as many of you. It started then years ago. Physio thought I had a hip labrum tear. A couple of years later I had a THR. It never felt right. Finally five years later, another surgeon saw that my prosthesis had rotated out of the socket, so I had revision surgery in June. I couldn't do a straight leg lift ten years ago because of the pain and I still can't do one. My quality of physical life is minimal compared to the active life I used to live. I'm in awe that no one on this thread was relieved of their pain.
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Wow, that's a journey.  My son is a runner and has had hip flexor and groin issues.  His sports medicine person at his school has given him a lot of stretches and that has so far really helped.  But a tear would be debilitating it sounds.  
I'm concerned about this too.  I have a ton of pain issues that have built up over the last several years.  I have been told I might have labrum tears as well, but haven't overcome my anxiety to do anything about it.  Tried rest and ibuprofen, but that just wrecked my digestive system, natch.  But my understanding is, if you have labrum tears, there is a surgery for it.  A good success rate if you're young and not so good if you're not.  But it is there.  I'm not aware of a hip replacement being a treatment if that's the problem.  Have to also say, physical therapy has been a mixed bag for me.  It seems what they mainly do is stop you from doing whatever it is you want to do and so the pain eventually goes away.  Meanwhile, they keep giving you more and more stretches and strengthening exercises to do until that's all you have time for all day if you have multiple things go wrong.  I have a bad neck, pain in arms, chronic plantar fasciitis, an off and on bad knee I get different diagnoses of, and now the hips, which are the worst because nothing seems to touch them.  My case is different because I believe, after a very active life without major injuries, I had a bad withdrawal from a medication I never recovered from and haven't been able to sleep well since, plus other medical procedures that didn't work well.  So I'm in a box all my own.  But I wonder if anyone has had the labrum tear surgery -- I mean, it does exist, it must work for some, and again, I don't think that would be a reason for a hip replacement.  This kind of stuff is so frustrating because, although I can do anything I used to do, I have to pay a price, and I never know if it's okay to go to bed because I always feel I need to stretch, and stretching really doesn't fix anything, as far as research is concerned.  
Avatar universal
I have the same problem as many of you. It started then years ago. Physio thought I had a hip labrum tear. A couple of years later I had a THR. It never felt right. Finally five years later, another surgeon saw that my prosthesis had rotated out of the socket, so I had revision surgery in June. I couldn't do a straight leg lift ten years ago because of the pain and I still can't do one. My quality of physical life is minimal compared to the active life I used to live. I'm in awe that no one on this thread was relieved of their pain.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Hey,a groin strain is an overstretch or tearing injury to the muscles of the inner thigh or front of the hip.you see your physical therapist first, your therapist will conduct a thorough evaluation that includes taking your health.
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Yes, a groin strain, if properly diagnosed, is in fact a strain to the groin area.  But if you use insurance, in most states you can't go to a physical therapist on your own, you have to be referred to one by a physician.  You also need a diagnosis before a physical therapist can help you -- if you go to one without a diagnosis, assuming in your state you are allowed to do this, physical therapists are not trained to do diagnosis, they are trained to apply whatever techniques they learned both in school and by whoever owns their particular practice to a diagnosis by someone trained to do diagnoses.  Obviously, some physical therapists get pretty good at telling what is probably going on, but if they're wrong, the treatment plan they give you probably won't work.  Usually the person you see first is an orthopedic surgeon, who will usually order X-rays or an MRI and make a diagnosis based on that plus an examination.  They also are very often wrong, because humans are very often wrong and medical science isn't all that exact yet on how the human body works in every case, but I'm mentioning this just so someone doesn't run out to your local physical therapy practice only to discover that they can't actually treat you.  
Avatar universal
I have the same pain too in lifting my right leg. I went to a hip surgeon who said I needed a hip replacement. I did that, but still suffer the same pain lifting my leg. Surgeon has no idea. PT thinks it’s a trapped nerve that gets pinched when using a particular adductor muscle. Now off to see a neurologist for his opinion. This problem seems to be getting worse over time.
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Avatar universal
Hi all. I am suffering too. My physio said he thinks I've trapped a nerve near my spine, just under my ribs which is sending pain to my groin and hip area. Causes pain lifting my leg and moving it into and away from my body. Also pain in my butt area! Hope this helps. Referred kind of pain!!
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1 Comments
Try these to books by Mitchell T. Yass
Overpower Pain and Pain Cure RX
Avatar universal
I am having similar issues and it started when I put my dogs bed on my bed. I am not being able to stretch my legs all the way when I sleep. I am thinking it is a nerve.
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11135470 tn?1420865059
Hi jlwanderer
     I think you need to see an orthopedic doctor, it will be a big help for you.
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Avatar universal
Hi I'm antonio an I'm having the same problem as you. Have you found out the problem yet,if so tell me what should I do
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Hi, Antonio.I'm Maria. Have u found anything out yet?
Avatar universal
I've been experiencing everything I read here. Mine started 10 years ago in the gym doing leg presses and lifting my butt off the seat. Bad idea. I went to doctor after doctor with no results. Except a little arthritis.Then things got worse after I retired 3 years ago and am doing more sitting. PT had me doing yoga stretches (which I was already doing) and the many chiropractors didn't help or made things worse. I'm still doing the stretches and they help a little. But I'm at my wits end now because I can't sleep at night without pain relieving creams and I walk with a cane because I can't trust the leg. I don't trust doctors anymore because none of them seem to know what's wrong and I hate wasting money like that. But I want to fix it. I can't stand the pain any more. I'm afraid.
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2 Comments
Have u found out the cause yet?
I too have this issue i have had 8 heart stents and they went through my right femoral artery and i have the same pain and cant lift my right leg and no relief laying down cant lay for long periods of time it hurts to turn side to side hurts in my back out to the front of my lower abdominal area I'm at my ends witts please give me some advice
Avatar universal
i had this same thing for months. then i started taking fish oil and a baby aspirin and it went away. for months i was barely able to get my leg in the car. i also had pain in that hip that went away at the same time. i could finally sleep on my R side
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Avatar universal
I suffered 1 year before my physical therapist figured out a labrial tear. I was referred to a orthopedic who performed a repair.  All was good for a while until the chronic limping prior to surgery caused a multitude of other lower back pain, dropped left foot with plantar faciitis .  I sought out "STEM CELL THERAPY" , prolotherapy and PRP injections.  It's made a HUGH IMPROVMENT IN THE PAIN , So after improving for several weeks, I am now back to pain in the groin and unable to lift my leg. I don't believe for a minute the stem cell therapy had anything to do with it. I'm assuming it's either a pinched nerve, so I'm doing my Ecosgue ordered excersices with some relief until I can get it rechecked.
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Avatar universal
I am 61 female, have been walking/jogging 4 x week for the past 10 yrs..6 yrs ago,sharp pain in left groin: went to an orthopedic surgeon; had an MRI: labrum tear...basically nothing you can do about it; only rest and wait. Now I have sharper" pain in the right groin area; I want to rule out a femoral hernia--so going to ortho again...I have to pull up my leg with my hands in order to get into my car!!..It is very bad not being able to walk or jog..it is the only exercise I enjoy & its free...plus gives me lots of energy & keeps my weight in check... I've been taking Aleve at night..since it hurts when leg is in certain position in bed!...Lets see what the Dr. says...will keep you posted
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2 Comments
I have the same problem - I am a female at age 62 I have pain in my left hip that travels down to my groin and down the inside of my thigh - very difficult to sleep at night as the pain keeps me up.  Thanks  
Hi!  That's unfortunate to have that kind of pain.  Absolutely you should see your doctor.  Let us know what they say!
Avatar universal
3 years ago I was running at night then suddenly I couldn't control my right leg and was unable to stay up. I had to wait few minutes until I finaly was able to drag my leg back home. Since then I am suffering from weak leg. I have numbness in my right foot and I can barely lift the leg and walk properly. I am experiencing groin muscle moderate pain and my muscles from right hip down to my right foot are always tight. I cramp all the time , I went to a chiropractor couple times (3 years ago) he was trying to work on my right hip but I gave up and ignored the symptoms . My lower back and around my testicules and groin I feel tingling and gets worse at night. I don't have sciatica , my spinal bones are ok (no hernied disk )...When I try to stretch and open my legs I feel pain down my groin...Does this sound like Groin pull and what is the cure...
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Avatar universal
Hi.I read your comment.Yeah since last year. You describe  exactly what happened to me last monday during bjj class, so I want to ask you how it went with you?What was wrong?I hope you have the time to write me a few lines.doesn´t have to be much
Sincerely,
Jon bjj student in Iceland
Please reply to ***@****
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Avatar universal
Hey,  I'm 14 and Ive come to believe that i pulled a groin muscle in the left side of my body. Ive experienced the same deal of pain and discomfort as 'aerfdsi' and "jlwanderer". It happened during a baseball game last night where stole second. I was the starting pitcher that night and continued to play. Being a RHP I would have to lift my left leg when I pitched. I couldn't..... I stayed in the game for another 4 grewling innings doing an awkward side step with my delivery. I cant lift and hold my leg up from a sitting position it hurts far too grately. Is this a groin pull? How should I address this injury? I have allstars in a week or more, and I'm wondering if I can play, I really want to but I don't want to if it will mean I put my body through something it cannot recover from.
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Avatar universal
Hi all,
I've had a pain in the top part of my groin/hip for 2yrs Its only in my right side. When in a standing posision I cannot lift my knee more than about 50 degrees. It's as if the muscle has no more to give. If I support my leg it will lift up all the way with no pain. I've had a CAT scan and nothing showed up! apart from a tear in my stomach muscle!? I'm really wanting to start climbing now i've reached the big 4 0, however this is going to really restrict me. I live in Brazil and have medical insurance, so seeing a specialist is no problem. I just don't know who to see. Any ideas? Thanks guys
Mark.
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Avatar universal
I have a similar condition. Pain first started in left groin area just woke up one day 2 years ago with it and about 6 months ago it started in the right side. Anytime I lift my leg to cross my legs or bend to a 90* angle there is sharp severe pain. I've been to reg dr. Chiropractor, and physical therapy. Nothing has helped. Any suggestions or reccomebdations welcome.
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Avatar universal
I have a similar condition. Pain first started in left groin area just woke up one day 2 years ago with it and about 6 months ago it started in the right side. Anytime I lift my leg to cross my legs or bend to a 90* angle there is sharp severe pain. I've been to reg dr. Chiropractor, and physical therapy. Nothing has helped. Any suggestions or reccomebdations welcome.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I too have groin pain which predates my THR in my right leg.  Only when that area (sartorus muscle) has to lift the leg, does it hurt.  Its sharp and specific and I mostly end up "helping" my leg with my hand under my knee.
I can trace it back to when I had meniscus surgery and for months didn't bend my knee to lift my leg from the floor onto the couch when sitting.  I let my groin muscles do all the lifting and rotating of the leg.  It was then the pain started.  What I think it is now is the formation of scar tissue from that injury.  I have tried to stretch and it feels better.  I am going to look for a certified massage therapist to do deep muscle massage and I am going to consistently stretch.  I have discovered that scar tissue can be every bit as dibilitating as the original injury.
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Yes many doctors now suggests massage of  the repair point so the body reabsorbs the scar tissue and to prevent adhesion I had it done for my abdominal sports hernia and it worked fantastic
Avatar universal
THese type of hip flexor problems are common with runners and field athletes. More often it is a pulled Psoas and Illacus and Adductor muscles.Only rest and anti-inflammatories and muscle relaxers will work. Try Robaxin 750 and Coxflam 7.5 mg twice daily and keep your hip and upper leg as still as possible. When you reach the point where you feel no pain, wait 10 more days before any excercise. Do not over-stretch before exircise....in fact it is better to stretch after excersion.Rather warm up before with a gentle jog. I am 67 and a master field athlete doing Shotput and Discus and I speak from experience.A Physio who has never experienced this type of injury him or herselves do not have a clue . It took me 3 months to fix after struggling with all sorts of advice to realise what works.
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Avatar universal
About 2 weeks ago I was doing a lot of fast walking -previously worked very hard on high incline with treadmil. I have had pain in my right thigh ever since. It hurts to bend leg in thigh are when I get in car-walk with a long stride or lift foot to put on socks. It seems to be mostly in front of thigh. Heating pad helps and laying in the sun helps very much but pain comes back. No pain when still.Any ideas??? HELP
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Avatar universal
I appreciate all your comments.  About a year ago my situation started - right leg only, difficult to lift the leg (standing or laying).  No popping but I just felt like it was jammed into the hip socket. Mostly groin pain but also out in the hip and sometimes radiates down the front to the knee.  I just wanted someone to pull my leg (gentle/hard jerk to unjam it from the socket). So had my daughter do that (layed on my back and she pulled at an angle - just a couple of gentle jerks). I'M NOT RECOMMENDING ANYONE DO THIS!!  I JUST WANTED RELIEF!  Felt a pop and it felt better!  So I went to my chiropractor and he agreed (can't remember the name but the psosis sounds close) but he does a similar adjustment.  Doesn't always work and sometimes the relief only lasts a few days.  I have no idea what sets it off.  I'm not an avid anything except starting to walk a lot for some exercise. Does that "jammed leg in the socket" sound familiar to anyone?  Thanks so much!
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Avatar universal
i can't lift my left leg after a rolling in a BJJ class. i didn't notice nothing during the session but when i stopped i noticed the pain. not when i lay on my back i can't lift my left leg at all and when i am standing i can only lift it about 6 to 10 cm of the ground forward. bending and the knee is no problem.
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