Severe hip pain

[gnehcamil]

I had a fall last June ('12) on my left side.  Since then the pain in my ribs and shoulder has been resolved.  But my hip!  I've had several x-rays taken, and cracks, breaks, fractures, etc.  have been ruled out.  I get severe pain when i get up from a couch (not chair) - but if i wait several minutes, it usually goes away.  I have not been able to run/jog more than 10 - 20 steps before i get a shooting pain from my hip to my knee...down the IT band.  I saw a physical therapist and she was not helpful.  Didn't really say what was going on, just printed off a bunch of exercises and sent me on my way.  PCP said it might be bursitis...but they didn't know for sure.  Told me to check out a chiropractor.

Been to about 8-10 weekly treatments at the chiro - seemed to help...but then all of a sudden, last week (4/12/13) i got the pain in my hip again, down my thigh and just below my knee.  It hasn't left for over a week now.  I had to leave work early because i couldn't stand without grabbing on to something.  Can only walk in certain position and that only for about 10 minutes without feeling compensatory pain on my lower back and right hip/leg.  

Talked to a friend who is a retired surgeon - said the pain doesn't sound like bursitis.  It could be a nerve/muscle thing.  What do i do now?  I haven't been able to sleep on my left side since the fall.  I work a couple hours a week, but need to stand to do it.  Also, i'm a stay at home mom and need to stand to do a number of things (cook, clean, etc.)

Any help or even being pointed to a direction would be much appreciated

[gnehcamil]

They thought it might be bursitis...yes! the pain is horrific.

But i was explaining the pain to my FIL who is a retired surgeon, and he said that what i was describing didn't sound like bursitis.

So, i'm back to square one.  It still might be, i'll find out for the doc tomorrow.  I hate shots, but if a shot will take away the pain, at this point, i'll try anything.

Thanks, Totie

[Totie]

Oh many I know the pain if it is bursitits. I had it on both hips before...

My dr. gave me a cortisone shot on each one. Have not had any pain or issues since & that was about 1 yr ago...

I hope they find out what is wrong..and you can get relief..

[gnehcamil]

All those things sound so serious, i.e. avascular necrosis of femoral head, lupus, etc.  I'll find out soon (hopefully) once i see my PCP - maybe she'll know or she'll refer me to a specialist who will know.  I think you are right, i might need an MRI.  I hope it's something that can be resolved soon or with minimal treatment...i'm missing work.

What is IT band friction syndrome?

Thanks, Dr. Mathur - i'll keep you updated...

[gnehcamil]

Actually, i went to PT and Chiro on my own...when i asked the doc (PCP on vaca., so different doc) about them, the response was, "if you want..."  Very apathetic!

Talked with PCP today - she showed the appropriate level of concern (yay!)  Went in for more x-rays...appt. with her in a couple days and we'll go from there.  She's open to sending me to a specialist...i think i might need an MRI, but i'll wait for her.

I really don't like going to docs...but, desperate times call for desperate measures  :)  Thanks, shinty

[shinty]

I'd go back to your doctor and let him/her know that your not getting ant better, and to maybe order some tests-xrays, mri, catscan, etc.. If the doctor isn't willing to do at least that in order to find out what's wrong and diagnose you, then demand to be sent to a specialist that will spend the time and energy to figure out what's going on with you. Your doctor sounds like he/she cares, as you have already been sent to physical therapy and a chiropractor. You just have to let it be known you need some more help, as your not getting better. Good luck,
                             shinty

[Dr. Kokil Mathur]

Hi!
Since there was an injury (fall) involved, it is important to rule out avascular necrosis of femoral head as the cause of pain. You are likely to need a MRI for this. Pain in the lower and outer thigh is often due to Iliotibial band friction syndrome. It can be a part of myofascial low back pain or it may have happened due to incorrect leg lifts causing strain on the band. Wrong sitting posture causing improper transmission of force and strain on the band can bring about pain. Changing posture while sitting, using a good chair with back support, getting up and walking once in a while, etc helps. When in pain, RICE treatment helps (rest, ice, compression by wearing a knee cap and elevation of leg). Use of ultrasound waves also help bring relief. Other possibilities are vascular pathologies such as deep vein thrombosis and clots and will need a dopplar study. Peripheral neuropathies as in diabetes, hypothyroidism, Lyme's and lupus are the other possibilities. It can also be spinal nerve compression in lower back. Another possibility is meralgia paresthetica due to compression of  lateral femoral cutaneous nerve that comes from the hip area and gets pinched due to wearing tight belts or obesity. Please discuss with your treating doctor. Take care!


The medical advice given should not be considered a substitute for medical care provided by a doctor who can examine you. The advice may not be completely correct for you as the doctor cannot examine you and does not know your complete medical history. Hence this reply to your post should only be considered as a guiding line and you must consult your doctor at the earliest for your medical problem.