hip pain

Hi! I have been having hip pain, back pain and butt pain but the pain first started in my right hip. At first the pain wasn't that bad but now it is so unbearable and I am in constant pain everyday. The pain gets worse when walking, climbing stairs, lifting anything heavy and also getting up from bending down. I have tried many different anti inflammatory drugs, muscle relaxers, had several cortizone shots and trigger point injections. I have also have been to physical therapy 3 different times and when the therapist stretched my hip it wouldn't hurt but later on in the day I would be in tears from the pain. I also had an mri of my hip and the results just showed more fluid in my right hip then my left.About a month ago I went to a pain Dr. and he ordered an arthrogram and an Mri with contrast. My pain dr. called and told me it looks like I tore a hip ligament and refered me to an orthopedic dr that specializes in hips. I will see him in a few weeks and am not sure what he will tell me but not sure if I should have surgery if he suggests due to the fact I just had major surgery back in January for Chiari 1.

[S. Kaul, MD]

Hi there!

Hip pain can be caused by infections, inflammations, fractures, dislocations, avascular necrosis, growths, nerve impingement etc. Associated back pain would make nerve impingement/ pressure more likely. I would have suggested seeing an orthopedician early in the course of your treatment. Fluid in the joint is commonly associated with inflammatory conditions which could occur secondary to injuries and tears as well. It would be difficult to comment on the expected management plan without knowing the exact location and the extent of tear and the associated abnormalities, though surgical repair is a likely possibility. It might just be an arthroscopic repair unlike an open surgery. It would be best to discuss the situation and the management options in detail with your orthopedician.
Hope this helps.

Take care!