Hip pain - I didn't do anything!

[patro]

I first noticed a small amount of pain my right hip two weeks ago on a friday or saturday, I can't remember which. Whichever day it was, I was either at work, or lifting weights (although wasn't doing any lifts with my legs). In either case, I hadn't done anything to give me reason to think I caused injury and to me it was just a normal pain that would come and go after a few days.

I hadn't done anything strenuous because of the pain for the past week, and this monday, I think, is when it went from a minor nuisance to something that actually gave me some problems when bending over and other motions that use my hip. Yesterday (tuesday) it troubled me significantly more, but today I can't get through the pain without using my arms to negate my hip muscles entirely. There's pain when I'm standing, sitting, or laying down, and I can't get into a clinic until next Thursday so I'm at a loss for how to get through this other than taking extra strength Advil.

I feel like if it keeps progressing the way it has been the past few days, I could be in the hospital by friday. I doubt anyone here will be able to fix this, but if there's anything I can do at this point I'd be willing to try it.

[seano]

You don't have to do "something" in order to have pain. I agree with the person recommending a D.O. The pain is there for a reason, and should be dealt with if it,s bothering you so much. Good luck.

[Tuckamore]

Certainly it's a possibility that your hip was out alignment or a supporting structure. I never thought of that but it does makes sense.  

If this occurs in the future you may want to see a D.O. (doctor of osteopathy) that practices OMT, osteopathic manipulation therapy. I prefer a doctor to treat my alignment issues as their medical knowledge can address other underlying possibilities. If you do not have a D.O. in your area a chiropractor could also treat alignment problems but that would not be my choice over a D.O.

The best news is that you no longer have the pain. Happy Thanksgiving!!

[patro]

Lol it's kinda funny.... An hour after I got home and posted, I was laying on my couch and noticed that I could move around without being in pain like earlier. I then continued to try moving around freely and had very little pain. This got me thinking about what may have happened because I highly doubt 1 extra strength advil would take away the kind of pain I was having for 8 hours.

This may sound silly, but when the doctor was moving my leg around my hip joint popped. I thought nothing of it because it happens to my ankles, knee's and more seldom my hips here and there, and he didn't seem to think anything of it either. I can't recall completely, but I remember it was a pretty good pop that jolted my whole body a bit, so is it possible that had something to do with it? I am quite active with sports, but the past 3 weeks i've been home most of the time watching tv or playing video games, so I feel that had something to do with it as well. But you tell me what you think of this lol.

[Tuckamore]

Hi,

Thank you for the update. I'm glad you went to for a consult. Don't be discouraged. An x-ray generally only shows bone issues or gross abnormalities. An MRI or similar imaging may very well reveal something that the x-ray could not.

It is interesting that he was unable to reproduce the pain. But again don't despair it doesn't mean they wont' be able to find out what is going on. You may be having referred pain, meaning it is coming from one location but felt in another. With the additional information you have provided it makes me wonder if it's possible that your pain is actually related to a spinal structural issue.  

I am glad that you at least have some medication. Hopefully it will help keep you comfortable until the source of your pain is discovered and the can offer you a solution.

I'll look forward to further updates with interest.

Tuck

[patro]

I just got back from a walk-in clinic, since waiting the 3 hours there seemed to be the only option from how much pain I've been having =/

The doctor couldn't figure anything out, and I got an x-ray that didn't find anything either. The most annoying thing about this is that I can't pin-point where I'm getting the pain. It goes from the front of my hip all the way around to my very lower back. When the doctor was looking, he was pushing into area's trying to find the spot and nothing hurt when being pushed into, and also laying on my back and moving my leg up, down, and sideways myself didn't hurt.

I think the weirdest thing about this is that I haven't done anything to aggravate my body in any way. I work saturdays and haven't done anything physical in the past 2 weeks now, so it baffles me.

I guess medication is my only cure for now, getting some tests done tomorrow that I doubt will find anything.

[Tuckamore]

Hi Patro,

Hip pain is not an uncommon complaint. It can stem from a multitude of reasons. Does it hurt to lay on the hip or touch it? Is it red or warm?

I am not an expert and far from a physician. In my opinion you may be suffering from some trochanteric bursitis. The hip contains the largest bursae in the body and when it is inflamed or injured it can be very painful. I am not saying that you have bursitis. Obviously your pain can be from other causes.

I encourage you to consult your PCP. He/she will be able to diagnose your hip pain much better than we. In the mean time you may want to follow the gold standard, RICE. Rest, ice, compression (may not be applicable) and elevation. For elevation you may want to try to keep your feet up a bit. Adding a NSAID routinely may also be helpful if not contraindicated. Be sure and follow the directions on the label. Some ppl find that rotating between ice and heat is more helpful and comforting for the pain and discomfort.

Please let us know how you are doing. I will look forward to your updates. Best of luck to you and take care. Rest is your friend right now.

Tuck