What Causes Hip Pain That Radiates Down The Leg?

Overview

Hip pain is a condition that involves pain around the hip. The patient may also have hip pain that radiates down the leg. It is a very common problem that several reasons can cause. The cause behind the hip pain can be determined by knowing the exact location of the pain. The problem in the hip joint can also lead to pain in the area around the hip and groin. If there is a problem associated with muscles, ligaments or tendons, then the pain is caused in the outer portion of the hip and upper thighs. The patient may also experience hip pain when walking. Even some patients may have hip pain when sitting.

What Are The Causes Of Hip Pain?

The condition of hip pain is common. It is observed more in women. One of the common causes of pain in the hips is inflammation of the tendons. It happens due to excessive exercise. Usually, this condition is healed within a few days of occurrence but can be very painful in some cases. Some of the common causes of hip pain that radiates down the leg are:-

• Hernia:

  Sometimes, hip pain is caused by developing a hernia in the groin area. Pregnant women are at high risk of developing hernia because of the increased pressure on the abdominal wall during pregnancy.

• Arthritis:

  Chronic pain in the hip, especially in the case of women, is often caused due to arthritis. Three types of arthritis can cause hip pain. They are:-

• Osteoarthritis:

  In osteoarthritis, the ball and socket joint starts to degrade with increasing age. The hip pain caused by the arthritis is caused in the front of the thigh or the groin region. In addition, it causes swelling and stiffness in the joint.

• Bursitis and inflammation in tendons:

  Hip pain is also caused by the inflammation in tendons. Tendons are available at the hip for jointing the muscles to the hip bone. These tendons become tired of excessive use. It is especially developed in runners.

• Hip fracture:

  The cases of hip fracture are common in older people, especially those having osteoporosis (in this case, bone density is decreased). If a fracture causes hip pain in the hip bone, the pain will be felt when straightening the legs or standing on the legs. The turning out of the toe on the side of the hip fracture is the primary sign of hip fracture.

• Back pain issues:

  Pain originating from the back and spine and being felt around the hips.

• Sciatica:

  It is a condition in which a single nerve is pinched, and this causes radiating pain in the region around the buttock. Only one side of the body is generally affected. The pain due to sciatica can be observed either back, right, or left side of the hip.

• Snapping hip syndrome:

  It is more likely to occur in runners and athletes. It is because the snapping sound from the hip recognizes it. Usually, this condition is painless, but it can also cause pain that may radiate to the hips in some conditions.

How Can Hip Pain Be Diagnosed?

• For diagnosing the hip pain and the reason behind it, the doctor may first ask you to walk around.
• The doctor will then compare the motion of the normal and abnormal hips. To diagnose hip pain better, the doctor may order some tests like an X-ray, CT Scan, Ultrasound, and MRI Scan. These imaging tests will provide a clear image of the body part and help the doctor in recognizing the reason behind the pain in the hip.

What Are The Treatments For Hip Pain?

The hip pain that radiates down the leg may have following treatment options:

• If the hip pain is caused by muscle strain and arthritis, it can be relieved by using some pain killer medicines available over the counter. Medicines like Paracetamol, Ibuprofen, and Naproxen are very beneficial in reducing hip pain.
• Another way to reduce the hip pain is by holding the ice over the area of pain for about 15 minutes. It is to be done a few times a day.
• If an injury causes hip pain, then the doctor will give you some medicines and also ask you to take bed rest for some days. In addition, it is advised to reduce swelling and pain.
• A hip fracture may also cause any other injury that may need surgery for repairing the hip. Hip replacement surgery is another way to fix the damaged and fractured hip. The Orthopaedic Surgeon may replace the damaged hip joint with the artificial one in this surgery.

Rohit Jain

Rohit Jain is an IPR Specialist and Medical Content Writing Expert. For over a decade, he has written several articles in the areas of female infertility, Erectile dysfunction, hemangioma, cervical cancer, monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance, mononucleosis, mitral valve disorder, shin splints, mild cognitive impairment, cellulitis, lymphoma, sepsis, cardiac rehabilitation and more.