Pain Above Left Hip on the Side, Back and Abdomen: Causes & Treatment

Left-side pain above the hip may be caused by a condition or injury affecting an entirely different part of your body. The causes range from mild injuries that heal quickly with rest to aggressive illnesses that require immediate medical treatment.

To determine the source of the pain above your left hip, it’s usually necessary to take a look at your other symptoms. Doing so can make it easier to know if you should see a doctor.

Here are the possible causes, their symptoms, how they’re diagnosed, and your treatment options.

A few of the less serious causes of pain above the left hip will resolve on their own without treatment. However, many conditions require medical attention.

Arthritis

Arthritis is a condition that causes swelling, stiffness, and sometimes severe pain in one or more of the body’s joints. There are several types of arthritis that can cause pain above the left hip.

Possible causes of arthritis include normal wear and tear or age-related breakdown of bone in the body. In some cases, arthritis is caused by disease.

Arthritis symptoms you may experience include:

• redness
• reduced range of motion
• stiffness
• swelling

Bursitis

Bursitis causes inflammation of small fluid-filled sacs (called bursae) that pad your bones, including those in your hip. Most cases of bursitis in the hip are caused by repetitive motions or positions that irritate a joint’s bursae, such as running.

Other bursitis symptoms include:

• aches
• redness
• stiffness
• swelling

Celiac disease

Celiac disease is caused by an allergic reaction to eating gluten that affects the small intestine, causing pain and discomfort in the abdomen. Gluten is a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye. Doctors aren’t certain exactly what causes celiac disease, but some risk factors include:

• Addison’s disease
• family history of celiac disease or dermatitis herpetiformis
• autoimmune thyroid disease
• Down syndrome or Turner syndrome
• microscopic colitis

Other common symptoms of celiac disease include:

• abdominal pain
• anemia
• bloating
• constipation
• diarrhea
• fatigue
• itchy skin and rashes
• nausea
• nervous system problems
• weight loss
• vomiting

Crohn’s disease

Crohn’s disease causes inflammation of the digestive tract, causing pain in the abdomen. Doctors don’t know the exact cause, but the following factors may put some people at risk of Crohn’s disease:

• autoimmune issues
• being around age 30
• smoking cigarettes
• a family history of Crohn’s disease
• being of Northern European or Anglo-Saxon descent
• being of Jewish European descent, also called Ashkenazi Jewish descent
• living in an urban environment
• nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) medications

Other symptoms of Crohn’s disease include:

• abdominal cramps
• bile duct and liver inflammation
• blood in stool
• delayed growth and sexual development (in children)
• diarrhea
• eye, skin, and joint inflammation
• fatigue
• fever
• fistula
• mouth sores
• reduced appetite
• weight loss

Diverticulitis

Diverticulitis is a condition causing inflammation or infection of the small pouches (called diverticula) that line the digestive system. This often causes pain in the left side of the abdomen. Diverticulitis occurs when these pouches tear.

Causes of diverticulitis include:

• advanced age
• lack of exercise
• obesity
• poor, low-fiber diet
• smoking
• some medications, such as steroids

Other symptoms of diverticulitis include:

• constipation
• diarrhea
• fever
• nausea
• tender abdomen
• vomiting

Muscle strain or stitch

Muscle strains are a severe pulling or overextension of a muscle. If a strain occurs on the left side of the body, it may cause pain above the left hip. So can side stitches, a common and temporary athletic injury.

Causes of muscle strains and stitches include:

• poor form during sports activities
• repetitive movements such as running

Other symptoms of a muscle strain or stitch include:

• bruising
• limited motion
• muscle spasms
• muscle weakness
• pain when breathing
• redness
• swelling

Pinched nerve

A pinched nerve in the lower back occurs when a nerve becomes compressed by surrounding body tissues, often causing pain near the hip and in the legs.

Common causes of a pinched nerve include:

• arthritis
• herniated disc
• injury
• obesity
• repetitive motions
• sciatica

Pinched nerve symptoms may also include:

• burning sensation
• feeling your foot has fallen asleep
• muscle weakness
• numbness
• tingling or pins and needles sensation

Polymyalgia rheumatica

Polymyalgia rheumatica is an inflammatory condition that causes muscle pain and stiffness, which often worsens in the mornings. Causes aren’t clear but are likely to include:

• advanced age
• environmental factors
• genetic history of polymyalgia rheumatica

Other symptoms of polymyalgia rheumatica include:

• depression
• fatigue
• mild fever
• limited range of motion
• loss of appetite
• weight loss

Sacroiliac joint dysfunction and sacroiliitis

The sacroiliac joints are found where your lower spine and pelvis meet, near the hips. Sacroiliac joint dysfunction occurs when there is flawed movement in at least one of the sacroiliac joints.

Causes of sacroiliac joint dysfunction include:

• arthritis
• infection
• pregnancy
• traumatic injury

Symptoms may be worsened by

• bearing extra weight on one leg
• climbing stairs
• running
• standing for long periods
• taking long strides when walking or running

Sacroiliitis is the inflammation of the sacroiliac joint. This can cause pain along the buttocks, hip, lower back, and sometimes down the leg.

Osteomyelitis

Osteomyelitis is a bone infection that can occur when bacteria enters a bone inside the body. Common causes of bone infection include:

• infection through the bloodstream
• injuries such as puncture wounds
• unsterile surgery

Besides pain in the affected bone, symptoms of a bone infection include:

• fatigue
• fever
• redness, swelling, and warmth at the infection site

Bone cancer

Bone cancer, or unusual growth in the bone, is often benign. However, in some cases the growth can become aggressive and spread to other parts of the body. This can cause pain and a palpable hard mass in the bones.

There are different types of bone cancer, all of which can be painful. Genetics, disease, and radiation therapy for other cancers may be risk factors for bone cancer. Additional symptoms of bone cancer include:

• fatigue
• swelling
• unintended weight loss
• weakened bones that fracture easily

Hernia

An inguinal hernia is a condition caused by the protrusion of part of the intestine through a weak spot in the abdominal muscles. This can cause a lot of pain.

Causes include:

• chronic sneezing or coughing
• increased abdominal pressure
• intense activity
• pregnancy
• strain during bowel movements or during urination
• weak spots in the abdominal wall

Iliopsoas abscess

Iliopsoas abscess is a very uncommon but serious condition causing an infected mass to form along the upper part of the hip bone (ilium). Other symptoms may include:

• fever
• pain in the groin
• visual deformity on the hip

The most common cause of iliopsoas abscess is Crohn’s disease. Other causes include:

• HIV and AIDS
• diabetes
• intravenous drug abuse
• kidney failure
• suppressed immune system

Ilium fracture

An ilium fracture is a break in the large upper part of the hip bone. Fractures may be mild, moderate, or severe. Symptoms may include:

• fatigue
• fever
• redness and swelling at the fracture site

Causes include:

• advanced age
• physical stress that is repetitive, such as long-distance running
• trauma, such as a fall or car accident
• weakened bones, such as in osteoporosis

Kidney stones

Kidney stones are hard mineral deposits that form in the kidneys, located at the back side of your body above your hips. Kidney stones may cause the following symptoms:

• excessive urination
• nausea
• painful urination
• persistent urge to urinate
• radiating pain in the lower abdomen and groin
• smelly or cloudy urine
• urine that is pink, red, or brown
• urine that comes out in small amounts
• vomiting

Causes include:

• special diets, especially those high in protein, salt, and sugar
• dehydration
• digestive issues
• family history
• obesity
• other medical conditions

Left-sided appendicitis

Appendicitis causes sudden painful inflammation of the appendix, which can be deadly if untreated. The appendix is located on the right side of the abdomen, but in very rare cases, it can cause pain on the left side. Other symptoms include:

• bloating in the abdomen
• constipation
• diarrhea
• fever that worsens over time
• flatulence
• loss of appetite
• nausea
• pain worsened by movement or coughing
• vomiting

Appendicitis is caused by a blockage in the appendix lining that causes infection.

Leukemia

Leukemia is cancer of the body’s blood-forming tissues, which can cause pain in the bones. Other symptoms may include:

• bruises or bleeding that occurs easily
• chills
• enlarged liver or spleen
• fever
• frequent infections
• nosebleeds
• red spots on the skin called petechiae
• sweating, especially at night
• swollen lymph nodes
• unintentional weight loss
• weakness

There are several types of leukemia. Doctors think leukemia is caused by mutations in blood cells in the body.

Pancreatic cancer

Pancreatic cancer is cancer of the organ that lies behind the bottom of your stomach (the pancreas). If left untreated, pancreatic tumors can cause hip pain. Other symptoms include:

• blood clots
• depression
• diabetes that’s newly developed
• fatigue
• loss of appetite
• unintentional weight loss
• yellowed skin and eyes (jaundice)

Doctors aren’t sure what causes pancreatic cancer, but it appears smoking can increase your risk of the disease.

There are some causes of pain above the left hip that can only affect females. These include:

Ectopic pregnancy

Ectopic pregnancy happens when a fertilized egg attaches itself to the outside of the uterus instead of the inside. This condition can lead to an emergency if left untreated. Besides intense abdominal and side pain, symptoms include:

• early pregnancy symptoms
• light vaginal bleeding that worsens over time
• positive pregnancy test

Risk factors of ectopic pregnancy include:

• getting pregnant while using an intrauterine device (IUD)
• having a damaged fallopian tube
• having a sexually transmitted infection
• having had a previous ectopic pregnancy
• having undergone fertility treatments
• smoking

Endometriosis

Endometriosis is a painful condition causing the lining of the uterus to grow outside rather than inside the uterus. It can affect the ovaries, fallopian tubes, pelvic tissue, and other organs in the pelvis. Other signs of endometriosis include:

• bloating
• constipation
• diarrhea
• excessive bleeding during or between periods
• infertility
• nausea
• pain during sexual intercourse
• pain during urination or bowel movements
• painful periods (dysmenorrhea)

A clear cause of endometriosis isn’t known. But risk factors include:

• atypical reproductive tract
• female relatives with endometriosis
• going through menopause late
• having short menstrual cycles (less than 27 days)
• heavy periods
• high levels of estrogen in the body
• low body mass index
• not giving birth
• starting menstruation at a young age

Menstrual pain

Menstrual pain (dysmenorrhea) affects many women who menstruate, sometimes causing widespread abdominal pain. Other signs include:

• cramping or throbbing sensation
• dizziness
• dull ache
• headache
• loose stools and diarrhea
• pain that hits 1 to 3 days before your period and stops in 2 to 3 days

Menstrual cramps are triggered by hormonal changes associated with menstruation. However, some conditions affecting the female reproductive tract, including endometriosis, may worsen menstrual pain.

Ovarian cyst

Ovarian cysts are sacs filled with fluid that may grow on a woman’s ovaries and cause pain in the abdomen. In most cases, these cysts are harmless and may not even cause symptoms. However, some women experience pain as well as:

• aches
• bloating
• heaviness in the abdomen

You may be at risk of developing an ovarian cyst if you have:

• endometriosis
• hormonal issues
• pelvic infection
• pregnancy
• previous ovarian cysts

Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)

Pelvic inflammatory disease is a serious infection affecting the female reproductive system. Often it causes no symptoms at first, but if untreated it can cause severe abdominal pain. Other possible symptoms include:

• abnormal bleeding between cycles or after sex
• fever with chills
• heavy and unpleasant smelling vaginal discharge
• pain and bleeding during sex
• painful urination or problems urinating

There is one cause of pain above the left hip that can only affect men:

Prostate cancer

Prostate cancer is a growth that affects the prostate gland, which produces sperm. Some cases of prostate cancer are slow-growing and cause few symptoms. Others are more painful, serious, and aggressive.

Some symptoms include:

• blood in semen
• bone pain
• difficult urination
• erectile dysfunction
• lowered urine stream

The cause of prostate cancer is unknown. However, some risk factors include:

• advanced age
• being of African descent
• family history
• obesity

To diagnose the cause of pain above your left hip, a doctor will start by asking you about your symptoms and medical history. They will also perform a physical exam, looking closely at your left hip area.

They may run tests to better determine the cause of your pain. These include:

• Blood, joint fluid, and urine tests. Testing the body’s fluids can reveal abnormalities that indicate disease in the blood, bones, and urinary tract.
• Endoscopy. An endoscopy involves sending a long camera tube down a person’s throat to look inside the small intestine. This can reveal signs of infection or digestive disorders.
• Imaging tests. CT scans, ultrasounds, MRIs, and X-rays can reveal cancers, cysts, deformities, and bone fractures.

Depending on what the doctor finds, they may refer you to a specialist who can better diagnose and treat the cause of your pain above your left hip. These specialists may include:

• gastroenterologist (specializes in digestive health)
• obstetrician-gynecologist (specializes in women’s health)
• oncologist (cancer doctor)
• orthopedist (specializes in bone health)
• urologist (specializes in male reproductive and urinary tract health)

The kind of treatment you need for the pain above your left hip depends on the cause. Treatment may include:

• antibiotics to clear infections such as diverticulitis and PID
• chemotherapy and radiation to treat cancer
• lifestyle changes such as a change in diet, quitting smoking, and increased exercise to treat conditions like Crohn’s disease and side stitches
• medications like NSAIDs to reduce symptoms of dysmenorrhea
• rest for mild causes of pain above the left hip, such as muscle strains and side stitches
• surgery to treat certain cancers, remove cysts or the appendix, and repair fractures

In some cases, pain above the left hip is a major cause for concern. However, in most cases, it can be treated easily with rest or an over-the-counter NSAID.

Most causes of pain above the left hip are not immediate emergencies and are easily treatable. Paying attention to all of your symptoms can help lead you and your doctor to a treatment that will resolve your pain.

If you’re concerned about your pain above the left hip and don’t already have a primary care provider, you can view doctors in your area through the Healthline FindCare tool.

Pain Above Left Hip on the Side, Back and Abdomen: Causes & Treatment

Left-side pain above the hip may be caused by a condition or injury affecting an entirely different part of your body. The causes range from mild injuries that heal quickly with rest to aggressive illnesses that require immediate medical treatment.

To determine the source of the pain above your left hip, it’s usually necessary to take a look at your other symptoms. Doing so can make it easier to know if you should see a doctor.

Here are the possible causes, their symptoms, how they’re diagnosed, and your treatment options.

A few of the less serious causes of pain above the left hip will resolve on their own without treatment. However, many conditions require medical attention.

Arthritis

Arthritis is a condition that causes swelling, stiffness, and sometimes severe pain in one or more of the body’s joints. There are several types of arthritis that can cause pain above the left hip.

Possible causes of arthritis include normal wear and tear or age-related breakdown of bone in the body. In some cases, arthritis is caused by disease.

Arthritis symptoms you may experience include:

• redness
• reduced range of motion
• stiffness
• swelling

Bursitis

Bursitis causes inflammation of small fluid-filled sacs (called bursae) that pad your bones, including those in your hip. Most cases of bursitis in the hip are caused by repetitive motions or positions that irritate a joint’s bursae, such as running.

Other bursitis symptoms include:

• aches
• redness
• stiffness
• swelling

Celiac disease

Celiac disease is caused by an allergic reaction to eating gluten that affects the small intestine, causing pain and discomfort in the abdomen. Gluten is a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye. Doctors aren’t certain exactly what causes celiac disease, but some risk factors include:

• Addison’s disease
• family history of celiac disease or dermatitis herpetiformis
• autoimmune thyroid disease
• Down syndrome or Turner syndrome
• microscopic colitis

Other common symptoms of celiac disease include:

• abdominal pain
• anemia
• bloating
• constipation
• diarrhea
• fatigue
• itchy skin and rashes
• nausea
• nervous system problems
• weight loss
• vomiting

Crohn’s disease

Crohn’s disease causes inflammation of the digestive tract, causing pain in the abdomen. Doctors don’t know the exact cause, but the following factors may put some people at risk of Crohn’s disease:

• autoimmune issues
• being around age 30
• smoking cigarettes
• a family history of Crohn’s disease
• being of Northern European or Anglo-Saxon descent
• being of Jewish European descent, also called Ashkenazi Jewish descent
• living in an urban environment
• nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) medications

Other symptoms of Crohn’s disease include:

• abdominal cramps
• bile duct and liver inflammation
• blood in stool
• delayed growth and sexual development (in children)
• diarrhea
• eye, skin, and joint inflammation
• fatigue
• fever
• fistula
• mouth sores
• reduced appetite
• weight loss

Diverticulitis

Diverticulitis is a condition causing inflammation or infection of the small pouches (called diverticula) that line the digestive system. This often causes pain in the left side of the abdomen. Diverticulitis occurs when these pouches tear.

Causes of diverticulitis include:

• advanced age
• lack of exercise
• obesity
• poor, low-fiber diet
• smoking
• some medications, such as steroids

Other symptoms of diverticulitis include:

• constipation
• diarrhea
• fever
• nausea
• tender abdomen
• vomiting

Muscle strain or stitch

Muscle strains are a severe pulling or overextension of a muscle. If a strain occurs on the left side of the body, it may cause pain above the left hip. So can side stitches, a common and temporary athletic injury.

Causes of muscle strains and stitches include:

• poor form during sports activities
• repetitive movements such as running

Other symptoms of a muscle strain or stitch include:

• bruising
• limited motion
• muscle spasms
• muscle weakness
• pain when breathing
• redness
• swelling

Pinched nerve

A pinched nerve in the lower back occurs when a nerve becomes compressed by surrounding body tissues, often causing pain near the hip and in the legs.

Common causes of a pinched nerve include:

• arthritis
• herniated disc
• injury
• obesity
• repetitive motions
• sciatica

Pinched nerve symptoms may also include:

• burning sensation
• feeling your foot has fallen asleep
• muscle weakness
• numbness
• tingling or pins and needles sensation

Polymyalgia rheumatica

Polymyalgia rheumatica is an inflammatory condition that causes muscle pain and stiffness, which often worsens in the mornings. Causes aren’t clear but are likely to include:

• advanced age
• environmental factors
• genetic history of polymyalgia rheumatica

Other symptoms of polymyalgia rheumatica include:

• depression
• fatigue
• mild fever
• limited range of motion
• loss of appetite
• weight loss

Sacroiliac joint dysfunction and sacroiliitis

The sacroiliac joints are found where your lower spine and pelvis meet, near the hips. Sacroiliac joint dysfunction occurs when there is flawed movement in at least one of the sacroiliac joints.

Causes of sacroiliac joint dysfunction include:

• arthritis
• infection
• pregnancy
• traumatic injury

Symptoms may be worsened by

• bearing extra weight on one leg
• climbing stairs
• running
• standing for long periods
• taking long strides when walking or running

Sacroiliitis is the inflammation of the sacroiliac joint. This can cause pain along the buttocks, hip, lower back, and sometimes down the leg.

Osteomyelitis

Osteomyelitis is a bone infection that can occur when bacteria enters a bone inside the body. Common causes of bone infection include:

• infection through the bloodstream
• injuries such as puncture wounds
• unsterile surgery

Besides pain in the affected bone, symptoms of a bone infection include:

• fatigue
• fever
• redness, swelling, and warmth at the infection site

Bone cancer

Bone cancer, or unusual growth in the bone, is often benign. However, in some cases the growth can become aggressive and spread to other parts of the body. This can cause pain and a palpable hard mass in the bones.

There are different types of bone cancer, all of which can be painful. Genetics, disease, and radiation therapy for other cancers may be risk factors for bone cancer. Additional symptoms of bone cancer include:

• fatigue
• swelling
• unintended weight loss
• weakened bones that fracture easily

Hernia

An inguinal hernia is a condition caused by the protrusion of part of the intestine through a weak spot in the abdominal muscles. This can cause a lot of pain.

Causes include:

• chronic sneezing or coughing
• increased abdominal pressure
• intense activity
• pregnancy
• strain during bowel movements or during urination
• weak spots in the abdominal wall

Iliopsoas abscess

Iliopsoas abscess is a very uncommon but serious condition causing an infected mass to form along the upper part of the hip bone (ilium). Other symptoms may include:

• fever
• pain in the groin
• visual deformity on the hip

The most common cause of iliopsoas abscess is Crohn’s disease. Other causes include:

• HIV and AIDS
• diabetes
• intravenous drug abuse
• kidney failure
• suppressed immune system

Ilium fracture

An ilium fracture is a break in the large upper part of the hip bone. Fractures may be mild, moderate, or severe. Symptoms may include:

• fatigue
• fever
• redness and swelling at the fracture site

Causes include:

• advanced age
• physical stress that is repetitive, such as long-distance running
• trauma, such as a fall or car accident
• weakened bones, such as in osteoporosis

Kidney stones

Kidney stones are hard mineral deposits that form in the kidneys, located at the back side of your body above your hips. Kidney stones may cause the following symptoms:

• excessive urination
• nausea
• painful urination
• persistent urge to urinate
• radiating pain in the lower abdomen and groin
• smelly or cloudy urine
• urine that is pink, red, or brown
• urine that comes out in small amounts
• vomiting

Causes include:

• special diets, especially those high in protein, salt, and sugar
• dehydration
• digestive issues
• family history
• obesity
• other medical conditions

Left-sided appendicitis

Appendicitis causes sudden painful inflammation of the appendix, which can be deadly if untreated. The appendix is located on the right side of the abdomen, but in very rare cases, it can cause pain on the left side. Other symptoms include:

• bloating in the abdomen
• constipation
• diarrhea
• fever that worsens over time
• flatulence
• loss of appetite
• nausea
• pain worsened by movement or coughing
• vomiting

Appendicitis is caused by a blockage in the appendix lining that causes infection.

Leukemia

Leukemia is cancer of the body’s blood-forming tissues, which can cause pain in the bones. Other symptoms may include:

• bruises or bleeding that occurs easily
• chills
• enlarged liver or spleen
• fever
• frequent infections
• nosebleeds
• red spots on the skin called petechiae
• sweating, especially at night
• swollen lymph nodes
• unintentional weight loss
• weakness

There are several types of leukemia. Doctors think leukemia is caused by mutations in blood cells in the body.

Pancreatic cancer

Pancreatic cancer is cancer of the organ that lies behind the bottom of your stomach (the pancreas). If left untreated, pancreatic tumors can cause hip pain. Other symptoms include:

• blood clots
• depression
• diabetes that’s newly developed
• fatigue
• loss of appetite
• unintentional weight loss
• yellowed skin and eyes (jaundice)

Doctors aren’t sure what causes pancreatic cancer, but it appears smoking can increase your risk of the disease.

There are some causes of pain above the left hip that can only affect females. These include:

Ectopic pregnancy

Ectopic pregnancy happens when a fertilized egg attaches itself to the outside of the uterus instead of the inside. This condition can lead to an emergency if left untreated. Besides intense abdominal and side pain, symptoms include:

• early pregnancy symptoms
• light vaginal bleeding that worsens over time
• positive pregnancy test

Risk factors of ectopic pregnancy include:

• getting pregnant while using an intrauterine device (IUD)
• having a damaged fallopian tube
• having a sexually transmitted infection
• having had a previous ectopic pregnancy
• having undergone fertility treatments
• smoking

Endometriosis

Endometriosis is a painful condition causing the lining of the uterus to grow outside rather than inside the uterus. It can affect the ovaries, fallopian tubes, pelvic tissue, and other organs in the pelvis. Other signs of endometriosis include:

• bloating
• constipation
• diarrhea
• excessive bleeding during or between periods
• infertility
• nausea
• pain during sexual intercourse
• pain during urination or bowel movements
• painful periods (dysmenorrhea)

A clear cause of endometriosis isn’t known. But risk factors include:

• atypical reproductive tract
• female relatives with endometriosis
• going through menopause late
• having short menstrual cycles (less than 27 days)
• heavy periods
• high levels of estrogen in the body
• low body mass index
• not giving birth
• starting menstruation at a young age

Menstrual pain

Menstrual pain (dysmenorrhea) affects many women who menstruate, sometimes causing widespread abdominal pain. Other signs include:

• cramping or throbbing sensation
• dizziness
• dull ache
• headache
• loose stools and diarrhea
• pain that hits 1 to 3 days before your period and stops in 2 to 3 days

Menstrual cramps are triggered by hormonal changes associated with menstruation. However, some conditions affecting the female reproductive tract, including endometriosis, may worsen menstrual pain.

Ovarian cyst

Ovarian cysts are sacs filled with fluid that may grow on a woman’s ovaries and cause pain in the abdomen. In most cases, these cysts are harmless and may not even cause symptoms. However, some women experience pain as well as:

• aches
• bloating
• heaviness in the abdomen

You may be at risk of developing an ovarian cyst if you have:

• endometriosis
• hormonal issues
• pelvic infection
• pregnancy
• previous ovarian cysts

Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)

Pelvic inflammatory disease is a serious infection affecting the female reproductive system. Often it causes no symptoms at first, but if untreated it can cause severe abdominal pain. Other possible symptoms include:

• abnormal bleeding between cycles or after sex
• fever with chills
• heavy and unpleasant smelling vaginal discharge
• pain and bleeding during sex
• painful urination or problems urinating

There is one cause of pain above the left hip that can only affect men:

Prostate cancer

Prostate cancer is a growth that affects the prostate gland, which produces sperm. Some cases of prostate cancer are slow-growing and cause few symptoms. Others are more painful, serious, and aggressive.

Some symptoms include:

• blood in semen
• bone pain
• difficult urination
• erectile dysfunction
• lowered urine stream

The cause of prostate cancer is unknown. However, some risk factors include:

• advanced age
• being of African descent
• family history
• obesity

To diagnose the cause of pain above your left hip, a doctor will start by asking you about your symptoms and medical history. They will also perform a physical exam, looking closely at your left hip area.

They may run tests to better determine the cause of your pain. These include:

• Blood, joint fluid, and urine tests. Testing the body’s fluids can reveal abnormalities that indicate disease in the blood, bones, and urinary tract.
• Endoscopy. An endoscopy involves sending a long camera tube down a person’s throat to look inside the small intestine. This can reveal signs of infection or digestive disorders.
• Imaging tests. CT scans, ultrasounds, MRIs, and X-rays can reveal cancers, cysts, deformities, and bone fractures.

Depending on what the doctor finds, they may refer you to a specialist who can better diagnose and treat the cause of your pain above your left hip. These specialists may include:

• gastroenterologist (specializes in digestive health)
• obstetrician-gynecologist (specializes in women’s health)
• oncologist (cancer doctor)
• orthopedist (specializes in bone health)
• urologist (specializes in male reproductive and urinary tract health)

The kind of treatment you need for the pain above your left hip depends on the cause. Treatment may include:

• antibiotics to clear infections such as diverticulitis and PID
• chemotherapy and radiation to treat cancer
• lifestyle changes such as a change in diet, quitting smoking, and increased exercise to treat conditions like Crohn’s disease and side stitches
• medications like NSAIDs to reduce symptoms of dysmenorrhea
• rest for mild causes of pain above the left hip, such as muscle strains and side stitches
• surgery to treat certain cancers, remove cysts or the appendix, and repair fractures

In some cases, pain above the left hip is a major cause for concern. However, in most cases, it can be treated easily with rest or an over-the-counter NSAID.

Most causes of pain above the left hip are not immediate emergencies and are easily treatable. Paying attention to all of your symptoms can help lead you and your doctor to a treatment that will resolve your pain.

If you’re concerned about your pain above the left hip and don’t already have a primary care provider, you can view doctors in your area through the Healthline FindCare tool.

If you have hip pain…

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• If you have hip pain… 9 0005

ACUTE pain in the hip can be caused by many reasons – from banal overexertion of the limbs to very serious diseases.

Therefore, if the pain recurs and becomes regular, it is necessary to urgently consult a specialist in order to establish a diagnosis and prescribe treatment. After all, some diseases of the limbs directly lead to permanent disability. One of them is Perthes disease – aseptic necrosis of the femoral head in adults (ANGBK). As a rule, it affects men of quite working age – 30-50 years old, and in half of the cases both legs are affected. The causes of the disease can be very different: trauma to the femoral neck, taking certain drugs (most often high doses of glucocorticoid hormones), prolonged exposure to high pressure (divers, miners), frequent alcohol consumption (it damages blood vessels, which can cause necrosis), chronic metabolic disorders (diabetes mellitus, obesity, acute and chronic pancreatitis, fat embolism, Gaucher disease, decompression sickness, etc.). The result of this most dangerous disease is the necrosis of a part of the bone substance of the femoral head, followed by its destruction.

We were told more about the development and diagnosis of aseptic necrosis of the femoral head by the specialist of the Floris Medical Center MIROSLAV STARKIV:

– The first symptom of ANFH is pain in the hip joint when transferring body weight to the affected leg. The pain can spread to the inguinal, gluteal region, give along the front of the thigh. Then lameness and impaired function (mobility) of the joint appear. In the later stages, the patient feels severe pain even at rest, which causes sleep disturbances. At this time, one leg becomes shorter than the other, a pronounced lameness appears, the need for a cane or crutches – and it is no longer possible to change the situation. Therefore, it is very important that the patient consult a doctor at an early stage – when pain occurs from time to time, and the joint still retains full mobility.

Unfortunately, the diagnosis of ANHF at an early stage is difficult – traditional x-ray examination does not reveal incipient pathological changes, the spherical surface of the femoral head is preserved, the joint space remains of normal width. X-ray does not always allow answering the question about the exact localization and size of the pathological process, the state of the cartilage and periarticular tissues, and to track the dynamics of restoration of the bone lesion after treatment.

But the solution to this problem was found – the study of soft tissue and cartilage elements of the hip joint became possible thanks to such a highly informative, non-invasive, fast and affordable method as ultrasound sonography. Ultrasound examination of the hip joints using high-precision equipment at the Floris Medical Center allows diagnosing manifestations of necrosis of the femoral head and its severity. In addition, ultrasound can be used repeatedly without risk to the health of patients, unlike radiography.

At the stage of vascular disorders, the process of development of bone necrosis can be not only slowed down, but also reversed. Violations of regional blood supply in various pathologies helps to detect ultrasound with dopplerography. Today, the doctors of the Floris Medical Center master this technique. In April 2009, they prepared a report on the early diagnosis of ANGBK at the international conference on ultrasound diagnostics in Kiev. According to statistics, in our center for 2009-2010 produced more than 220 ultrasound examinations of the femoral head with dopplerography. Of these, in 25% of the examined patients, the disease was detected at an early stage, which made it possible to prescribe treatment in time and monitor its effectiveness.

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Causes of pain in the hip during exercise

Almost every person who plays sports has experienced pain in the body. Muscle pain, various injuries – all this is an integral part of the life of professional athletes. The intensity of these symptoms varies, but they should not be ignored. Otherwise, dangerous consequences may develop.

Causes of pain during sports

There is no consensus among sports doctors, coaches and experienced athletes about the appearance of pain after exercise. There are two most common theories for the occurrence of muscle pain after sports.

The first theory is that muscle pain is caused by exposure to lactic acid or lactate. For a long time it was believed that pain after exercise is associated with the production of large amounts of lactic acid during exercise. This acid has an effect on muscle tissue, resulting in painful sensations. But now more and more doctors are inclined to believe that the level of lactic acid decreases after the end of a workout, so unpleasant symptoms appear only in the process of playing sports and for another hour after it.

There is another reason – delayed pain due to various injuries, such as rupture, sprain. Such painful sensations arise as a result of the fact that the muscles are overloaded, microcracks appear in the tissues, when they begin to heal, pain appears. The more intense the load, the more microdamage occurs and the duration of pain increases. This pain usually lasts at least one week.

There is always a risk of injury when playing sports. The risk of injury increases if a person ignores the warm-up and cool-down. The tissues of muscles and ligaments can be damaged under the influence of forces that exceed the internal resource of their strength. For example, muscles are easily damaged when they are very weak or tight for a particular type of exercise. Weakness of muscles and ligaments after stretching is the cause of joint damage.

Another cause of pain is the tendency to injury, which is due to uneven loading on certain parts of the body. This predisposition is associated with individual anatomical features of the body. For example, if a person has one limb shorter than the other, one side of the body is overloaded, pain appears in the knee and hip.

In more serious cases, such as dislocations and fractures, the pain is long-lasting aching or sharp. In this case, a person needs the help of doctors.

Types of sports injuries and their characteristic symptoms

Consider common sports injuries and their symptoms.

Contusion of the hip joint

This type of injury most often occurs in the elderly and professional athletes. When such an injury occurs, additional bruising and swelling occur. These symptoms are complemented by a dull aching pain syndrome. If such an injury is ignored and not addressed to specialists, serious consequences will develop. Only with the help of modern diagnostics can you find out what condition the bone tissue is in. The recovery period is reduced if proper treatment of inflammation of the hip joint is carried out.

Contusion is a closed type of tissue injury. In this case, the subcutaneous tissue, blood vessels, and muscle tissues suffer. The cause of such an injury at a young age is an accident, work injury, active sports training. In old age, the risk of such an injury increases.

Normally, tissues are resistant to various mechanical damage. If there is an impact or fall, soft tissues are damaged. With a bruise, a pronounced pain syndrome occurs.

The main manifestations of a bruise are:

• the appearance of a sharp pain upon impact, after a while it is felt when moving or touching;
• swelling in the affected area;
• formation of hematoma, bruising. This happens when blood vessels rupture;
• severe pain when trying to lean on the diseased limb, the person begins to limp;
• purplish-red spots appear on the skin during the first few hours, after which, after a while, they turn blue, and as the tissues recover, they become greenish-yellow.

At the first degree of damage, unpleasant symptoms disappear on their own after a few days, do not require medical intervention. At the second degree of damage, edema and hematoma appear, severe pain. In the third degree, muscles and tendons are damaged, mobility is limited. In the fourth degree, a person needs immediate medical attention.

Sprains and ruptures

Hip sprains are associated with severe or moderate pain at rest and severe pain with movement. A sprain occurs when the ligaments that support the joint are stretched or torn. Often, tendons are torn in parallel. With an extensive rupture of the ligaments, bleeding occurs.

There are several degrees of such injury:

1. At the first stage, the tissues are slightly damaged. The sprain is mild, the tears are microscopic. Tissue repair occurs within a few weeks. Requires conservative therapy.
2. Moderate injury occurs in the second degree. Rupture or partial damage. Recovery takes several months. Conducted conservative therapy. Sometimes surgery is required, depending on additional symptoms of hip inflammation.
3. In the third degree, a severe injury is diagnosed. There is a complete rupture of the ligament or several ligaments. Surgery is required.

The main risk factors are:

• injuries;
• lack of warm-up when playing sports;
• advanced age;
• presence of osteoporosis;
• deficiency of protein and vitamins.

The key signs of such an injury are:

• painful sensations;
• muscle spasms;
• puffiness;
• hematomas.

Acetabular lip rupture

This part of the thigh is a ring of cartilage surrounding the hollow part of the hip joint. One of the most common causes of pain in the hip joint is the rupture of the acetabular lip. This causes pain in the pelvis, groin and knee. Treatment of the hip joint consists of arthroscopy.

Pain increases when trying to move, when standing up, when sitting for a long time, when walking for a long time. In a horizontal position, pain becomes less pronounced. Additionally, pain in the lumbar region may be felt.

Dislocation

Most often, hip dislocation occurs in people at a young age. The cause of such an injury is an accident, a fall from a height, intensive sports training. With a dislocation, the joint of the femoral head moves away.

When a dislocation occurs, a pronounced pain syndrome of a sharp nature is felt. It is not possible to lean on the diseased limb, it is impossible to bend or lift it, as the pain becomes much more intense. Another symptom is deformity, an unnatural position of the limb. The joint becomes elastic, and hemorrhage and swelling are visualized under the skin.

Fracture

This injury is quite severe and serious. More often it is faced by the elderly and professional athletes.

The main manifestations of a femoral neck fracture are:

• severe pain in the groin, which increases with movement of the limb;
• rotation of the diseased limb relative to the axis;
• the injured leg is shortened by a few centimeters;
• inability to lift a straight limb in the supine position.

When to see a doctor

Seek medical attention if the following symptoms appear:

• intense pain;
• hemorrhages;
• severe swelling.

If the pain is mild and resolves on its own within a week, this is a normal recovery process. If there is a slightly pronounced pain, swelling persists for more than one week, you need to visit a specialist.

First Aid

First Aid for injured tissues consists of the following actions:

• Rest – this will protect injured tissues from further damage;
• application of a cold compress – it reduces swelling and pain;
• compression – fixation of the damaged area, for this purpose an elastic bandage is used;
• raising the sore leg above the level of the heart – this ensures the outflow of blood and lymph fluid, reduces swelling.