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Pain in the lower left hip area: Why Does My Hip Hurt? 8 Causes of Hip Pain & Problems: Treatment Options

Why Does My Hip Hurt? 8 Causes of Hip Pain & Problems: Treatment Options

Written by Stephanie Watson

  • Causes of Hip Pain
  • Symptoms of Hip Pain
  • Hip Pain Relief

The hip joint can withstand repeated motion and a fair amount of wear and tear. This ball-and-socket joint — the body’s largest — fits together in a way that allows for fluid movement.

Whenever you use the hip (for example, by going for a run), a cushion of cartilage helps prevent friction as the hip bone moves in its socket.

Despite its durability, the hip joint isn’t indestructible. With age and use, the cartilage can wear down or become damaged. Muscles and tendons in the hip can get overused. Bones in the hip can break during a fall or other injury. Any of these conditions can lead to hip pain.

If your hips are sore, here is a rundown of what might be causing your discomfort and how to get hip pain relief.

 

These are some of the conditions that commonly cause hip pain:

Arthritis. Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis are among the most common causes of hip pain, especially in older adults. Arthritis leads to inflammation of the hip joint and the breakdown of the cartilage that cushions your hip bones. The pain gradually gets worse. People with arthritis also feel stiffness and have reduced range of motion in the hip. Learn more about hip osteoarthritis.

Hip fractures. With age, the bones can become weak and brittle. Weakened bones are more likely to break during a fall. Learn more about hip fracture symptoms.

Bursitis. Bursae are sacs of liquid found between tissues such as bone, muscles, and tendons. They ease the friction from these tissues rubbing together. When bursae get inflamed, they can cause pain. Inflammation of bursae is usually due to repetitive activities that overwork or irritate the hip joint. Learn more about bursitis of the hip.

Tendinitis. Tendons are the thick bands of tissue that attach bones to muscles. Tendinitis is inflammation or irritation of the tendons. It’s usually caused by repetitive stress from overuse. Learn more about tendinitis symptoms.

Muscle or tendon strain. Repeated activities can put strain on the muscles, tendons, and ligaments that support the hips. When they become inflamed due to overuse, they can cause pain and prevent the hip from working normally. Learn about the best stretches for tight hip muscles.

Hip labral tear. This is a rip in the ring of cartilage (called the labrum) that follows the outside rim of the socket of your hip joint. Along with cushioning your hip joint, your labrum acts like a rubber seal or gasket to help hold the ball at the top of your thighbone securely within your hip socket. Athletes and people who perform repetitive twisting movements are at higher risk of developing this problem. Learn more about hip labral tears.

Cancers. Tumors that start in the bone or that spread to the bone can cause pain in the hips, as well as in other bones of the body. Learn more about bone tumors​​​​​​​.

Avascular necrosis (also called osteonecrosis). This condition happens when blood flow to the hip bone slows and the bone tissue dies. Although it can affect other bones, avascular necrosis most often happens in the hip. It can be caused by a hip fracture or dislocation, or from the long-term use of high-dose steroids (such as prednisone), among other causes.

Depending on the condition that’s causing your hip pain, you might feel the discomfort in your:

  • Thigh
  • Inside of the hip joint
  • Groin
  • Outside of the hip joint
  • Buttocks

Sometimes pain from other areas of the body, such as the back or groin (from a hernia), can radiate to the hip.

You might notice that your pain gets worse with activity, especially if it’s caused by arthritis. Along with the pain, you might have reduced range of motion. Some people develop a limp from persistent hip pain.

If your hip pain is caused by a muscle or tendon strain, osteoarthritis, or tendinitis, you can usually relieve it with an over-the-counter pain medication such as acetaminophen or a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug such as ibuprofen or naproxen.

Rheumatoid arthritis treatments also include prescription anti-inflammatory medications such as corticosteroids, disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) like methotrexate and sulfasalazine, and biologics, which target the immune system.

Another way to relieve hip pain is by holding ice to the area for about 15 minutes a few times a day. Try to rest the affected joint as much as possible until you feel better. You may also try heating the area. A warm bath or shower can help ready your muscle for stretching exercises that can lessen pain.

If you have arthritis, exercising the hip joint with low-impact exercises, stretching, and resistance training can reduce pain and improve joint mobility. For example, swimming is a good non-impact exercise for arthritis. Physical therapy can also help increase your range of motion.

When osteoarthritis becomes so severe that the pain is intense or the hip joint becomes deformed, a total hip replacement (arthroplasty) may be a consideration. People who fracture their hip sometimes need surgery to fix the fracture or replace the hip.

Call your health care provider if your pain doesn’t go away, or if you notice swelling, redness, or warmth around the joint. Also call if you have hip pain at night or when you are resting.

Get medical help right away if:

  • The hip pain came on suddenly.
  • A fall or other injury triggered the hip pain.
  • Your joint looks deformed or is bleeding.
  • You heard a popping noise in the joint when you injured it.
  • The pain is intense.
  • You can’t put any weight on your hip.
  • You can’t move your leg or hip.

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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.


Less serious causes
Serious causesFemale-only causesMale-only causes
ArthritisBone cancerEctopic pregnancyProstate cancer
BursitisHerniaEndometriosis
Celiac diseaseIliopsoas abscessMenstrual pain
Crohn’s diseaseIlium fractureOvarian cyst
DiverticulitisKidney stonesPelvic inflammatory disease (PID)
Muscle strain (side stitch)Left-sided appendicitis
OsteomyelitisLeukemia
Pinched nervePancreatic cancer
Polymyalgia rheumatica
Sacroiliac joint dysfunction

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.

Drawing pain in the thigh, buttock and groin

Drawing pain in the thigh, buttock or groin is a common symptom that makes people immediately seek treatment from doctors of various specialties. Most people at least once in their lives have experienced such complaints. Self-administration of medications, application of anesthetic ointments, warming up can aggravate the development and manifestation of pain without an accurate diagnosis.

Let’s try to understand the causes, possible diseases associated with the manifestation of such symptoms, as well as methods of diagnosis and treatment.

The main causes of pulling pain in the thigh, buttock or groin

The search for the starting point of such a complaint often causes difficulties in differential diagnosis, since the causes of unpleasant sensations in these areas may be the result of a number of pathological conditions of the human musculoskeletal system. There are everyday causes (lifestyle, postures at work), acute diseases (traumas, exacerbations of chronic conditions), functional deviations in the work of the muscular corset.

Among the provocateurs of this pain syndrome, it should be noted:

– excessive physical activity associated with labor activity

– “sedentary” work;

– overweight problems;

– the period of bearing a child.

Conditions and diseases of the musculoskeletal system, the symptom of which may be drawing pain in the lower limb.

  1. Lesions of the lumbosacral spine.

Degenerative-dystrophic processes in the spine often become the main cause of pain in the thigh and buttock. This is due to the pathological cascade of changes in the state of the intervertebral discs, intervertebral joints of the ligamentous-muscular corset. With the progression of intervertebral protrusion or hernia, compression and irritation of the nerves may occur, resulting in pain symptoms. Depending on the level of this influence, the localization of the problem will also change.

  1. Arthropathy of the hip joint

Among the lesions of the hip joints, coxarthrosis should be ranked first. The prevalence of this pathology, according to scientific literature, reaches 18% in the group of diseases of the musculoskeletal system. Clinical manifestations of coxarthrosis, namely, limited mobility in the joint, sparing of the leg when walking, pain when probing soft tissues, muscle spasm can cause pain both in the back and in the hip area. Second defeat

  1. Femoral neuropathy

Femoral neuropathy is a fairly common mononeuropathy of the lower extremities. There are several areas in which the anatomical and topographic features of the femoral nerve predispose it to an increased risk of compression or injury – in the region of the iliopsoas muscle, under the inguinal ligament, in the region of Gunther’s canal and when exiting it. Depending on the level of the lesion, the clinical manifestations of femoral neuropathy vary significantly.

  1. Physical injuries of the thigh area

Any traumatic impact on the muscle structures of the lower limb gives a range of pain symptoms. Bruises, sprains and overstrain of the musculoskeletal system, the consequences of femoral fractures should be considered as a possible cause of pain. Even remote manifestations are often the result of trauma.

  1. Trochanterite

This is inflammation of the upper point of the femur, called the trochanter, to which tendons and muscle fibers are attached. Given the inflammatory nature of tronchateritis, this disease is often mistaken for arthrosis. This condition is characterized by pain during verticalization, movement. The anterior-lateral surface of the thighs is most often affected. Unlike coxarthrosis, movement in the joint is not objectively limited.

  1. Myofascial pain syndromes

Musculoskeletal disorders are also one of the factors of pain in the thigh and buttocks. Most clearly, such a pathology is reflected by myofascial pain syndromes, characterized by the development of muscle dysfunction and the formation of local painful seals in the muscle tissue. The most common of these syndromes are piriformis syndrome and iliac-tibial tract syndrome.

Piriformis syndrome is a condition that is particularly associated with pain in the buttock and/or thigh. In some articles this syndrome is defined as peripheral neuritis of the branches of the sciatic nerve caused by non-physiological overexertion of the piriformis muscle. Women with CGM are diagnosed more often than men (ratio is 6:1)

(connective tissue that covers all the muscles in your body) connective tissue that runs from the top of the pelvis down the outer thigh, crosses the outside of the knee, and attaches to the very top of the tibia. This anatomical structure serves as a link between the main muscles of the pelvis and the knee. The main function of this tract during running is to stabilize the knee during the impact of the foot on the ground. The syndrome of the iliac-tibial tract most often develops against the background of its damage. The pain is localized in the area of ​​the outer part of the knee or just above it, although it can extend up to the top of the femur.

  1. Joint dysfunction and flat feet.

Tracing the direct muscular-fascial relationship of the distal and proximal parts of the lower limb, it is necessary to take into account pathological changes in the ankle joints and feet. Regular physical overload, as well as deformation of the anatomical structure of the feet, give ascending causes of the development of pain symptoms in the upper legs, in the hip joint, ligaments and muscles. The scientifically proven myofascial kinematic chain with a high frequency leads to the development of pain in the area of ​​the previously mentioned regions. However, such a clinical picture does not always have organic lesions in the joints, muscles or bone and ligamentous elements. Localization of pain sensations may vary depending on the violation in a particular biomechanical motor chain.

Diseases and pathological conditions not associated with damage to the musculoskeletal system and capable of causing similar pain

– Diseases of an infectious or parasitic nature, accompanied by fever, severe intoxication, damage to the vascular membranes of the brain and spinal cord (bacterial or viral infections, tick-borne encephalitis, borreliosis, botulism, trichinosis)

– Damage to the vascular and lymphatic bed of the pelvic region and lower extremities (varicose veins, atherosclerotic changes in the walls of blood vessels, lymphostasis)

– Conditions characterized by deficiency of vitamins and microelements formations in muscle tissues and connective tissues (rhabdomyosarcomas, leiomyosarcomas,

– Side effects of drugs (glucocorticosteroids, lipid-lowering drugs)

– Endocrinological diseases (diabetes mellitus)

– Physiological pain symptoms during pregnancy due to postural restructuring of the vertical axis of the body

– Ecomb syndrome (restless legs syndrome)

– Autoimmune diseases

900 07 Diagnosis

Correct diagnosis – the key to effective and high-quality treatment. Therefore, there is a certain examination algorithm, the volume of which can be determined by the doctor. The diagnostic path of a patient is built from the following steps:

1. Consultative examination and history taking.

2.Manual-muscle testing, assessment of motor stereotypes, detection of violations of the biomechanical chain of the musculoskeletal system.

3.Performance by the patient of specific tests and samples

4.Passage of additional laboratory and instrumental research methods: general and biochemical blood tests, laboratory tests for specific markers, radiography, ultrasound, Electroneuromyography, MRI, MSCT.

  1. Consultation of doctors of related specialties for verification of differential diagnosis.

This amount of diagnostics allows you to accurately determine the pathology and the cause that caused pain, since pain in the thigh, buttocks, groin can have different etiological factors. A well-designed diagnostic strategy allows the doctor to prescribe the necessary range of therapeutic measures in a short time.

Treatment

Any physical discomfort that changes the quality of life and movement will force a person to look for ways to solve and get rid of the disease. Often the lack of clinical thinking and trust in the media have a negative impact on the development and progression of the pain syndrome. Long-term refusal to visit a doctor, self-administration of medications and various procedures can lead to chronicity and difficulty in conservative treatment, turning to radical, surgical methods of treatment, followed by loss of functions and limitations.

At the “Freedom of Movement” medical center, an experienced team of qualified doctors will help you accurately diagnose and create an individual set of treatment procedures for achieving recovery. The staged reception of doctors allows the patient to ensure the smoothness and softness of the impact of therapeutic instruments.

Stage 1 is the initial appointment and diagnostics.

Stage 2 – treatment.

After the final diagnosis is made, a treatment plan is formed, which may include the following procedures:

– manual therapy

– osteopathy

– medical massage

– acupuncture

– physiotherapy

– medical therapy (therapeutic intra-articular and paravertebral injections, P RP-therapy, ACF-therapy, droppers)

Stage 3 – stabilization of the result

After achieving a stable improvement in the previously impaired function, reducing the pain syndrome, the patient proceeds to the stabilization phase. The basis of such consolidation of the result is a complex of means of therapeutic physical culture (LFK). The goals of exercise therapy are to strengthen the muscular corset, improve balance and coordination of movements, increase the range of motion in the joints, develop the flexibility and elasticity of the muscular-ligamentous apparatus.

Returning to possible provocateurs of the pain syndrome, in particular pain in the buttocks, thighs or groin, the patient is clearly and easily explained the need to form healthy habits and an optimal lifestyle:

– organization of a comfortable workplace

– position hygiene at night

– healthy balanced nutrition

– preventive examinations

– procedures supporting the result of treatment

– performing home individual exercises.

Pain in the left leg – General information, Causes. Tomsk

General information

Legs are a paired organ of support and human movement. The leg anatomically consists of three main parts:

hips;

drumsticks;

feet.

The femur is formed by the femur (the largest and strongest of human bones) and the patella that protects the knee joint. The lower leg is formed by the tibia and tibia. The foot is made up of many small bones. The place of articulation of the femur with the pelvic bone is called the hip joint.

The articulation of the femur and tibia is called the knee joint , and the articulation of the tibia with the bones of the foot: the ankle joint . The Achilles tendon limits the movement of the foot relative to the tibia. Injuries to the ankle and especially the knee joint are dangerous because they often cause irreversible damage.

Pain and heaviness in the legs become life companions for many people. Some people continue to endure such pain for a long period of time. Meanwhile, it is imperative to diagnose and identify the cause of the discomfort. After all, it is much easier to cure a disease at an early stage than a neglected one.

Causes of pain in the left leg

There are several causes that cause pain in the left leg. These are 90,007 diseases of the spine, 90,008 diseases of the joints, vessels of the legs, or muscles. Most often, the appearance of pain in the left leg is associated with 90,007 vascular diseases. This happens due to a violation of the outflow of venous blood and an increase in pressure in the vessels as a result. The resulting venous congestion is the cause of irritation of the nerve endings and the development of pain. Most often, such pains in the left leg are of a “dull” nature, heaviness in the leg is felt. Thus, gradually develops varicose veins.

In another vascular disease – thrombophlebitis , throbbing pain is observed, often turning into a burning sensation under the skin. With thrombophlebitis, pain in the left leg is permanent, especially pain in the calf muscles.

Another cause of pain in the left leg is atherosclerosis of the arteries . With this disease, the walls of blood vessels thicken, while the patient feels compressive pain in the calf muscles. Most often, atherosclerosis causes pain in the muscles of the lower leg. The pain is aggravated by walking. A characteristic symptom of atherosclerosis is a feeling of cold stops , regardless of the season.

The next group of diseases that provoke the appearance of pain in the left leg are diseases of the spine . The existing disorders in the functioning of the spine, for example, in the intervertebral discs, lead to the appearance of so-called radiating pains that radiate to the leg. This type of pain can be attributed to sciatica (inflammation of the sciatic nerve). In this disease, pain from the spine along the sciatic nerve is transmitted to the legs.

Damage to the femoral nerve

Most often, this disease is secondary to lumbar osteochondrosis , less often spondylitis (especially in children), tumors of the spine and is characterized by pain along the anterior-inner surface of the thigh. There is pain on palpation along the femoral nerve. Positive symptoms of nerve tension: pain along the anterior surface of the thigh when bending the leg at the knee joint in the patient’s position on the stomach; the strength of the quadriceps muscle is reduced, the knee jerk is reduced or absent, hypoesthesia in the zone of innervation of the femoral nerve.

Pain due to a femoral nerve lesion must be differentiated from pain due to inflammation of the iliopsoas muscle (psoitis), which is accompanied by flexion contracture of the hip. Very often, pain in the left leg is associated with 90,007 joint diseases. The pain “twists” the leg, as it were. The exacerbation of this pain syndrome is observed when the weather changes. At more serious stages of joint diseases, pain can be permanent, sometimes simply painful. This is especially true for attacks of pain in gout. Pain in the knee joint may indicate the destruction of the cartilage of this joint. But an accurate diagnosis and prescription of drugs can only be done by an experienced specialist.

Diseases of the peripheral nerves can also cause pain in the left leg. With neuralgia, pain is paroxysmal in nature and occurs along the course of nerve fibers. In the intervals between attacks, pain is practically absent, and the pain attack itself can last from several seconds to several minutes.

The most severe pain in the left leg occurs when the muscles become inflamed. Myositis is a rather serious disease that must be treated under constant medical supervision.

Pain in the left leg can be caused by a bone infection such as osteomyelitis. Pain in this disease is acute and prolonged. In this case, the cause of pain is the bones themselves.

In some cases, the cause of pain in the left leg is injury (contusion, fracture, sprain or rupture of ligaments and muscles), then the sequence of actions is more or less obvious. However, sometimes damage develops gradually as a result of excessive physical exertion, exercising without prior warm-up, wearing uncomfortable shoes, running on a hard surface.

A sharp pain in the shin of the left leg, combined with sudden redness of the skin and an increase in temperature, testifies in favor of erysipelas (erysipelas). Dense swelling, throbbing and arching pain in the lower leg may indicate the following problems:

At the same time, they increase the palpation and work of the muscles. You should seek medical help if the pain in the legs does not go away for three or more days, spreads to all parts of the lower extremities, is accompanied by their weakness, numbness and cooling, cyanosis or swelling of the skin.

Prevention and treatment

In order to prevent pain in the left leg, some rules must be observed. For example, for vascular problems, you need:

  • Limit fatty, cholesterol-rich foods in the diet;

  • lose weight;

  • regularly perform a special set of exercises to prevent the development of varicose veins.

Avoid prolonged standing or sitting. When sitting or standing, you need to regularly take breaks and change positions. It is worth consulting a doctor if sharp pains in the leg do not recede for three days, as well as:

  • Legs become numb, cold and weak;

  • pain radiates to the upper and lower parts of the leg;

  • skin turns blue and swells;

  • severe edema appeared after the injury.

In case of problems with the spine or joints, it is necessary to treat these diseases in a timely manner and follow the doctor’s instructions.