Pain in the Lower Right Abdomen: When to be Concerned

Pain is often a symptom of an underlying health problem and one area of the body that can experience great pain is the lower right abdomen. But when do you need to be concerned about an abdominal pain?

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What is in the lower right abdomen?

Before anything else, it is important to review the body’s anatomy. What are the organs located in the abdomen, and what diseases are often seen in these areas?

The abdomen has four quadrants – upper right, lower right, upper left, and the lower left. In addition to these, there are three areas in the middle abdomen, namely, the epigastric, umbilical, and hypogastric area.

In each area, there are specific organs or parts of the gastrointestinal system. For instance, the right upper part of the abdomen is where the liver, gall bladder, right kidney, and pancreas are located. In the left upper quadrant, the stomach, left kidney, and spleen are situated. The lower left quadrant is where the small intestine, colon, ureter, and major veins or arteries to the veins are located. Lastly, the lower right abdominal area is the site of the appendix, ascending colon, and part of the female reproductive organs.

abdominal pain – inside the mind of a doctorPlay

Right lower abdominal pain

There are many conditions that can cause lower right abdominal pain. But one of the most common causes is appendicitis. Other causes include:

• Colitis or inflammation of the colon (large bowel)
• Diverticulitis or inflammation of an outpouching of the colon
• Inflammatory bowel disease, IBD
• Irritable bowel syndrome, IBS
• Diseases of the female reproductive organs such as:

These are differentiated by a careful history, looking for specific signs on physical examination, and diagnostic radiography, ultrasound, and/or CT scanning of the abdomen. Symptoms like fever, migration of pain from near the navel to lower down on the right side, and the presence of rigidity and rebound tenderness of the abdominal wall should alert the physician to the possibility of appendicitis.

This must be confirmed by imaging studies as above. If the CT scan results are normal, the disease is likely to be localized in the female reproductive organs, the colon or the urinary tract, and specific examinations and tests must then be performed.

Pain in the lower right quadrant should be taken seriously if it is severe and accompanied by the following symptoms:

• Fever, chest pain, or a feeling of extreme faintness
• Severe vomiting immediately after eating
• Breathing problems
• Irregular pulse rate
• Dark or blackish stools
• Vomiting blood
• Mild pain persisting after two days
• Pain worsening, or accompanied by unexplained weight loss
• Pain with bloating over more than two days, or diarrhea for more than five days
• Pain with fever or associated urinary problems

It’s important to know about appendicitis as one of the most common causes of right lower quadrant abdominal pain.

What is appendicitis?

People who suffer from lower right abdominal pain may have a condition called appendicitis, or inflammation of the appendix. Appendicitis is a medical emergency and if it’s not treated immediately, it can be life-threatening. An inflamed appendix may burst or rupture, causing perforation and spilling of infective material into the abdominal cavity.

Causes of appendicitis

The appendix can be inflamed due to many causes, and more than one cause may be present in any given case. Some common reasons for inflammation of the appendix include:

• Blockage of the opening in the appendix
• Inflammatory bowel disease
• Hypertrophied (overgrown) tissue in the wall of the appendix (usually caused by an infection of the digestive tract)
• Trauma to the abdominal area
• the presence of hard stools, growths or parasites that can block the lumen of the appendix

The cause of appendicitis is unclear in many cases. It is true, nevertheless, that one of the most common causes is the obstruction of the appendix.

Appendicitis may be mild if treatment is initiated promptly. If pus builds up in the appendix due to inflammation, it may burst, flooding the abdominal area or cavity with the infected matter.

This usually happens after 36 hours from the onset of infection in the appendix. It may result in peritonitis (inflammation of the lining of the abdominal cavity) which is a potentially life-threatening complication, demanding prompt medical treatment.

When should you be concerned about right lower abdominal pain?

Appendicitis is a medical emergency. The common symptoms include a dull pain near the umbilical area or navel that becomes sharp, loss of appetite, constipation or diarrhea with gas, inability to pass gas, nausea or vomiting, and fever.

Other symptoms may appear, such as painful urination and a feeling that having a bowel movement will relieve discomfort and pain. Appendicitis can be mistaken for other conditions, such as gassy pains.

However, appendicitis may be suggested if the pain begins near the navel and moves to the right lower quadrant, becomes worse upon moving, walking or sneezing, becomes more intense over a few hours, occurs abruptly and may even wake you up from sleep, if the pain is the first symptom to occur, and if it very severe, often described as a pain worse than you’ve never felt before.

If you feel any of these symptoms, you must seek medical attention immediately.

How is appendicitis treated?

The only treatment for appendicitis is the surgical removal of the inflamed appendix. Pain medications can help relieve pain, but not for long. As long as the appendix is inflamed, the pain will persist. Worse, the appendix can rupture and cause infection in the whole abdominal cavity.

Appendectomy is a procedure involving the removal of the appendix. The procedure can be done through two methods – laparoscopic surgery and laparotomy. In laparoscopic surgery, surgeons use small incisions and specialized tools to remove the appendix. Since it’s less invasive than the traditional surgery, it has fewer complications and a shorter hospital stay.

On the other hand, laparotomy involves the removal of the appendix through a single incision over the abdominal wall in the right lower right quadrant. This is more invasive and may require a longer time for the patient to recover.

Usually, antibiotics are intravenously given to reduce the risk of peritonitis. The typical length of stay is between three and five days. The removal of the appendix has not been shown to have any effect on the digestive system, whether in the short or long term.

Further Reading

7 Common Causes of Hip Pain

Hip pain is all too common, with everyone from recent college graduates to grandparents at risk.

But why you are suffering can be difficult to pinpoint. To get the proper diagnosis, the best clues are the type of pain and where it is located.

Here, Shane Nho, MD, MS, a hip preservation specialist at Rush, looks at seven common causes of hip pain — including some might surprise you.

1. Core muscle injury (a.k.a. sports hernia or athletic pubalgia)

If you feel pain in your groin area, it might be a core muscle injury, such as a strain or tear of muscles or other soft tissues in the lower abdomen.

This injury is quite common in weekend warriors — especially those who play sports involving a lot of extreme twisting and turning, but who aren’t as athletically conditioned as they need to be.

Treatment: Resting the affected muscles for several weeks can help. You may also require surgery to repair the torn muscle by a general surgeon.

2. Bursitis

If it hurts on the outside of your hip, thigh and/or buttocks, you can probably blame bursitis — the inflammation of the pillow-like fluid sacs that keep tendons and muscles from rubbing directly against bone.

“Though walking for a long time or climbing stairs can make it worse, bursitis usually is not associated with activity-related pain. It just hurts day to day,” Nho says. “Even lying on that side when you sleep can make it hurt.”

Bursitis becomes more common as we age, and is especially prevalent in people over 60.

Treatment: At home, try rest, putting ice compresses on the area and taking anti-inflammatory and pain medications. Sometimes, your doctor may give you a cortisone injection to reduce inflammation.

3. Tendonitis

If you’re active, and your hip flexor (the group of muscles that lets you bring your knee and leg toward your body) or groin are tender when you touch or move them, you may have tendonitis.

“Straining or over-using tendons — the cords that attach the muscle to the bone — creates repeated minor injuries that eventually lead to muscular imbalances in the hip,” Nho explains. “People who do very specific activities over and over, like kicking a soccer ball, can be at risk for this severe pain.”

Treatment: Treatment options are similar to bursitis.

4. Labral tears

The labrum is the ring of cartilage that surrounds the hip socket and ensures the ball of the thighbone stays in place. When it tears — often in athletes and ballerinas — it causes pain in the hip or groin and limits movement, creating a sensation that the hip is locking, catching or clicking.

“The pain tends not to go away,” Nho says. This injury is common in people with anatomic abnormalities that make the hip too shallow or hips with impingement (see below), or in those who previously injured their hips.

Treatment: A type of minimally invasive surgery is used to repair the labrum and shave down the misshaped bone. This procedure corrects the hip’s alignment, relieving pain and protecting the joint.

The pain you feel in your hip could actually be coming from elsewhere in your pelvis.

5. Gynecological or pelvic floor issues

The pain you feel in your hip could actually be coming from elsewhere in your pelvis.

“The pelvis contains many systems, and everything is jammed in there, close together. Sometimes, there can be confusion about where the pain is coming from,” Nho says.

If the pain is limited to your groin and coincides with ovulation or your period, the cause could be endometriosis or fibroids rather than a problem with the hip. Urological and gastrointestinal issues, such as gastroenteritis and prostate cancer, could also cause pain that’s easily mistaken for a hip injury.

Treatment: Visit your primary care physician for a complete workup. Depending on the diagnosis, they may refer you to another specialist, such as a gynecologist or a gastroenterologist, for treatment.

6. Hip impingement

Nho treats hip pain in many younger people who do high-intensity athletics, such as Tough Mudder races, CrossFit or barre classes.

“These intense activities can actually cause the hip bones to fuse in an abnormal shape and limit movement,” Nho says. This is called hip impingement, or femoral acetabular impingement (FAI). Not only does it hurt, but it also increases the risk of premature osteoarthritis.

Treatment: Physical therapy can help and is often the first line of treatment. Ultimately, surgery to move the hipbones to unlock them might be required.

7. Osteoarthritis

This is a very common cause of a daily, dull pain in the hip. With osteoarthritis, your joints become stiff and swollen due to inflammation and breakdown of cartilage, causing pain and deformity. 

Recent studies show that osteoarthritis results when the hip bones are not formed perfectly, making them not fit together neatly. This eventually causes them to rub against each other, Nho says.

Being highly active — running marathons or playing high-impact sports like basketball — can increase your chances of getting osteoarthritis. Add aging, obesity or traumatic injury and the pain can become disabling.

Treatment: Along with rest, ice, steroids and over-the-counter pain and anti-inflammatory medications, more aggressive treatments include stem cell therapy and surgery, from hip resurfacing to total hip replacement.

Keep your hips healthy

To help prevent hip pain, Nho suggests the following:

• Control your weight
• Stretch or do yoga regularly
• Strengthen your care
• Get annual check-ups
• Exercise regularly, but make sure to do exercises that are appropriate for your age and physical condition

If your hip pain is intense or long lasting, visit your primary care physician. You might then be referred to a specialist for a closer look.

12 reasons for pain above right hip

Pain above the right hip can be distressing, and while there is a tendency to jump to conclusions about the cause, there are many cases where people are way off base when it comes to why the pain developed.

When we experience pain in any part of our body, it can be scary. If it is in the abdominal area, this statement is particularly true. The abdomen is a vital part of our anatomy as it consists of the stomach, liver, pancreas, gallbladder, kidneys, bladder, as well as the small and large intestine. Thankfully, most abdominal pain is resolved easily and quickly, but there are circumstances where it can be more serious. Did you know that sometimes pain above the right hip could be a sign of a problem within the abdomen?

Organs located above the right hip

To gain a full understanding of right side pain above the hip, it helps to know what organs are located above that hip. First and foremost, the hip is the joint where the acetabulum of the pelvic bone and the head of the femur meet. The femur is the thighbone. We point this out because most people refer to their pelvic bones as being their hip or specifically the upper portion, called the ilium. When people refer to this part of the body, they could, in fact, be talking about the iliac crest, which is where three bones merge to make up the hipbone. This area relates to the following:

• Cecum (a pouch) of the large intestine
• Appendix
• Ascending colon (one of four major regions of the colon)
• Right ureter (urine duct)
• Right ovary and fallopian tubes in women

Pain on the right side above the hip should be considered under the classification of right lower quadrant pain, as opposed to simply hip pain.

What causes pain above the right hip?

A lot of people experience hip pain at some point in there lives and it doesn’t last long, but if you have hip pain that doesn’t go away and is impacting your movement, you need to consider that there might be a reason, other than a pulled muscle or bruised bone due to physical activity. If you ever ask yourself, why is there pain in my right hip, remember the potential pain above right hip causes outlined below.

Abdominal wall problems

Made of skin, fat, muscles, and facia, an injury to the abdominal wall, muscle strain, hernia, irritation, or an infection can cause pain above the right hip. Usually, severe tenderness occurs along with the pain.

Appendicitis

This is inflammation of the appendix, which is a long tube of tissue that runs from the large intestine. We can live without an appendix, but if left untreated, an inflamed appendix will burst, causing infection in the abdomen. This infection can lead to peritonitis, a serious inflammation in the lining of the abdomen, which can be fatal. An inflamed appendix can also lead to an abscess, which can also lead to peritonitis. Almost all cases of appendicitis are treated with surgery and are considered an emergency.

Diverticulitis

When one or more pouches called diverticula form in the lining of the digestive system and become inflamed or infected, it is called diverticulitis. This condition can lead to severe stomach pain, fever, nausea, as well as a noticeable change in bowel habits. This problem is common in the West and the risk of getting it increases with age.

Gastroenteritis

Symptoms of diarrhea and vomiting (much like signs of flu) are often gastroenteritis. The cause can usually be traced to a viral or bacterial infection. Viral gastroenteritis is actually called the stomach flu.

Peptic ulcers

These are open sores that can develop on the inside lining of the stomach and upper part of the small intestine. Peptic ulcers can also be gastritis and happen on the inside of the stomach. A peptic ulcer is often accompanied by stomach pain. Most of the ulcers are caused by an infection due to the bacterium H. pylori.

Colon cancer

Also referred to as colorectal cancer, this is a malignant tumor or tumors that develop in the colon. The growth of cancer can begin in the colon and spread elsewhere in the body. Colon cancer is in the top 10 of most common cancers. It can be very aggressive.

Intestinal obstruction

This is a blockage that prevents food or liquid from passing through the small or large intestine. It may be the result of adhesions, which are fibrous bands of tissue, or it could be from Crohn’s disease, diverticulitis, hernias, or colon cancer. Prompt treatment is crucial.

Kidney stones

These are hard deposits made of minerals and salts that can form inside the kidneys. Sometimes they develop when urine becomes too concentrated and minerals crystallize. Lower back pain on the right side above the hip can be a sign of kidney stones. Many people pass kidney stones and don’t require any medical intervention; however, others might require surgery for situations like stones becoming lodged in the urinary tract.

Also read: Essential oils for kidney stones: How to use and recipes

Urinary tract infection

This can mean an infection in any part of the urinary system, including the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra. The majority of UTIs involve the bladder and the urethra. An infection in the bladder can spread to the kidneys, which can be serious. At least 50 percent of women report having a UTI at some point in their lives.

Polycystic ovary syndrome

This is a common hormonal disorder in women of reproductive age. While the exact cause is unknown, we can tell you that early diagnosis and treatment can reduce the risk of complications such as type-2 diabetes and heart disease. Women with PCOS can have difficulty conceiving since they can fail to release eggs on a regular basis.

Endometriosis

This is a painful disorder that causes tissue to grow outside of the uterus. It involves the ovaries, fallopian tubes, and the tissue lining the pelvis. When endometriosis involves ovaries, cysts can form. As a result, surrounding tissues can become irritated and adhesions can develop.

Urethritis

The ureter can become infected due to a bladder infection or kidney infection. Uncomfortable and painful, the risk of infection can quickly spread to other urinary related organs and impact a person’s ability to expel waste through urine.

As you can see, pain on the right side just above the right hip can mean many different things. While the above list covers the majority of issues that could be at play when you think you have a right hip problem, it is important to get a full physical assessment and tests to pinpoint the exact cause.

There are people who fracture their hip, dislocate their hip, tear cartilage that surrounds the edge of the socket in the pelvic area, or who have osteoarthritis in their hip. The long list of possibilities demonstrates that we should not take matters into our own hands. Once a proper diagnosis is made, only then can the right treatment be applied.

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What Pain on Your Right Side Could Mean

Pain on your right side is a common problem that can be due to a variety of minor to serious conditions. Pain in the right side of your belly (abdomen) is usually related to one of the organs in that area. They include:

A blood clot or infection in the right lung also can cause right-sided abdominal pain.

Types and Symptoms of Right-Sided Abdominal Pain

Pain on the right-side of your abdomen may be sharp or dull and last a short time (acute pain) or a long time (chronic pain). The pain might start in one place and move (radiate) to another.

Symptoms you experience with pain can be very important for you and your doctor in figuring out the potential cause of your pain. They can include nausea, cramping, diarrhea, fever and constipation.

Common causes of right-sided abdominal pain include:

• Liver disease, liver cancer, or liver infection. These conditions can cause pain in the right side of your upper abdomen. Upper-right abdominal pain is usually dull and chronic. Other symptoms may include nausea, yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes (jaundice), fatigue, dark-colored urine, swollen feet and ankles, bruising, and weight loss.

• Gallbladder disease or gallstones. Both of these conditions can be the source of pain in the right upper abdomen. The pain may be sharp and acute, may radiate to your back, and may occur after you eat a fatty meal. Other symptoms can include clay-colored stools, jaundice, and fever.

• Cancer, infection, or diseases of the right side of the colon. These conditions can cause crampy pain in the right side of your lower abdomen. Other symptoms with lower-right abdominal pain may include changes in bowel habits, weight loss, fever, blood or mucus in the stool, or tenderness when pressing on the right lower abdomen. A cancer or disease that blocks the colon may cause crampy pain and constipation.

• Appendicitis. Appendicitis causes acute pain that starts in the middle or right side of the abdomen and moves down to the lower right side. The lower right side may be tender and swollen. Other symptoms may include chills, fever, nausea or vomiting, and constipation or diarrhea.

• Kidney disease, kidney infection, or kidney stones. These kidney problems can cause acute pain. The pain is sharp and may move behind the ribs or into the groin. Other symptoms may include a burning feeling when urinating, blood in the urine, fever, and tenderness in the right flank—the side area between your ribs and hip.

• Pelvic conditions in women. Conditions in a woman’s pelvic area that can cause lower-right abdominal pain include ectopic pregnancy, ovarian cyst, and infection. An ectopic pregnancy is a fertilized egg that has attached outside the uterus, typically within one of the fallopian tubes. Ectopic pregnancy pain may be acute and sharp. Other symptoms may include vaginal bleeding and changes in bowel habits. Pain from an ovarian cyst may come and go and be dull and may radiate to the back. Other symptoms may include abnormal and painful periods. A pelvic infection may cause fever and vaginal discharge or bleeding.

• Blood clot or infection in the right lung. A blood clot that moves to the lung is a pulmonary embolism. A blood clot in the right lung may cause right upper abdominal pain that is sharp, severe and acute. Other symptoms of pulmonary embolism may include shortness of breath, cough, fast breathing, and blood-tinged sputum (mucus) with coughing. A painful lung infection is pneumonia, which may cause fever.

Red Flags for Right Abdominal Pain

Mild abdominal pain that goes away and does not come back may not need treatment. However, talk to your doctor if you are experiencing severe abdominal pain or if it keeps coming back. It is never normal to have abdominal pain, so tell your doctor about your symptoms.

Certain “red flags” mean you need to seek medical care. Watch for these serious symptoms:

• Severe or worsening pain

• Pain with fever

• Pain with diarrhea

• Constipation that lasts more than three days

• Blood in your stool

• Pain with nausea or vomiting

• Vomiting blood

• Jaundice

• Pain with swelling of the abdomen

• Severe tenderness of the abdomen

• Pain with vaginal discharge or bleeding

Anterior Hip Pain – Pain at the front of the hip

The  nervous system  (Figure 5. 1) is a complex network of  nerves  and cells that carry messages between the brain and spinal cord and your body. It is through this system that we feel, move and control our bodily functions. Nerve roots leave the spinal cord via the intervertebral foramina (holes or spaces between the vertebrae) and join together from various levels of the spine to travel as cord-like structures, called nerves, to their destinations. It is these nerves that travel outside the spinal cord that are referred to as “peripheral nerves”. Some peripheral nerves travel only a short distance and others all the way from the lower back to the foot. Along their journey they run between and through muscles and fibrous tunnels. While radicular pain arises from a problem as the nerve root exits the spine, nerve-related pain may develop due to a problem along the pathway of a peripheral nerve, outside the spine. Pain related to a nerve is called “Neuralgia”.

Neuralgia felt around the hip and pelvis may develop in many ways including excessive compression or stretch of the nerve.   This may be caused by a sudden, acute mechanism, for example a fall or blow to the area resulting in compression, or the leg being caught and wrenched, resulting in stretch.  Alternatively, the onset may be subtle, with a gradual onset associated with sustained postures or repetitive movements that cause cumulative nerve irritation. Nerves will also be influenced by the health of the tissues they run through or alongside. For example, high muscle tension or tendinopathy may over time result in irritation of neighbouring nerves.  

Nerve related symptoms are usually experienced differently from pain associated with muscle and joint problems.  

Peripheral nerve irritability may result in:

• symptoms in the area served by that peripheral nerve (which is different from dermatomal patterns associated with nerve root irritation -radicular pain)
• burning pain
• odd zings or zaps of pain
• tingly sensations or numbness
• weakness – only for those nerves that supply muscles, like the femoral nerve

In viewing the individual nerves that may be contributing to your anterior hip pain, be aware that some nerves may cross through and supply more than one region.   Additionally, some areas of skin may have several nerves that serve the area.  This sometimes makes accurate diagnosis tricky.  Your hip pain professional will help to identify the cause of your pain. 

Nerves of the Anterior Hip and Groin Regions:

Nerves that supply the front of the hip, groin and thigh (Figure 5.2) include:

• the iliohypogastric nerve
• the ilioinguinal nerve
• the genitofemoral nerve
• the obturator nerve
• the femoral nerve: the anterior femoral cutaneous nerve

Nerve Related Pain/Neuralgia in the Anterior Hip & Groin Regions

Irritation or damage to the ilioinguinal, iliohypogastric and genitofemoral nerves may occur as they travel through the muscles of the back and abdomen. Most commonly, symptoms may arise following some sort of abdominal or groin surgery, such as hernia repair. The nerves may be damaged at the time of surgery or become entrapped in the scar tissue or mesh used for hernia repair. Endometriosis may also sometimes affect these nerves. The symptoms are usually pain, with or without tingling or numbness in the area of nerve supply (Figure 5.3). The iliohypogastric and ilioinguinal nerves also provide some motor supply (the ability to make the muscles contract and work) to the abdominal muscles, so there may be some weakness of the abdominals experienced in conjunction with the nerve irritation.

Irritation or damage to the ilioinguinal, iliohypogastric and genitofemoral nerves may occur as they travel through the muscles of the back and abdomen. Most commonly, symptoms may arise following some sort of abdominal or groin surgery, such as hernia repair. The nerves may be damaged at the time of surgery or become entrapped in the scar tissue or mesh used for hernia repair. Endometriosis may also sometimes affect these nerves. The symptoms are usually pain, with or without tingling or numbness in the area of nerve supply (Figure 5.3). The iliohypogastric and ilioinguinal nerves also provide some motor supply (the ability to make the muscles contract and work) to the abdominal muscles, so there may be some weakness of the abdominals experienced in conjunction with the nerve irritation.

For Pain Related to Nerves/Neuralgia of the Anterior Hip:

Your Hip Pain Professional can:

• Perform specific tests in the clinic to see if nerve involvement is likely 
• Provide treatments and give you exercises that may improve the health or movement of the nerve  
• Help improve health of the muscles and tendons beside the nerve (this may be the source of nerve irritation) 
• Review the position you spend time in and activities you perform daily and provide strategies when performing these tasks that might help protect the nerve, thus reducing your symptoms.  This may include changing your sitting or lying posture, or changing stretches or strength exercises that you have been performing that may be contributing to the irritation the nerve 
• Provide nerve gliding or mobility exercises that can be useful in some situations 
• Refer you for further tests or to a neurologist, orthopaedic specialist or other pain specialist if required.    
• In some cases, your hip pain professional may refer you to a pelvic floor physio for further assessment should they consider the pelvic floor muscles are involved. 

* Please note: Nerve supply can overlap and be quite variable between individuals. The diagram provided in this section provides an approximate guide only of the nerve supply in this region. 

Why does my hip hurt when I walk?

Hip, Self Care

Your hip joint is the largest joint in your body. When it hurts, it can slow you down or even stop you.

Hip pain can result from injury or diseases that directly affect the bone, cartilage, or other parts of the joint. Pain can also occur when something goes awry with the heavy-duty muscles supporting the hip joint: quadriceps in the front of the thigh, hamstrings in the back of the leg, and gluteus maximus or buttocks.

If you experience pain in the outside of the hip, in the groin, thigh, buttock, or low back when you walk, it can point to an illness or injury in your hip.

Common conditions that cause hip pain.

Arthritis

The first and most apparent cause is arthritis. Inflammation from arthritis stresses the hip joint, causing wear and tear. As you walk, you may feel pain from:

• Swelling in the hip joint
• Illness or injury to other supporting tissues
• A breakdown of cartilage leading to bone-on-bone contact

Pain from arthritis is often felt toward the front of the body in the hip, thigh, or groin.

Internal pelvic issues

Sometimes, gynecological problems or disease or inflammation in the pelvic area, cause pain to radiate to the hip. This pain may be sharp or a dull ache, depending on the cause.

Fractures

Large hip fractures can be extremely painful and life-limiting. But even hairline fractures or cracks in the hip bone can cause hip pain. Major hip fractures often happen because of injury or osteoporosis, a condition that causes weak bones.

The culprits causing hairline fractures or cracks may be overuse or sports-related injuries. People who run, swim, cycle, or play competitive ball games, including golf, are more susceptible to hip pain due to overuse.

Connecting- and soft-tissue illnesses and injuries also cause hip pain.

Sprains and strains

When people think about sprains and strains, wrists and ankles readily come to mind. But ligaments and tendons supporting all types of joints can be stressed, strained, or become inflexible, including those in the hip.

Sprains and strains result from pulling, overstretching, or tearing muscles, ligaments, and other connecting tissues in the joint. Pain from sprains ranges from mild discomfort when moving to an inability to move the leg at all.

Sprains and strains caused by an overuse injury will become more severe over time. As more force is applied to the connecting tissues and ligaments, micro-tears progress in size until the ligament ruptures.

If you’re active and notice any of the following symptoms, stop your activity.

• Hip or leg pain when walking
• Swelling, heat, or bruising near the hip
• Muscle twitches or spasms in the thigh, buttock, hamstrings, or hip

When caught early, the best treatment for sprains and strains is a rest from activity. If the pain continues you may have a ligament tear. Torn ligaments require the care of an orthopedic or sports medicine specialist.

Tendons issues

When tendons cause hip pain, it may indicate tendonitis or tendinosis.

Though both conditions affect the tissues attaching the muscles to the hip bones, they are different.

Tendonitis is the swelling and inflammation of the tendon sheath. When tendons experience illness or injury, the body heals itself by flooding the area with oxygen-rich blood. The additional blood flow restricts movement, causing swelling and inflammation. It may take up to 6 weeks for your body to heal from tendonitis.

Tendinosis is caused by wear and tear that changes the shape and function of the tendon. Since tendinosis affects the fibers of the tendon, it often takes 12 weeks to 6 months to heal.

Conditions affecting the tendons cause pain in the hip, back, or legs. The pain usually builds over time as the hip joint becomes more swollen and stiffer. The hip may feel warm to the touch when tendonitis or tendinosis causes pain.

The best ways to prevent severe tendon injuries are by stretching before activity and building strength of the leg, core, and back muscles to support the hip joint.

If you suffer from a tendon illness or injury, talk to your orthopedic provider before taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAIDs) medications like ibuprofen. Some studies show NSAIDs can slow the healing of tendon injuries.

If you suspect a tendon condition, contact your orthopedic care provider for the best treatment.

Bursae conditions

Where you have tendons, muscles, and ligaments, you also have bursae. Where you have bursae, you have the potential for bursitis.

The bursae are fluid-filled sacs that cushion soft tissues as they move against the bones. Like other parts of the body, these sacs can become inflamed when they are overused, injured, or infected.

There are two types of bursae in the hip: the trochanteric on the bony or outer side of the hip and the iliopsoas on the groin side.

The symptoms of bursitis of the hip include pain and stiffness that becomes worse with movement. If you have bursitis, you may feel pain when you:

• Move your leg
• Lie on the outside of the hip
• Walk up the stairs
• Get out of a deep-seated chair.

If you experience these symptoms, contact Bone & Joint and make an appointment with an orthopedic provider. 

Tight Hip Flexors

Tight hip flexors are another cause of hip and back pain. The hip flexors consist of the psoas muscles that attach the lower region of the back to the femur and the iliacus muscles on the front side of the body, connecting the pelvis to the femur. These powerful muscles work together to move the hip when walking or flex the legs when sitting. When people sit for hours at a time and hold the flexors in a contracted position, they become tight and inflamed.

Special exercises to lengthen the hip flexors can help relieve discomfort and add flexibility to the joint.

Hip Dislocations

Hip dislocations are another extremely painful condition affecting the hip. When the hip joint suffers the trauma of a sports-related injury or another type of accident, the hip joint’s ball-and-socket may move out of place. This painful injury requires medical attention. Unfortunately, once a person dislocates their hip, the risk of dislocating the hip again, increases.

These are just a few of the many injuries of illnesses that create hip pain. If you experience pain in your hip that makes it difficult to follow your daily routine, contact one of Bone & Joint’s orthopedic providers. They have the expertise to diagnose the cause of your hip pain and get you back on the road to recovery.

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Hip and Pelvic Pain During Pregnancy

During pregnancy, you may feel some aches or pains in your hip or pelvic region, and sometimes it can be difficult to pinpoint the exact problem. Here, we describe some of the causes and common symptoms of hip and pelvic pain, and offer some tips on how you can relieve or prevent the pain.

What Can Hip and Pelvic Pain Feel Like During Pregnancy?

It might help to know where the pelvis and hips are located in relation to one other: The pelvis, which is a large bone structure at the base of your spine, sits at the lower part of your torso. The hips are the joints on either side of the pelvis that connect each thigh to the pelvis.

If you feel pain in the pelvic or hip area, it can sometimes be tricky to pinpoint exactly where and what is sore. Pain in the pelvis or hip may even feel like back pain, particularly if it’s radiating, and many women have back pain at some point during pregnancy. Plus, women experience pain in different ways: Some feel sharp, sudden discomfort, while others get a dull, constant ache. For you, it may even be a bit of each at different times throughout your pregnancy. Your healthcare provider will be able to make an accurate diagnosis.

Pelvic pain during pregnancy is not uncommon. It can be dull or sharp, constant or infrequent, mild or severe. You might even feel it radiate to your lower back, buttocks, or thighs. You might experience pelvic pain only during certain movements, for example if it hurts to walk. Or you might feel it in certain positions, for example when you lie down to sleep.

Make sure to tell your doctor about any pain that disrupts your daily life, that gets worse over time, or that feels severe; let your doctor know if you also feel light-headed, or if you have vaginal bleeding or a fever as well as pain.

Causes of Hip Pain

If you experience hip pain in early pregnancy or later in the first trimester, it may not be the result of pregnancy, but may be related to another condition. Your healthcare provider will be able to help pinpoint the cause.

Hip pain during the second or third trimester may be caused by sciatica. This condition occurs when the growing uterus presses against the sciatic nerve. The pain can shoot down your lower back, hip, and back of the leg. The good news is this kind of pain will often resolve itself once your baby is born.

Causes of Pelvic Pain

Experiencing pelvic pain in early pregnancy is usually not a cause for concern. It can occur as your bones and ligaments shift to accommodate your growing baby.

In early pregnancy or even later during the first trimester, pelvic pain can be a symptom of an ectopic pregnancy, which is when the fertilized egg implants somewhere other than the uterus — usually in the fallopian tube. Other ectopic pregnancy symptoms include feeling a sharp pain in your shoulder, having vaginal bleeding or spotting, or feeling faint, dizzy, or weak. Ectopic pregnancies require medical treatment, so if you notice any of these symptoms, contact your doctor right away.

Pelvic pain during the third trimester can be triggered by the extra weight you are now carrying, as well as pregnancy hormones. The joints that connect the two halves of your pelvis are usually quite stiff and hard. Later in pregnancy, the hormone relaxin causes the muscles, joints, and ligaments in your pelvic region to loosen to make it easier for your baby to pass through the birth canal. This loosening, however, can lead to discomfort in the pelvic region if the ligaments and joints become too mobile.

Another change that happens later in pregnancy is that your baby drops lower into the pelvis in preparation for birth. As a result, you will feel more pressure in your pelvis, hips, and bladder. The plus side? It’s a sign your baby is getting ready to be born, and you may be able to breathe a little easier as the pressure is taken off your lungs. If your pregnancy is not yet full term, pressure in your pelvic region or lower abdomen could be a sign of preterm labor, so contact your healthcare provider right away if you notice this. Preterm labor may be accompanied by other symptoms such as a dull lower backache, bloody vaginal discharge, or regular contractions.

Pelvic pain can sometimes be a symptom of a urinary tract infection (UTI). If you also have a fever or a burning sensation while you pee, contact your healthcare provider for advice and treatment.

How to Prevent or Relieve Pelvic or Hip Pain During Pregnancy

It’s best to ask your healthcare provider, who may advise you to

• avoid standing for long periods of time

• avoid lifting heavy objects

• get regular exercise but without overexerting yourself. Download our free guide to exercising while pregnant (always check in first with your provider before starting a new exercise regimen)

• take a warm bath

• practice good posture

• sleep with a pillow between your knees

• use a heat pack on the sore areas

• do Kegel exercises

• use a maternity support belt.

Your healthcare provider may recommend pain relief drugs, physical therapy, or specific exercises to help reduce hip or pelvic pain.

Hip or pelvic pain may be one of the annoying aches you experience during pregnancy, but sometimes, just knowing that this can be a natural part of pregnancy helps.

FAQs at a Glance

Is pressure in the pelvic area a sign of labor?

As you start to approach labor, you may feel pressure in your pelvis when your baby “drops” lower in preparation for birth. This is known as “lightening,” and it may happen a few weeks or a few hours before labor actually begins.

Can pregnancy cause pelvic pain?

Yes. As the muscles, ligaments, and joints in the pelvic region stretch and move to make way for your growing baby, you may feel pelvic pain during pregnancy.

What does it mean when your pelvis hurts when pregnant?

Pelvic pain can be a normal part of pregnancy; however, your doctor will be able to confirm that everything’s going well and help treat the pain.

Which doctor should I contact for pain in the hip

Orthopedists of Moscow – latest reviews

I really liked the doctor and the quality of the appointment. A competent and attentive specialist who is interested in the patient’s well-being during the examination. He answered all my questions and ordered the necessary tests.I am happy with the result, as I expected less and received more. I am confident that I have been correctly diagnosed. I had an ultrasound scan and a full examination. I also signed up for an osteopath.

Moderation,

September 24, 2021

The reception went well.Dmitry Viktorovich examined, administered painkillers, prescribed a course of treatment. I liked the doctor’s approach to my problem. I was satisfied and would recommend this specialist to my friends, if necessary.

Zoya,

September 20, 2021

An excellent, experienced doctor.Georgy Zakharovich explained and told everything as it should, made it clear what the treatment should be. I was pleased with the reception and would contact this specialist again, if necessary.

Andrey,

September 22, 2021

The doctor is friendly and responsible. I visit this specialist once every two weeks, a month. First of all, I did a blockade on him, came with pain in the kneecap. Irina Nikolaevna explained to me that first it is necessary to remove the inflammation, and only then to start treatment. Now I go, very pleased with the reception. The treatment turned out to be quite good.

Evgeniya,

September 21, 2021

I liked it all very much.Neat, friendly, polite specialist. Igor Nikolaevich examined me at the reception and answered all my questions that I had. The doctor prescribed the necessary treatment. I will now be undergoing treatment. I will apply again if necessary.

Ksenia,

September 22, 2021

Much better now.The specialist made the diagnosis after passing inexpensive, by the way, tests. He wrote me individual recommendations and stabilized my health. Thanks a lot!

Valeria,

September 21, 2021

The doctor is very attentive, we liked it. Ruslan Rashitovich conducted an examination, answered all our questions. As a result of the admission, I wrote out the necessary recommendations. Explained everything clearly enough. If you need more, we will turn to this specialist. In general, we are satisfied with the reception.

Helena,

September 20, 2021

Several times I had a reception with Dr. Ametov.I liked the specialist. Very open and friendly doctor. I gave him intra-articular injections, I am very pleased with the results and the process. Everything is extremely careful and effective.

Aisylu,

September 21, 2021

Everything went well. Galina Nikolaevna is a high-level professional, she helped me, one might say saved me. At the reception, the doctor performed an examination and performed an operation. If necessary, I will contact this doctor again.

Olga,

September 20, 2021

The reception took place on time.The doctor listened to us carefully, ordered an additional examination, and made an X-ray. I made a preliminary diagnosis and prescribed the necessary treatment. I will also contact this specialist if necessary.

Marina,

September 21, 2021

Show 10 reviews of 9,128 90,000 types, symptoms, causes, diagnosis and treatment

Pain in the hip and pelvis is a fairly common complaint, especially in the elderly or professional athletes. It can be caused by various diseases of the musculoskeletal system – muscles, bones, joints. One of the possible causes is bursitis of the hip joint or inflammation in the joint capsule. Doctors of the Kuntsevo Medical and Diagnostic Center spoke about the causes, symptoms, methods of diagnosis and treatment.

What is bursitis of the joint

Bursa or joint capsule is located in those parts of the body where there is movement and shock absorption is needed. An articular bag is a kind of pocket made of a strong outer shell and mucous tissue inside.Its task is to protect the joint from injury, increased friction of moving elements against each other and nutrition of the cartilage tissue of the joint, which does not have its own blood vessels. For this, the cells of the inner layer of the bag produce a special synovial fluid. It contains all the trace elements necessary for nourishing and moisturizing cartilage.

In the hip joint there are several bursae located on the lateral side of the thigh (trochanteric) and in the depths of the ilio-lumbar and sciatic joint. Bursitis most commonly occurs in the trochanteric, sciatic, or iliolumbar bursae in the hip joint.

In case of inflammation, the amount and composition of the lubricating fluid changes. Calcium salts appear in it, the amount of protein increases, there may be traces of blood and inflammatory elements. The fluid itself becomes more, the joint capsule swells, causes pain and becomes the reason for the limitation of mobility in the joint.

Types of bursitis

Depending on the place where the inflammation occurs, there are:

• Trochanteric bursitis of the hip joint is a pathology in the area of ​​the external protrusion of the pelvic bones, where pain will be felt.
• Sciatic – inflammation occurs near the ischial tuberosity. Concerns about pain when straightening the leg from a bent position.
• Iliaccal – This inflammation is characterized by soreness and noticeable swelling on the front of the thigh.

The most common form is trochanteric bursitis of the femur (occurs up to two times more often than other types). It can bother women more often due to the anatomical features of the structure of the female pelvis – a wider pelvis leads to more intense muscle friction.

Trochanteric bursitis is often familiar to those who are professionally or actively at an amateur level engaged in jogging, cycling, work associated with constant being on their feet.

By the nature and duration of bursitis it happens:

• Acute – develops in a few days, more often serves as a consequence of injuries. For example, acute trochanteric bursitis can be the result of a fall on the side or a sharp collision (for example, hitting the hip on a table). The acute phase lasts about a month, after which, if it is not cured, it will turn into a chronic one.
• Chronic – a less intense and protracted inflammatory process.

There is a difference in the reason for the development of bursitis. Distinguish:

• Specific inflammations – due to non-infectious factors – joint injuries, large and constant load with monotonous movements.
• Nonspecific – it leads to an infectious lesion of the joint with tuberculosis, soft tissue infections and other causes.

The composition of the synovial fluid is also important for understanding the cause of the disease and the principles of treatment.On this basis, bursitis is divided into:

• Serous.
• Hemorrhagic – the presence of blood in the fluid.
• Purulent is the most dangerous form of acute bursitis with sharp pain, rapid development and the risk of complications.

Symptoms

Inflammatory process in the joint – bursitis of the hip joint is manifested by the following symptoms:

• Pain in the hip when walking, flexion / extension of the joint, lying (especially on the sore side).The most acute pain is at the very beginning of the inflammation, and as trochanteric bursitis of the hip joint turns into a chronic form, the symptoms gradually become less pronounced. With purulent bursitis, everything is different – as the amount of pus in the joint capsule increases, the pain becomes more and more severe.
• Edema – swelling (the diameter can be up to 10 cm) will be noticeable with bursitis of the trochanteric bursa or anterior. With inflammation of the inner sacs, edema is not visible.
• Impaired joint mobility due to swelling or pain.
• Reddening of the skin and an increase in its temperature – a sign is not always noticeable.
• Symptoms of general intoxication of the body – weakness, fever.
• Inflammation of the inguinal lymph nodes.

Symptoms of bursitis of the hip joint in women and men are the same, although the disease itself occurs in women more often (especially with active jogging). The very moment of injury (with post-traumatic bursitis) occurs with acute and sudden pain and clicking.In the future, it hurts to squat, climb steps, make rotational movements with your foot.

The course of the disease varies depending on the form of bursitis:

• In acute form – there is obvious pain, a burning sensation in the joint, fever.
• In chronic – characteristic signs may not be present or symptoms will be mild.

Reasons

Main causes of bursitis of the hip joint:

• Injuries and injuries to the joint and femur during falls, blows.The most dangerous are purulent and infectious bursitis injuries with violations of the integrity of the skin.
• Vigorous physical activity – standing work, running on uneven terrain, cycling and some other sports.
• Diseases of the spine and joints – arthritis, scoliosis, arthrosis and others.
• Allergies or autoimmune diseases (rheumatoid arthritis, scleroderma, and others), when inflammation occurs due to the reaction of one’s own immune cells.
• Deposition of calcium or uric acid in the joints, eg in gout.
• Diseases and conditions in which metabolism is disturbed: diabetes mellitus, kidney disease, long-term treatment of steroid hormones.
• Performed operations on the hip joint.

Risk factors for bursitis include:

• Overweight.
• Posture disorders and body asymmetry.
• Flat feet.
• Congenital dysplasia of the joint.

Diagnostics

Treatment of bursitis of the hip joint begins with diagnosis.The doctor must make sure that this is bursitis, and not another disease with similar symptoms. It is also necessary to understand the nature of inflammation – depending on the cause, different treatment will be required. Post-traumatic bursitis requires a mandatory reduction in the load on the joint, and infectious bursitis requires the use of antibiotics.

At the consultation, the doctor conducts an examination, learns in detail about the existing complaints, the peculiarities of their appearance. In addition, more accurate diagnostic methods are needed:

• Analysis of blood and synovial fluid.
• X-ray for the assessment of pathologies in the joint – deposits of osteophytes or others.
• Ultrasound or MRI – studies that allow you to evaluate soft tissues, the processes occurring in them and blood circulation in the joint area.

Treatment

Complex conservative therapy is used, which may include:

• Medical treatment of bursitis of the hip joint – depending on the symptoms, pain relievers, anti-inflammatory drugs, glucocorticosteroids and antibiotics (with a purulent and infectious nature of inflammation) are prescribed.Medicines can be in different forms of release, injected, and their effect will be enhanced by physiotherapy procedures.
• Physiotherapy by various methods: laser, magnetic and ultrasound therapy, electrophoresis, galvanization, darsonvalization, procedures with interference currents and other physiotherapeutic methods at the discretion of the doctor. They improve blood circulation and lymph drainage in the area of ​​inflammation, give an analgesic effect, reduce inflammation, relax muscles and enhance the penetration and effect of drugs.
• Taping, wearing an orthosis and other methods to reduce the load and support the joint, to ensure its immobility – this is especially effective in case of acute bursitis for the first time.
• Acupuncture (acupuncture, acupuncture) – impact on biological active points on the body.
• Therapeutic massage and manual therapy are procedures that effectively reduce pain, swelling and are used to treat and prevent a variety of joint diseases.
• Physiotherapy exercises – a set of exercises that will speed up the healing process. They activate blood circulation and lymph flow, reduce pain and inflammation. Movement therapy is especially important for the chronic form of the disease and the prevention of relapse. Measure is important – not every exercise will help. In case of bursitis, which appeared due to heavy physical exertion, on the contrary, it is necessary to provide peace to the joint and reduce the load. What exercises will the exercise therapy doctor advise to do, and training in the exercise therapy hall with an instructor will be more effective and safe than independent exercises at home.
• Surgical intervention – drainage of pus from the bursa and rinsing the capsule with antiseptic drugs, antibiotics, removal of the bursa in acute inflammation with the risk of rupture of the bursa membrane and spillage of pus into adjacent periarticular tissues. So, surgical treatment of trochanteric bursitis of the hip joint allows a person to return to physical activity without restrictions in a few months after treatment.

In general, the prognosis for the treatment of bursitis is positive – inflammation can be removed by different methods and complications such as tissue sepsis, fistula formation, the development of arthritis and osteomyelitis and other pathologies can be avoided.But a lot depends on the patient himself – how quickly he asked for help, how he adheres to the doctor’s recommendations.

Therapy is aimed not only at relieving inflammation and improving mobility in the joint, but also at treating the cause of the inflammation so that there are no relapses. It depends on it which doctor treats bursitis of the hip joint – only an orthopedic traumatologist or the participation of an immunologist and other doctors will be required.

Prevention

Preventive measures can be used to reduce the risk of bursa inflammation or relapse.Effective:

• Moderate physical activity.
• Balanced nutrition so that the cartilage tissue receives all the necessary nutrients.
• Maintaining a normal weight – each extra pound increases the load on the spine and joints.
• Maintaining immunity by methods such as daily regimen, adequate sleep and rest, balanced diet, walks in the fresh air and other measures.
• Wearing comfortable orthopedic shoes, maintaining posture.

Treatment of bursitis in the Kuntsevo diagnostic and treatment center

Specialists of Kuntsevsky multipurpose

Hip pain in pregnant women | Pampers Russia

During pregnancy, soreness in the pelvis or hip can occur, the source of which is sometimes difficult to identify. In this article, we will discuss some of the causes and most common manifestations of this pain, as well as provide tips to help you manage or prevent pain.

How does hip and pelvic pain manifest during pregnancy?

It will be helpful to imagine the anatomical structure: the pelvis is a large bone formation at the base of the spine, which is located in the lower torso. On both sides of the pelvis are the hip joints that connect the thigh bones to the pelvis.

With painful sensations in the pelvis or hip joints, it can be difficult to determine the exact localization of sensations. Sometimes this pain can even be mistaken for back pain, especially if it radiates elsewhere, and back pain occurs in many women during pregnancy.In this case, the pain is felt in different ways: for some it is sharp and sudden painful sensations, for others it is a constant dull pain. At different stages of pregnancy, both can occur. An accurate diagnosis will be made by your doctor.

Pelvic pain during pregnancy is quite common. It can be dull and sharp, persistent and intermittent, minor and strong. It can even be given to the lower back, buttocks and thighs. Pelvic pain can occur with certain movements, such as when walking, or in certain positions, such as when you go to bed.

Be sure to tell your doctor if pain interferes with your normal life, gets worse over time, or gets severe right away. It is also worth consulting with him if the pain is accompanied by dizziness, vaginal bleeding, or high fever.

Causes of Hip Pain

If hip pain occurs early in pregnancy or in the last weeks of the first trimester, it may be related to something other than the pregnancy itself.Your doctor will help you determine the cause.

Pain in the hip joints in the second or third trimester may result from compression of the sciatic nerve by the uterus. In this case, the pain can be given to the lower back, thighs and calves. Fortunately, it usually goes away immediately after giving birth.

Causes of Pelvic Pain

Pelvic pain early in pregnancy is generally not a cause for concern. It is associated with the fact that the bones and ligaments are slightly displaced to make room for the growing fetus.

Sometimes in the early stages of pregnancy or in the last weeks of the first trimester, pelvic pain can be a symptom of an ectopic pregnancy, in which the ovum is attached not to the uterus, but to another surface, such as the fallopian tube. Other symptoms of ectopic pregnancy: sharp or pulling pain in the lower abdomen, bloody discharge from the genital tract (outside the period of menstruation), pain during intercourse, and dizziness or weakness. An ectopic pregnancy requires medical attention, so if you notice these symptoms, see your doctor right away.

In the third trimester, pelvic pain can be caused by being overweight or by pregnancy hormones. The pelvic ligaments are normally stiff and firm. During pregnancy, the hormone relaxin is released, which relaxes the muscles and ligaments in the pelvic region to make it easier for the baby to pass through the birth canal. However, if the ligaments are relaxed too much, an unpleasant sensation in the pelvic area may occur.

Also in late pregnancy, the fetus sinks into the pelvis in preparation for birth.As a result, the pressure on the pelvis, hip joints and bladder increases. But this also means that very soon your baby will be born and you will literally be able to breathe freely, because nothing else will press on your lungs. If you’re not due yet, pressure in your pelvis or lower abdomen may indicate premature labor, so if you notice any of these symptoms, see your doctor right away. Premature birth can also be accompanied by dull back pain, bloody vaginal discharge, or recurrent labor.

Occasionally, pelvic pain can be a symptom of a urinary tract infection. If you have a high fever or feel a burning sensation when urinating, talk to your doctor for a treatment plan.

How to get rid of hip and pelvic pain during pregnancy

It is best to see a doctor. The doctor can give the following tips:

• take breaks if you have to stand for a long time

• do not lift weights

• exercise regularly, but without fanaticism (before starting a new workout, discuss them with your doctor)

• take a warm bath

• keep your posture

• put a pillow between your knees before going to bed

• apply a heating pad to areas where pain is felt

• do Kegel exercises

  4 special bandage

In addition, your doctor may prescribe pain relievers, exercise therapy, or recommend specific exercises to relieve hip or pelvic pain.

Pain in the pelvis and hip joints is common in pregnant women. This is frustrating, but know that this is just a natural process.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

• Does the feeling of pressure on the pelvis mean labor has begun?

  Closer to childbirth, you can feel pressure in the pelvic area. So your baby sinks lower to the pelvis, preparing to be born. The medical term for this is abdominal prolapse. Usually, abdominal prolapse occurs several weeks or even hours before the birth itself.

• Could the very fact of pregnancy cause pelvic pain?

  Yes. During pregnancy, the muscles and ligaments in the pelvic region stretch to make room for the growing fetus, and therefore painful sensations may occur.

• What does pelvic pain during pregnancy mean?

  Pelvic pain is common during pregnancy. To rule out possible complications and alleviate the condition, see your doctor.

Endometriosis

IMMA clinics provide services for the examination, diagnosis and treatment of women’s diseases.One of the most frequent reasons for contacting a doctor is a suspicion of endometriosis and complaints of a worsening state of health in connection with this, a manifestation of pain. This is a really serious reason not only for a visit to the doctor, but also for the appointment of a comprehensive examination. According to statistics, endometriosis causes almost 50% of infertility in women of childbearing age. Early diagnosis and preventive measures will help to cope with this problem with minimal effort, time and money. The Association of Medical Clinics IMMA includes 6 modern outpatient clinics in different districts of Moscow.We can serve the whole family, we have both general and highly specialized specialists for adults and children.

In our clinics you can:

For more details and for any questions, please contact the number indicated on the website.

What is endometriosis

Most often, this disease affects women, however, as recent studies in the field of gynecology show, there is some possibility that men may also have endometriosis.

This deviation is characterized by a pathological increased proliferation of cells similar in structure and properties to the cells of the endometrium (the inner layer of the uterus), in places unusual for this tissue. The pathological process can cover not only the uterus (it can affect the muscle tissue of the body and cervix, penetrating to different depths), but also other organs: ovaries, uterine ligaments, pelvic peritoneum, adjacent organs (bladder, rectum), cases of lesion are described endometriosis of the lungs, postoperative scars.Depending on which organ is affected by the disease, different types of endometriosis are distinguished. It is important to consult a doctor in the early stages of the disease for complex therapy and timely treatment.

The main risk factors for the onset of the disease for women should be noted:

• difficult childbirth;
• pregnancy over the age of 30;
• anemia;
• undergone surgical interventions (abortion, cesarean section, diathermocoagulation of the cervix in the treatment of erosion)
• chronic inflammatory processes of the pelvic organs.

The main risk group is women aged 25-44. According to statistics, 10-15% of women of the reproductive period are affected by endometriosis. Less commonly, symptoms of endometriosis are observed in men and girls under the age of 20.

Causes of endometriosis

Currently, medicine does not give an exact answer to the question of what causes endometriosis. Observation of patients and medical statistics show that the transferred medical interventions often cause the appearance of endometriosis.Operations carried out on the eve of the onset of critical days affect the development of the disease especially strongly. Hormonal imbalance, reduced immunity, excessive physical and emotional stress negatively affect the preservation of women’s health. There is also a tendency to transmit the disease by inheritance.

Endometriosis develops when endometrial cells, along with blood, get where they should not be. Menstrual flow often contributes to this.If the body is healthy, then foreign cells are removed, and in case of any disorders and weakening of the immune system, they can gain a foothold in the tissues of the uterus, uterine appendages and neighboring organs. In new loci, the cells of the endometrioid tissue are actively dividing, a chronic inflammatory process arises around them, accompanied by tissue damage and the formation of adhesions, followed by a violation of the function of the affected organs and their interposition.

The consequence of this process is one of the leading signs of the disease – recurrent pain in the pelvic or abdominal region, which must be told about by the doctor during examination.

There is an assumption that over time, the overgrown endometrial cells can be transformed into tissues affected by oncological changes. Therefore, it is so important not to start the disease, even if its external manifestations are not too noticeable or do not cause much discomfort. The basis of the fight against endometriosis and its complications is timely diagnosis in the early stages, proper prevention, and immediate treatment.

Increase the likelihood of developing endometriosis in people of both sexes:

90 062 90 063 smoking;

promiscuous sex life.

Endometriosis in men can be explained by disorders in the early stages of fetal development. Pathological endometrial cells enter the tissues even before birth, but the process begins to develop later in the presence of other unfavorable factors. The development of the disease in men can be facilitated by the intake of estrogens, a decrease in immunity, inflammatory processes in the pelvic organs, the presence of oncological diseases and the difficult process of their treatment.

How to suspect the presence of endometriosis

In most cases, endometriosis adversely affects quality of life, although symptoms of the disease may be blurred.During the examination, it is necessary to exclude other causes of poor health. Sometimes endometriosis in women occurs without obvious symptoms or pain. There are no specific signs by which one can immediately guess about the disease. However, a number of symptoms should alert you and give you a reason to see a doctor.

Signs of endometriosis:

• an increase in the number and discharge of an increase in pain during the menstrual cycle, mainly in the last 5-7 days before menstruation,
• painful sensations in the lower abdomen, extending to the groin and lower back;
• the appearance or intensification of pain when examined by a gynecologist, during intercourse or defecation;
• violation of the frequency of menstruation, profuse, prolonged and / or painful menstruation, spotting spotting from the genital tract a few days before the onset of menstruation and after its completion.
• infertility.

In the case when endometriosis is localized outside the genitals and genitals, nosebleeds, blood in sputum, feces, urine, and tears may occur. Sometimes you can notice the discharge of blood from the navel, the area of ​​the postoperative scar. These manifestations are cyclical and are often synchronized with the second phase of the menstrual cycle. Any deviation from the norm should alert you. Regular visits to the gynecologist for preventive examinations are best done at least once every six months.The doctor can prescribe ultrasound diagnostics and additional tests, only after that treatment will be started.

If endometriosis is suspected, the specialist will try to exclude the possibility of other diseases. For this, examinations such as hysterosalpingography, laparoscopy and hysteroscopy are prescribed.

What is endometriosis

Endometriosis of the body of the uterus

One of the types of disease is endometriosis of the uterus, which affects the walls of the organ. Endometriosis of this localization is also called adenomyosis.The epithelium grows into the muscular layer of the uterus, sometimes endometrial cells penetrate up to the serous membrane. This type of disease is characterized by increased blood loss during menstruation, the development of anemia, a significant increase in pain in the lower abdomen during menstruation. Often, endometriosis of the uterus becomes the cause of miscarriage or the development of infertility.

Treatment depends on the degree of damage to the organ by the disease. It can be limited to the appointment of hormonal drugs.When the stage is advanced, surgical intervention and surgical removal or cauterization of foci of proliferation of the endometrium are indicated.

Endometriosis of the cervix

With endometriosis of the cervix, endometrial cells grow in the thickness of the cervix and on its surface. It can be caused by previous treatment of the cervix and surgery on the cervix. Such operations should not be prescribed for the premenstrual period. With this location of the sites of endometriosis, the main manifestations will be spotting between menstruation (more often 7-10 days before its onset), spotting after sexual intercourse.

Treatment includes hormonal therapy and coagulation of areas of endometriosis using special devices.

Ovarian endometriosis

In ovarian endometriosis, the organ is affected by endometrioid cysts. In this case, first of all, a special danger lies in the depletion of the reserve of follicles. With ovarian endometriosis, reproductive function suffers, and the ovulation process is disrupted. This type of infertility is practically incurable, therefore, in the event of sharp, stabbing pains felt in the lower abdomen, an urgent need to consult a doctor.Pain can appear during intercourse or immediately after it. For diagnostics, ultrasound is used, which is performed several times during the menstrual cycle.

For the treatment of ovarian endometriosis, the method of laparoscopy is used, which allows the cyst and affected tissues to be removed as gently and gently as possible.

Endometriosis of the peritoneum

When the endometriotic tissue grows outside the uterus, not the peritoneum of the small pelvis, without affecting the genitals, the pathological process is called peritoneal endometriosis of the peritoneum.With endometriosis of the peritoneum, pain in the pelvic region is felt, which increases when visiting the toilet, during menstruation and during intercourse.

The reason for its occurrence is violations during retrograde menstruation, advanced endometriosis of other organs, deviations that have arisen during the period of fetal development. This is a particularly difficult type of disease to diagnose.

Vaginal endometriosis

The development of endometrial cells in the vagina can affect not only the cervix, but also its walls, as well as the external genital organs.Wounds, abrasions, and inflammatory processes provoke the development of vaginal endometriosis. With such a pathological process, pain and spotting are felt during intercourse.

The disease is detected during a gynecological examination and is treated with medication by prescribing hormonal drugs and removing inflammation. In the absence of a result, it is possible to carry out surgical procedures.

Mixed rectovaginal endometriosis

With this form of endometriosis, damage to the tissues of the genitals, vagina, cervix and the uterus itself is observed.Endometriotic cells invade the rectal tissue. The disease is characterized by large-scale organ damage, impaired reproductive function. During menstruation, blood may be found in the stool. There is an increased soreness when the natural needs of the body are sent. Diagnostics is carried out during examination and examination of all affected organs. In this case, only surgical treatment is indicated.

Endometriosis of the urinary bladder

One of the rarest forms of the disease is endometriosis of the urinary wall.The cause of the disease is retrograde menstruation and the throwing of endometrial cells along with blood, as well as germination through other organs affected by the disease. Bladder involvement is often asymptomatic, but since the disease most often begins in the uterus or vagina, pain is felt.

In many cases, the cause of bladder infection is neglected endometriosis, which is caused by the lack of timely examination and the omission of regular examinations by the gynecologist.Timely diagnosis is carried out by cystoscopy. When examining, it is important to exclude cystitis, which in some cases has a similar clinical picture.

Prevention of endometriosis

As with other diseases, prevention of endometriosis is important for every woman. You need to maintain your immune system, lead a healthy lifestyle, eat right, include physical activity in your schedule, and stop smoking and alcohol. In case of violations of the menstrual cycle, the appearance of painful sensations, it is necessary to undergo a comprehensive diagnosis.The correct selection of contraceptives can stop the development of the disease in the early stages.

Important! With endometriosis, a woman’s reproductive function is significantly affected. Infertility develops, the process of attachment of the fetus to the wall of the uterus is disrupted, the carrying rate decreases and the likelihood of pathological childbirth increases, therefore it is very important to start treatment in the early stages of the disease.

To avoid lengthy, difficult, and possibly surgical treatment of endometriosis, make it a rule to visit your family doctor regularly at one of the IMMA clinics.Timely detection of the disease gives an almost 100% guarantee of cure. IMMA clinics are equipped with everything you need, and qualified specialists will carry out the entire examination cycle in the shortest possible time.

Even if endometriosis has developed after surgery, early detection will help localize the disease at an early stage and fully preserve all body functions. Therefore, if you have the slightest doubt, increased painful sensations or bloody discharge, hurry to make an appointment with a doctor.Your health is the most important and precious thing in your life.

90,000 Pain in the lower abdomen in women in questions and answers

Pain in the lower abdomen is the most common complaint in gynecological practice. This symptom is not very specific, as it occurs in many diseases. Today, many have non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) in the medicine cabinet. The choice is wide, and the doctor and pharmacist must guide the woman in the possibilities of certain drugs and warn her, reminding her of the importance of a timely visit to the doctor, and also answer all questions.

Complaint: pain during menstruation

How it starts:
1) Per day or on the 1st day of the menstrual cycle. Lasts for the first 2 to 42 hours or throughout your period.
2) In the 2nd half of the cycle, the peak reaches during menstruation.
3) During menstruation.

How does it hurt?

The pain is often cramping in nature, but it can be aching, twitching, bursting, and can be given to the rectum.
Severe, often spasmodic pain.

What else is bothering you?

1) Irritability, depression, nausea, chills, dizziness, fainting, headache, swelling (dysmenorrhea is possible).
2) Pain during intercourse, recurrent pain during urination, defecation (endometriosis is possible).
3) Prolonged or too intense menstrual bleeding. Sometimes bleeding outside of menstruation. There may be an increase in the volume of the abdomen and frequent urge to urinate (possible uterine fibroids).

Caution: acute pain

Acute intense and / or unilateral lower abdominal pain may indicate a gynecological emergency:
-perforation or rupture of tumors and tumor-like formations of the ovaries;
– torsion of the anatomical legs of the ovary;
– ovarian apoplexy;
– intra-abdominal bleeding;
– acute purulent diseases of the pelvic organs, etc., therefore, a doctor’s consultation is necessary.

What can hurt?

The causes of pain in the lower abdomen can be very different: pathologies of the development of the genital organs, purulent-inflammatory diseases of the uterine appendages, endometriosis, diseases of the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) and urinary system. One of the most common causes of recurrent lower abdominal pain in women is dysmenorrhea. Cyclic pain in the lower abdomen can be caused by endometriosis, polycystic ovary syndrome, sexually transmitted infections, and other serious medical conditions.Such dysmenorrhea is considered secondary, and treatment of the disease that caused it, as a rule, leads to full recovery. Primary dysmenorrhea is characterized by the appearance of cyclical pain in the lower abdomen a few hours before menstruation and in the first days of the menstrual cycle in the absence of any pathology from the pelvic organs. Primary dysmenorrhea is most common in young women.

Pain with dysmenorrhea:

– Reaches maximum intensity at the peak of bleeding.
– Can be sharp, cramping, bursting or blunt.
– Most often it is localized along the midline in the suprapubic region, but it may not be clearly localized.
– May radiate to the lumbar region, rectum or thigh.

Should we endure the pain?

The multifaceted effect of pain syndrome on the human body determines its independent clinical significance. Pain not only determines the severity of suffering and social maladjustment of the patient, but is also fraught with more serious consequences, for example, disruption of the normal function of organs, primarily the cardiovascular system.It is not recommended to endure pain.

What medicine will help?

The first stage of rational analgesic therapy is the elimination of the effect of the damaging factor (if possible), as well as the suppression of the body’s local reaction to damage. For these purposes, drugs are used that block the synthesis of pain and inflammation mediators. The main mediators of inflammation – prostaglandins (PG) – are actively synthesized in the damaged area with the participation of the enzyme cyclooxygenase (COX).It is important that the causes of damage (trauma, surgery, inflammation, edema or tissue ischemia, persistent spasm of striated or smooth muscles, etc.) do not matter, therefore, the use of drugs that block COX and suppress the synthesis of proinflammatory PGs will help with any somatic or visceral pain. Well-known NSAIDs have this effect.

In the case of dysmenorrhea, one of the main pathogenetic mechanisms is a high level of PG. An increase in their ratio in the menstrual endometrium leads to a reduction in the muscle elements of the uterus.PGs are secreted in almost all tissues of the genital organs: endometrium, myometrium, endothelium of uterine vessels, tubes, etc. An increase in their level leads to an increase in the contractility of the uterus, against the background of which vasospasm occurs, local ischemia, which is manifested by pain. Moreover, the high level of PG detected in dysmenorrhea causes ischemia of other organs and tissues, which is realized in such symptoms of dysmenorrhea as headaches, dizziness, weakness, etc. In the treatment of primary dysmenorrhea, NSAIDs are among the drugs of choice.

Which is better, NSAIDs or antispasmodics?

The previously expressed assumption about the comparable effectiveness of antispasmodics and NSAIDs in the treatment of primary dysmenorrhea has not been experimentally confirmed. In particular, antispasmodics were inferior to NSAIDs in terms of the rate of pain relief. Currently, antispasmodics are not included in the international standards for the treatment of primary dysmenorrhea. Thus, NSAIDs are recognized as the most effective drugs in the treatment of this pathology.Among the drugs widely used for dysmenorrhea, the most common are NSAIDs with a short half-life (dexketoprofen, ketoprofen, nimesupid, diclofenac, ibuprofen, indomethacin, etc.).

Which NSAIDs are most effective?

There is no ideal NSAID, so an individual approach is required in each specific clinical situation. On average, the therapeutic effect of different NSAIDs is the same with the appropriate dosage regimen. However, some studies have noted significant differences in individual response between individual patients.Thus, it is impossible to predict which of the NSAIDs will be most effective in a particular patient. NSAIDs are available in different dosage forms (tablets, suppositories, injections), which allows you to choose the form that is most suitable for a specific clinical situation.

How to take NSAIDs for dysmenorrhea?

With dysmenorrhea, NSAIDs should be started even before the onset of symptoms or at the first manifestations (in the first 48-72 hours) due to the maximum release of PG in the first 48 hours.Short-term use of NSAIDs for dysmenorrhea practically does not give side effects or they are expressed slightly. Irritation of the gastrointestinal mucosa can be easily prevented by taking NSAIDs after meals or milk.

Important!

Patients should not take NSAIDs:
– with erosive and ulcerative lesions of the gastrointestinal tract, especially in the acute stage;
– with severe impaired liver and kidney function;
– with cytopenias;
– with individual intolerance;
– during pregnancy.

Basic rules for the use of NSAIDs:

– application of the minimum dose efficiency for the shortest possible period of time necessary to achieve the set therapeutic goal.
– if there is no effect within 3 days of use, a doctor’s consultation is necessary. Uncontrolled and prolonged use of NSAIDs is unacceptable.

First aid for dysmenorrhea will be provided by the so-called “gold standard” NSAIDs – ibuprofen, and its encapsulated form – IBUPROFEN CAPS .

Why capsules? The answer is simple.

IBUPROFEN CAPS is the “second modern generation” ibuprofen in 200 mg capsules with the onset of the therapeutic effect after 15 minutes. The advantage of the preparation IBUPROFEN CAPS is the rapid onset of action. And we need to quickly eliminate the pain. In addition, the capsules conceal an unpleasant taste and ensure dosing accuracy.

When taken orally IBUPROFEN CAPS , manufactured by Minskintercaps , quickly disintegrates and dissolves with the achievement of the maximum therapeutic effect after 45-60 minutes.

Another criterion, based on which, IBUPROFEN CAPS is prescribed – the presence of a number of clinical trials in Belarus and Russia, where the drug IBUPROFEN CAPS has confirmed its biological equivalence to the original drug Nurofen ultracap.

Adults and children over 12 years of age can take “ Ibuprofen CAPS ” to relieve pain, 1 or 2 capsules up to three times a day, observing an interval between doses of at least four hours.

IBUPROFEN CAPS is a modern form of ultra-fast acting ibuprofen.

based on the materials of the “Pharmacist’s Handbook” magazine, No. 2, 2017

90,000 Pain in the lower abdomen and pelvic area

Pain in the lower abdomen and pelvis is a common symptom that is a manifestation of many diseases.

Depending on the cause, the pain may be dull or sharp; persistent or paroxysmal; mild, moderate, or severe. Sometimes it can only occur at certain times, such as when urinating or during sexual activity.

Pain in the lower abdomen and pelvic region may occur suddenly, abruptly and in one place (acute pain) or continue for a long time (chronic pain). Chronic pelvic pain is persistent or intermittent pelvic pain that occurs for more than six months.

There are several types of diseases and conditions that can lead to pain in the lower abdomen and pelvis. Also, there may be not only one reason, but several reasons.

Causes of pain in the lower abdomen and pelvic region

In men and women, the most common causes of pelvic pain are:

• Appendicitis
• Chronic constipation
• Colon cancer
• Diverticulitis (inflammation of colon diverticula)
• Ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease
• Inguinal hernia
• Kidney stones
• Interstitial cystitis (painful bladder syndrome)
• Prostatitis (inflammation of the prostate gland)
• Salpingitis (inflammation of the fallopian tubes)
• Fibromyalgia
• Pelvic floor muscle spasms
• Enlarged spleen (splenomegaly)
• Physical or sexual assault
• Duodenitis (inflammation of the initial part of the small intestine)
• Cholecystitis (inflammation of the gallbladder)

In women, pelvic pain can also occur in connection with the following diseases of the female reproductive system:

• Adenomyosis
• Endometriosis
• Menstrual cramps (dysmenorrhea)
• Ectopic pregnancy
• Other conditions associated with pregnancy or fetal death
• Ovulatory syndrome (pain during ovulation)
• Ovarian cancer
• Ovarian cysts
• Pelvic inflammatory disease
• Uterine fibroids
• Vulvodynia (pain in the external genital area)

Urolithiasis

Urolithiasis is a disease that causes stones in the kidney, ureter, or bladder.

This disease occurs in at least 1-3% of the population – in young and middle-aged people, stones are more often formed in the kidneys and ureters, while in children and the elderly – more often in the bladder.

The number of stones can vary from one to several hundred. Their sizes also vary from grains of sand to 10-12 cm in diameter. Even cases are described when the mass of the stone reached 2.5 kg.

Reasons

The main reason for the formation of stones is a slight metabolic disorder, which leads to the formation of insoluble salts, from which stones are formed – urates, phosphates, oxalates, etc.However, even with a congenital tendency to urolithiasis, it will not develop if there are no predisposing factors, such as:

• a certain composition of water and food – for example, spicy and acidic food increases the acidity of urine, from which stones form more easily, animal protein and refined sugar are also important;
• lack of vitamins;
• metabolic diseases – gout, etc .;
• bone injuries and diseases – osteomyelitis, osteoporosis;
• chronic gastrointestinal diseases such as chronic enteritis and pancreatitis;
• dehydration – a lack of water in the body, which may be the result of an infectious disease or poisoning;
• various diseases of the kidneys and organs of the genitourinary system – pyelonephritis, cystitis, prostate adenoma, prostatitis and others.

Features

If you have dull, aching pain in the lumbar region, blood in your urine, while the appearance of blood and pain attacks is associated with movement, changes in body position or physical activity, then it is likely that you have kidney stones.

If the stones are in the ureter, then as the stone moves along the ureter, the pain passes from the lower back to the groin, lower abdomen, genitals, inner thigh.If the stone is located in the lower part of the ureter, then you may experience frequent, unreasonable urge to urinate. If the stone completely blocks the lumen of the ureter, then urine accumulates in the kidney, causing an attack of renal colic. It is manifested by acute cramping pain in the lower back, which quickly spreads to the corresponding half of the abdomen. The pain can last for several hours or even days, periodically subsiding and renewing. At the peak of pain, vomiting, fever, chills are possible. The attack ends when the stone changes its position or leaves the ureter.

The main manifestation of bladder stones, in addition to blood in the urine, is pain in the lower abdomen, which appears during movement and urination. Another symptom is extremely frequent urination. Sharp unreasonable urges appear when walking, shaking or exercising. During urination, the so-called symptom of “throwing a stream of urine” may occur, when the latter is suddenly interrupted, although the bladder is not completely emptied, while urination resumes only after a change in body position.

Diagnosis

So, if you have increasing, persistent pain in the lower back and side, blood in the urine, fever and chills, pain when urinating or difficulty urinating, you should immediately contact your urologist.

In no case should this disease be triggered, since kidney and ureteral stones will eventually lead to the development of inflammation in these organs, and in the worst case – to the loss of the kidney.

Treatment

Treatment depends on the location, size, composition of the stone, and the presence or absence of complications.

Prevention

With urolithiasis, you need a diet specially selected by your doctor, since nutrition is one of the most important factors in the prevention and treatment of this disease. At the same time, substances from which sediment are formed, and then stones in the urinary tract, are excluded from your diet.In addition, you need to drink plenty of fluids (2 liters or more per day) – on an empty stomach, after meals, in the intervals between meals, before bedtime.

It should be remembered that in case of urolithiasis, at any degree of its manifestation, it is necessary to focus only on the recommendations of a urologist and not to self-medicate.