The hip joint is one of the largest joints in the body – and it can be a source of discomfort and pain. Its complex ball and socket construction allows for motion, provides stability, and enables the body to bear weight. The hip is essential for many activities including standing, walking, running, jumping, and sitting.
Hip pain that travels down the leg can be a distressing and limiting condition that affects many individuals. This discomfort, often referred to as “radiating hip pain,” can stem from various underlying causes, ranging from muscle strain to more complex issues involving the spine and nerves. In this article, we’ll explore the common causes, symptoms, and potential treatment options for hip pain that radiates down the leg.
Hip Impingement
Hip impingement refers to intermittent pain and a dull ache around the hip and groin, and sharp pain after any form of movement – such as putting on shoes, getting out of a chair, or pivoting while getting dressed.
An impingement can occur after abnormal contiguity between the hip bone and its joints, often stemming from results caused by labral tears or hip osteoarthritis. The subsequent pain can shoot down from the hip to the front of your thigh, and also your knee.
Side of the Hip
Pain that originates from the side of the hip and radiates down to the thigh may result from a spectrum of hip disorders called the greater trochanter pain syndrome (GTPS).
The greater trochanter is located at the top of the thighbone, or femur, and makes up the widest part of the hip. The cause of pain in this area is often due to an injury to the soft tissues that lie over the upper part of the thigh bone.
Other causes of GTPS include:
Overuse or stress on the hip
Being overweight
Sciatica can be caused by several different conditions including:
A herniated or slipped disk
An abnormal narrowing of the spinal canal or spinal stenosis
Osteoarthritis or bone spurs caused by aging spines
Injury to the lower back
Piriformis syndrome: a condition in which muscle deep in the buttock tightens, or spasms causing numbness and tingling along the back of the leg and into the foot
Arthritis
Bursitis
Inactivity which leads to reduced muscle strength and flexibility
Back of the Hip
Pain that radiates from the back of the hip down to the side of the leg may be caused by irritation of the lower back nerve roots. This condition is known as sciatica.
The sciatic nerve branches from the lower back, through the hips and buttocks, and down each leg. Typically, sciatica only affects one side of the body but in certain conditions can affect both.
Sciatic nerve pain begins in the back and can radiate towards the hip and down the leg. It is often associated with numbness, tingling, and weakness. The pain can be described as sharp, shooting, or jolts of pain.
Don’t suffer from radiating hip pain any longer – schedule an appointment today!
At Don Kelly Physiotherapy and Acupuncture, is confident to help you figure out the real cause, overcome the pain of hip pain and resume your regular activities as quickly as possible.
If you’re looking for the top physiotherapist in Limerick and Charleville, look no further than Don Kelly Physiotherapy and Acupuncture. We provide the highest level of treatment and therapy care for back pain, neck pain, shoulder pain, knee pain, foot and nakle pain, sports injuries and chronic pains.
Contact us at don@donkellypainrelief.com
Give us a call at 0863239194
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