[20F] With chronic hip pain and episodic nausea

What might be happening

Based on the information you have provided, here are some possible explanations for your symptoms:

• Hip Bursitis: This condition involves inflammation of the bursae, which are small fluid-filled sacs that cushion the bones, tendons, and muscles near your joints. Hip bursitis can cause sharp, throbbing pain and may worsen with activities like walking up stairs or lying on the affected side.

  • Treatment: Rest, ice, anti-inflammatory medications like Apo-celecoxib, and physical therapy. In some cases, corticosteroid injections may be recommended.

• Hip Labral Tear: This involves a tear in the ring of cartilage (labrum) that follows the outside rim of the socket of your hip joint. It can cause sharp pain and a feeling of instability in the hip.

  • Treatment: Physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medications, and possibly surgery if conservative treatments do not help.

• Osteoarthritis: This is a degenerative joint disease that can cause pain, stiffness, and swelling in the hip. It is less common in younger individuals but can occur, especially if there is a family history or previous joint injury.

  • Treatment: Weight management, physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medications, and in severe cases, joint replacement surgery.

• Referred Pain from the Spine: Sometimes, issues in the lower back, such as a herniated disc or spinal stenosis, can cause pain that radiates to the hip.

  • Treatment: Physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medications, and possibly interventions like epidural steroid injections or surgery.

What you can do

While waiting for your MRI and a formal diagnosis from your healthcare provider, you can try the following to help manage your symptoms:

1. Rest and Avoid Aggravating Activities: Try to avoid activities that worsen your pain, such as walking up stairs or lying on the affected side.
2. Use Ice and Heat: Applying ice packs to the affected area for 15-20 minutes several times a day can help reduce inflammation. Heat packs can also help relax the muscles around the hip.
3. Pain Relief: Continue taking your prescribed medications (Apo-celecoxib and Mydocalm) as directed by your healthcare provider.
4. Supportive Sleep Position: Continue using a pillow between your legs while sleeping to help alleviate pain.
5. Physical Therapy: Gentle stretching and strengthening exercises may help improve your hip stability and reduce pain. Consult a physical therapist for a tailored exercise program.
6. Symptom Tracking: Use MDandMe to journal your symptoms, track your progress, and share longitudinal medical notes with your healthcare provider. This can help identify patterns and triggers for your pain.

What you should look out for

Reasons to seek more urgent medical attention include:

• Severe Pain: If your pain becomes unbearable or significantly worsens.
• Inability to Bear Weight: If you are unable to put any weight on your hip without severe pain.
• Signs of Infection: If you develop fever, chills, or redness and swelling around the hip.
• Neurological Symptoms: If you experience numbness, tingling, or weakness in your leg.

Remember, while I can provide information and suggestions, it is important to consult with a healthcare professional for a formal diagnosis and appropriate treatment plan.