[31F] With severe left hip pain radiating to knee and foot
Patient Description
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Arora's Assessment
What might be happening
Based on the symptoms you've described, there are a few potential explanations for your condition:
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Sciatica or Lumbar Radiculopathy: The shooting pain from your hip down to your knee and foot, along with tingling, suggests that a nerve in your lower back might be compressed or irritated. This is often due to conditions like a herniated disc or bone spurs, which you mentioned were seen on your X-ray. Sciatica is a common form of radiculopathy that affects the sciatic nerve, causing pain that radiates down the leg.
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Fibromyalgia Flare-Up: Given your diagnosis of fibromyalgia, it's possible that your current symptoms are part of a flare-up. Fibromyalgia can cause widespread pain and tenderness, and stress or physical strain can exacerbate symptoms.
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Scoliosis and Degenerative Disc Disease: Your mild scoliosis and disc degeneration could contribute to your back and hip pain. These conditions can alter the alignment and function of your spine, potentially leading to nerve compression or muscle strain.
Typical treatments for these conditions may include physical therapy, pain management strategies, and in some cases, imaging studies like an MRI to better understand the underlying cause.
What you can do
For the severe hip and leg pain:
- Seek medical attention: It's important to consult with a healthcare provider to evaluate your symptoms, especially since the pain is severe and affecting your mobility. They may recommend imaging studies or refer you to a specialist.
- Pain management: While medications have not been effective for you, consider discussing alternative pain management strategies with your doctor, such as nerve blocks or other interventions.
- Physical therapy: Continue with your physical therapy exercises, but inform your therapist about the increased pain so they can adjust your regimen accordingly.
For fibromyalgia:
- Stress management: Practice stress-reduction techniques such as mindfulness, meditation, or gentle yoga, which can help manage fibromyalgia symptoms.
- Symptom tracking: Use MDandMe to journal your symptoms, track progress, and identify potential triggers for flare-ups. This information can be valuable for your healthcare provider.
What you should look out for
Given the severity of your symptoms, it's important to monitor for any changes or worsening of your condition. Seek medical care if you experience:
- Significant weakness or numbness in your leg
- Loss of bowel or bladder control
- Severe or worsening pain that does not improve with rest or conservative measures
Remember, while I can provide information and suggestions, it's crucial to consult with a healthcare professional for a formal diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
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1 mo ago