[31F] With severe left hip pain radiating to knee and foot

Patient Description

A 31-year-old female presents with severe pain and tightness in the left hip, radiating down to the knee and foot. The pain has been ongoing but intensified suddenly this morning, making it extremely painful to bear weight. The patient also reports lower back pain and a headache. There is a sensation of tingling and a feeling that the leg or knee might give way, though no significant weakness or difficulty lifting the foot is noted. The patient has a history of back problems, including mild scoliosis, bone spurs, and mild disc degeneration, but no known herniated disc. She has been diagnosed with fibromyalgia. Previous treatments with NSAIDs, muscle relaxants, and opioids have been ineffective and cause stomach discomfort. Current medications include Citalopram 200mg, Wellbutrin 450mg in the morning, and Ambien 5mg at night. The patient is allergic to MRI contrast. Non-medication treatments like physical therapy and chiropractic care have been tried. No recent injuries or changes in physical activity were reported.

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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:

  1. 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.

  2. 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.

  3. 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

People Also Ask


What is sciatica and how is it related to my symptoms?

Sciatica is a condition where the sciatic nerve, which runs from the lower back down each leg, becomes compressed or irritated. This can cause pain, tingling, or numbness that radiates from the hip down to the foot, similar to the symptoms you're experiencing.


How can fibromyalgia cause pain in specific areas like the hip and leg?

Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition characterized by widespread pain and tenderness. It can cause localized pain during flare-ups, often triggered by stress or physical strain, which might explain the pain in your hip and leg.


What are the potential effects of scoliosis and degenerative disc disease on my back and hip pain?

Scoliosis and degenerative disc disease can alter the alignment and function of the spine, potentially leading to nerve compression or muscle strain. This can contribute to back and hip pain, as well as radiating pain down the leg.


What alternative pain management strategies can be considered if medications are ineffective?

If medications are ineffective, alternative pain management strategies might include nerve blocks, acupuncture, physical therapy adjustments, or other interventions like cognitive behavioral therapy to help manage chronic pain.


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