[36F] Experiencing sharp hip pain with occasional radiating leg pain

What might be happening

Based on the information you've provided, possible diagnoses include:

• Sciatica: This condition occurs when the sciatic nerve, which runs from your lower back through your hips and buttocks and down each leg, becomes pinched or irritated. This can cause pain, inflammation, and sometimes weakness in the affected leg. The pain is often sharp and can be triggered by certain movements or positions. The fact that your pain radiates down your leg and causes temporary weakness suggests that this might be the cause.

  • Treatment typically involves physical therapy to improve your strength and flexibility, medications to manage your pain, and in some cases, surgery.

• Sacroiliitis: This is inflammation of one or both of your sacroiliac joints, which connect your lower spine and pelvis. Sacroiliitis can cause pain in your buttocks or lower back, and can extend down one or both legs. If this is the cause, it could explain your hip pain and the pain radiating down your leg.

  • Treatment typically involves medications to reduce inflammation and pain, physical therapy, and in some cases, surgery.

• Hip Bursitis: This condition occurs when the bursae, small fluid-filled sacs that cushion your hip joints, become inflamed. This can cause pain on the outside of your hip, thigh or in the buttock. However, hip bursitis usually doesn't cause pain that radiates down the leg.

  • Treatment typically involves rest, physical therapy, medications to reduce inflammation and pain, and in some cases, surgery.

Please note that these are just possibilities and not a definitive diagnosis. You should consult with a healthcare provider for an accurate diagnosis.

What you can do

Here are some things you can do to manage your symptoms:

1. Rest: Avoid activities that worsen your pain.
2. Pain relievers: Over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others) or acetaminophen (Tylenol, others) might help.
3. Physical therapy: Certain exercises might help improve your flexibility and strengthen the muscles that support your hip. A physical therapist can guide you in what exercises are best for your condition.
4. Apply heat or cold: A heating pad or ice pack applied to the affected area might help reduce your pain.

What you should look out for

If your symptoms worsen or if you experience any of the following, seek medical attention immediately:

• Severe pain or swelling
• Signs of infection, such as redness, warmth or tenderness in the affected area, or a fever
• The inability to move your hip or leg
• The inability to bear weight on your leg

Remember, I'm an AI and this advice is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult with a healthcare provider for an accurate diagnosis and treatment.