[40F] Experiencing hip and lower back pain with numbness in feet

What might be happening

Based on the information you've provided, possible explanations for your symptoms include:

• Osteoarthritis: This is a degenerative joint disease that commonly affects the hips and lower back. It is characterized by pain and stiffness that worsens with activity and improves with rest. The pain is typically described as a dull ache and can be accompanied by a feeling of weakness or instability. It is more common in older individuals but can occur at any age, especially following an injury.

  • Treatment typically involves physical therapy, pain management with over-the-counter or prescription medications, and in severe cases, surgery.

• Sciatica: This is a condition where the sciatic nerve, which runs from your lower back down the back of each leg, is irritated or compressed. This can cause pain, numbness, and weakness in the lower back, hips, buttocks, and legs.

  • Treatment often includes physical therapy, pain management, and in some cases, surgery.

• Spinal stenosis: This is a narrowing of the spaces within your spine, which can put pressure on the nerves that travel through the spine. It is often caused by wear-and-tear changes in the spine related to osteoarthritis. Symptoms can include pain, numbness, muscle weakness, and problems with bladder or bowel function.

  • Treatment can include medications, physical therapy, and in some cases, surgery.

• Sacroiliac joint dysfunction: The sacroiliac joints are located at the very bottom of the back. You have one either side of the spine. The sacroiliac joints help make up the rear part of the pelvic girdle and sit between the sacrum and the ilia. Pain can be felt in the lower back and/or the back of the hips. Pain can also be felt in the groin and thighs.

  • Treatment typically involves physical therapy and pain management.

What you can do

While it's important to seek a formal diagnosis from a healthcare professional, here are some things you can do to manage your symptoms:

1. Over-the-counter pain relievers: Non-prescription medications like acetaminophen (Tylenol) or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB) or naproxen sodium (Aleve), might relieve acute pain.
2. Heat or cold: Use of heat or cold, or alternating use of the two, might help relieve your pain. Experiment to see what works best for you.
3. Exercise: Regular physical activity can help keep your back and hips flexible. Choose activities you enjoy that are easy on the joints, like walking or swimming.

What you should look out for

If your symptoms worsen or you develop new symptoms, such as severe pain, loss of sensation, weakness, or changes in bowel or bladder function, you should seek medical attention immediately. These could be signs of a more serious condition that requires prompt treatment.

Remember, this advice is intended to be general in nature, and specific causes may not apply to your situation. Always consult with a healthcare provider for appropriate examination, testing, and care recommendations.