[47F] With sudden severe hip pain radiating to thigh and knee

Patient Description

A 47-year-old female experienced sudden, severe pain in her left hip about an hour ago while vacuuming. The pain is described as deep, sharp, and heavy, and it worsens with activities such as walking, sitting, and turning around. The pain radiates from the outside of her left hip to the front of her thigh and down to her knee. She also reports tingling and weakness in her left leg, but no numbness. There is some swelling, bruising, and redness around her hip and thigh. She has not had any recent falls or injuries, and has not experienced any changes in bladder or bowel control, fever, or chills. Her medical history includes a discectomy and laminectomy at the L5/S1 level, Multiple Myeloma Lambda Light Chain diagnosed a year ago, and Ehlers-Danlos syndrome. She smokes a pack of cigarettes per day and has not traveled recently. She is currently taking Vitamin D3 (1000 IU daily) and Norco (10 mg, 2 times a day). She does not have any allergies or adverse reactions to medications.

Show More

Arora's Assessment

What might be happening

Based on the information you have provided, here are some possible explanations for your sudden, severe hip pain:

  • Hip Strain or Sprain: Given that the pain started suddenly while vacuuming, it's possible that you may have strained or sprained a muscle or ligament in your hip. This can cause sharp pain and may be accompanied by swelling and bruising.

    • Treatment: Rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE) are common initial treatments. Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen can help manage pain and inflammation.

  • Sciatica: Your history of a discectomy and laminectomy at the L5/S1 level suggests that sciatica could be a possibility. Sciatica occurs when the sciatic nerve is compressed, often due to a herniated disc or spinal stenosis, leading to pain that radiates from the lower back to the hip, thigh, and down the leg.

    • Treatment: Physical therapy, pain medications, and sometimes corticosteroid injections are common treatments. In severe cases, surgery may be necessary.

  • Hip Bursitis: Inflammation of the bursae (fluid-filled sacs that cushion the hip joint) can cause sharp pain in the hip that radiates down the thigh.

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

  • Multiple Myeloma Complications: Given your diagnosis of Multiple Myeloma, bone pain and fractures can occur due to weakened bones. This could be a more serious cause of your symptoms.

    • Treatment: This would require immediate medical attention and possibly imaging studies to assess bone integrity. Treatment would be directed by your oncologist.

What you can do

While it's important to consult a healthcare professional for a formal diagnosis and treatment plan, here are some steps you can take in the meantime:

  1. Rest: Avoid activities that exacerbate the pain, such as walking, sitting for long periods, or turning around.
  2. Ice: Apply ice packs to the affected area for 15-20 minutes several times a day to reduce swelling and pain.
  3. Pain Relief: Continue taking your prescribed Norco for pain management, but be cautious of overuse.
  4. Hydration and Nutrition: Ensure you stay hydrated and maintain a balanced diet to support overall health.
  5. Symptom Tracking: Use the MDandMe app to journal your symptoms, track your progress, and share this information with your healthcare provider.

What you should look out for

Seek immediate medical attention if you experience any of the following:

  • Severe or worsening pain: If the pain becomes unbearable or does not improve with rest and medication.
  • Numbness or loss of function: If you develop numbness, loss of function, or severe weakness in your leg.
  • Signs of infection: Fever, chills, or redness and warmth around the hip area.
  • Changes in bladder or bowel control: This could indicate a more serious underlying issue.

Remember, while I can provide information and suggestions, it's crucial to consult with a healthcare professional for a formal diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Show More

1
 Hugs
0
 Comments

Save

4 mo ago

People Also Ask

What are the common causes of sudden hip pain?

Common causes of sudden hip pain include muscle strains or sprains, sciatica, hip bursitis, and in some cases, complications from conditions like Multiple Myeloma. It's important to consider recent activities or underlying health conditions when determining the cause.

How can sciatica be managed at home?

Sciatica can often be managed at home with rest, applying ice or heat to the affected area, over-the-counter pain medications, and gentle stretching exercises. However, if symptoms persist or worsen, it's important to seek medical advice.

What are the symptoms of hip bursitis?

Symptoms of hip bursitis include sharp pain in the hip that may radiate down the thigh, swelling, tenderness, and sometimes redness around the hip joint. The pain often worsens with movement or pressure on the hip.

How does Multiple Myeloma affect bone health?

Multiple Myeloma can weaken bones, making them more susceptible to pain and fractures. This is due to the cancerous cells affecting bone marrow and leading to bone loss. Patients with Multiple Myeloma should be monitored for bone health and may require specific treatments to strengthen bones.

Preview

Post

No comments yet

Be the first one to comment

Share your feedback

All Stories

Experiencing symptoms?

Our AI will conduct a medical interview and assess what might be happening. You can also make a post afterwards.

Share your feedback