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Pain in left hip

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Posted 6/20/2013 1:46 PM (GMT 0)
I have recently had a severe pain in my left hip. It doesn't feel like joint pain, it almost feels as if my hip and buttock area has been bruised. It actually hurts to touch the muscle. It is so painful that it is disrupting my sleep and I have difficulty walking. Anyone else had this? Could it be sciatic nerve pain?
Posted 6/20/2013 10:36 PM (GMT 0)
Sciatic pain is usually a burning searing sensation that often (but not always) travels down the leg to the level of the knee or in some cases the foot. Sometimes it stays in the buttock, usually on one side. I have had it for years after a 350 lb patient fell on me and crushed me at work several years ago. It's a bummer because there isn't much that works on it. Sitting makes it worse for most people because it stretches the nerve root more at the L4-5 level. I cannot sit for long periods of time. If I sleep with one of those ugly body pillows, I can get some of the pressure off my back and get some sleep. Have your spouse tuck a pillow under/behind your back and put one between your knees while sleeping on your side. Sounds crazy, but it helps somewhat. Or one of those crazy U shaped pregnancy pillows can help some people with hip or back pain.

Do you have burning pain? What you are describing almost sounds like either a muscle or ligament injury. If this is the case then intermittent ice and antiflammatories (which you probably already take) might help. Fresh injuries...it's best to hold off on heat for a few days because it can make inflammation worse. I tore a ligament a few years ago in the hip taking Tae Kwon Do with my boys (before RA), and it felt just like that. Needless to say...no more Tae Kwon Do for this old bird. Another hobby bites the dust.

If it is a ligament injury, unfortunately these can take weeks to heal up. Mine took about 8 weeks.

Could be bursitis as well. In which case fluid can sometimes be removed from the affected joint, offering some relief. What makes it worse? Sitting? Walking? Standing?
Posted 6/22/2013 12:40 AM (GMT 0)
Yes, the pain is burning along with a spasm type feeling. It does travel down my leg. It is worse at night, and makes it difficult to sleep. I've always had more pain in the left hip, even when in my 20s I noticed the pain and a "glitch" in this hip. Most of my other symptoms are usually very symmetrical. If I have a pain on the right side, I have a matching one on the left side.

I thought about sciatic pain...funny story about that. I was watching the "Real McCoys", and hurting like mad, and Amos complained about his "sciatica". I wondered if that could be what I was feeling.

It isn't as bad in the daytime. My muscle almost feels bruised today, and the burning isn't quite as bad. I say that, but hours from now when I'm trying to sleep I'll swear I never said it. LOL

RNwithRA you have been such a great help! I'm glad you joined!
Posted 6/22/2013 11:40 AM (GMT 0)
April,

Thank you. That's very sweet. It is nice to know that I am not alone in many of these crazy symptoms. I really helps to see that others are experiencing some of the same things.

I am sure that I don't have to tell you that sciatica should probably be checked out since it's likely related to a back problem (unless you already know that you have degenerative disc disease or another back problem). I wonder if your pain isn't as bad during the day since you are up and around more then? This is the case for me, for sure.

I bought one of those crazy pregnancy pillows (even though my pregnancy days are long behind me) and it realy does help somewhat. Can't say that my husband was thrilled about it...but....lol.

Do you have a night time analgesic that you can take to help take the edge off?
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