How do you tell if it's hip or back pain?

If pain is in the front of the hip/groin region and radiates down the thigh to the knee, it is most likely a hip issue. If pain is in the back of the hip/buttocks region and radiates down the hamstring to the calf, it is most likely a spine issue.

Can hip pain be mistaken for back pain?

Back pain can easily be mistaken for hip pain and discomfort. The joint of your hip is located near your spine. For that reason, injuries to your hip can resemble or actually cause back pain.

Where is hip pain usually felt?

“Pain that involves the hip joint is usually in the groin, right where your leg meets your body," Dr. Stuchin says. "The hip joint is in the groin and you can feel it as low as your knee, in the front of your leg down the thigh.” Here are some common hip pain complaints and their symptoms.

What are the first signs of hip problems?

What does hip pain feel like?

Hip pain involves any pain in or around the hip joint. You may not feel pain from your hip directly over the hip area. You may feel it in your groin or pain in your thigh or knee.

Low Back

What is the one leg test for hip pain?

The patient is instructed to flex one leg at the hip and knee as if taking a marching step. While holding this position, the patient is asked to arch his or her back into extension. Reproduction of pain on the stance leg is a positive finding. The test is then repeated on the contralateral side.

How do I know if my hip pain is serious?

How do you know if something is wrong with your hip?

If you have stiffness, you may have trouble bending down or leaning over to put on your shoes. As a hip issue develops, you might experience a loss in your range of motion, keeping you from putting weight on the leg. If you can still walk, you might find yourself limping or needing an assistive device.

What are the symptoms of a pinched nerve in your hip?

Is walking good for hip pain?

Regardless of the issue causing the pain in your hip, you will benefit from going on regular walks. This is true for so many reasons. First, regular exercise helps to keep the muscles around the hip strong and flexible. This will help to control any swelling that may occur around a damaged joint.

What is the fastest way to relieve hip pain?

Another way to relieve hip pain is by holding ice to the area for about 15 minutes a few times a day. Try to rest the affected joint as much as possible until you feel better. You may also try heating the area. A warm bath or shower can help ready your muscle for stretching exercises that can lessen pain.

What does arthritis of the hip feel like?

Because of the damage to the cartilage, people with arthritis may feel as though their hip is stiff and their motion is limited. Sometimes people feel a catching or clicking within the hip. The pain usually gets worse when the hip joint is strained by walking long distances, standing for a long time or climbing stairs.

Where do you feel pain if your hip needs replacing?

The loss of cartilage leads to pain and inflammation. Pain due to arthritis in the hip is usually felt in the groin or thigh rather than the buttock. It may radiate down your thigh to your knee. Swelling in the joint can also make it harder for you to move your hip.

What does it mean when your hip and lower back hurts?

Sciatica refers to back pain caused by a problem with the sciatic nerve. This is a large nerve that runs from the lower back down the back of each leg. When something injures or puts pressure on the sciatic nerve, it can cause pain in the lower back that spreads to the hip, buttocks, and leg.

How do you relieve hip and back pain?

Gentle stretching can speed up recovery. Applying a cloth-covered ice pack to the affected area for 10 to 15 minutes at a time can also help. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen and naproxen, can reduce the pain and swelling that these muscle injuries cause.

What does a pulled hip muscle feel like?

What are the symptoms? A hip flexor strain can be felt in the front area where your thigh meets the hip. Depending on the extent of damage sustained, a hip flexor strain may be felt either as mild pain or a sharp and cramping one that can make it hard for you to walk without limping.

Can a bulging disc cause hip pain?

Most lower spine problems are caused by a herniated disk that presses on nerves in the spinal column. This produces the pain known as sciatica, which can be felt in the hip. You may have a herniated disk if pain: Is limited to your back, buttocks or hip.

What is a bursitis hip?

Hip bursae

Bursae are small fluid-filled sacs that reduce friction between moving parts in your body's joints. Hip bursitis is inflammation or irritation of one or more of the bursae (shown in blue) in your hip.

How should I sleep with hip pain?

Can you have a pinched nerve in your hip?

A pinched nerve in the hip often causes pain in the groin. Sometimes the pain also radiates down the inner thigh. It can travel to the knee as well. If you have a pinched nerve in your hip, walking will make it worse.

What kind of doctor should I see for hip pain?

Your orthopedic doctor can help you with hip pain. Before treatment, your orthopedic doctor will diagnose your condition through a physical exam and diagnostic or lab tests. When they confirm your diagnosis, your provider will explain your symptoms and the causes of your condition or injury.

What is a positive Thomas test?

What does a positive Thomas Test mean? The thomas test positive if the thigh is raised off the surface of the table. A positive test indicates a decrease in flexibility in the rectus femoris or iliopsoas muscles or both.

What is the average age for hip replacement?

Today, the average hip replacement age is younger than ever. Thanks to baby boomers looking for a continued active lifestyle and the advancement of artificial joints, the average age of hip replacement patients is just under 65 years old and continues to decline.

How does a doctor determine if you need a hip replacement?

You Have Chronic and Significant Pain

Your pain keeps you awake at night despite the use of pain medications. Your pain makes it difficult to walk or bend over. Your pain isn't relieved by rest during the day or night. Conservative treatments have not helped your pain.