Ongoing Hip Discomfort: Seeking Clarity and Relief
Hey everyone, I'm a 21-year-old (assigned female at birth) dealing with persistent hip discomfort that started around four years ago due to an injury. I participated in my high school rowing team, where I was meant to engage my core rather than my hips. Unfortunately, this led to an issue with my hip that eventually required surgical intervention for a tear and to smooth down a bone that was causing problems. Despite the surgery, I still experience near-constant hip pain, particularly during physical activity. MRI and other imaging tests show normal results, but the only suggestion from my previous physician was to receive steroid injections, which only provided temporary relief. Recently, I woke up with pain in my opposite hip, which is puzzling since it came out of nowhere. Sometimes, I can feel a sensation of tugging and popping in my hip, which can trigger intense pain, but it doesn’t feel dislocated—thankfully, I know the difference. It’s more like a muscle issue, if that makes sense. At times, the pain radiates down to my knee or, less frequently, to my ankle, mostly on the right side. I'm in the process of finding a new doctor for a second opinion, but I would appreciate any insights or advice regarding what might be happening. Thanks for your help!
Answers (1)
6/19/2025, 5:01:31 PM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you’re experiencing ongoing hip discomfort that is impacting your daily life, especially after surgical intervention, and recently you've noticed new pain in the opposite hip that has added to your concerns. Understanding what might be happening is important as you seek relief and clarity.
Explanation:
Persistent hip pain after an injury and surgery can occur for several reasons, including:
- Muscle Imbalance or Strain: After surgery, you may have subconsciously favored one hip, leading to increased strain or imbalance in the surrounding muscles and ligaments.
- Tendinitis or Bursitis: Inflammation in these areas can cause pain and the sensations you describe like tugging or popping.
- Nerve Impingement: Compression of nerves in the hip or lower back could lead to pain radiating down to your knee or ankle.
- Secondary Issues: Since you were recently surprised by pain in the opposite hip, it’s possible that compensating for the injured hip might be causing issues on that side.
Next Steps:
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Symptom Journal: Track your pain levels, triggers, types of activities, and sensations you experience. This will help in identifying patterns and can provide crucial information for your new doctor.
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Gentle Stretching and Strengthening: Start a routine of gentle hip exercises that focus on stretching and strengthening the muscles around your hip. Pay particular attention to the muscles in your core, glutes, and thighs, which can support your hip and improve stability. Programs like physical therapy may offer structured guidance.
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Heat and Cold Therapy: Use heat before activities to relax the muscles and cold packs afterward, especially if you experience swelling or increased pain. This can help manage symptoms.
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Explore Non-Pharmacological Pain Relief: Techniques like acupuncture, massage, or even mindfulness and breathing techniques can help manage chronic pain and might be a good alternative or complement to medical treatments.
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Follow-Up with Your New Doctor: Prepare to discuss your symptoms comprehensively, including your history, recent symptom changes, and your experience with previous treatments. This can help your new healthcare provider tailor a treatment plan specific to your needs.
Remember, you're actively seeking to understand your condition better, and it's great that you're pursuing a second opinion. You deserve support and tailored care that addresses your hip discomfort and improves your quality of life.
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