Clicking and Discomfort in the Hip
I’m reaching out for advice! I'm an 18-year-old female, measuring 164 cm tall and weighing 50 kg. While I'm not an athlete, I generally lead an active and healthy lifestyle. Recently, I’ve been confined to bed for a week due to some issues and unable to visit a healthcare professional for personal reasons. On July 22 and 23, I spent an entire day walking (it was my vacation) and during that time, while hauling a heavy bag, my left hip produced a popping or clicking sound. I decided to take a break, and though it was not painful at that moment, the clicking persisted for the next two weeks. While walking, I didn’t feel any discomfort directly, but if I pressed my hand against my hip, I could sense a movement followed by clicking (I hope this makes sense). The only instance where I could really feel the movement was when I walked uphill. The pain I experienced began on July 9, starting in my buttock, radiating to the side of my hip, and extending to the front of my thigh. It hit me unexpectedly and intensely, leading me to spend the entire day resting. Now, after a week of recovery, I took a brief 15-minute walk today, and the pain reemerged. My legs felt extremely weak and sore by the time I got home, and about an hour later, the previous pain returned. I am uncertain about effective treatment options to address this issue. Unfortunately, I need to find a solution within a week since I will be working at a festival for two consecutive days which will require prolonged standing and walking. To provide some additional context: I have been applying ice to the affected area, which seems to provide some relief. I suspect it might be related to the sciatic nerve, but I'm not certain. I’ve also noticed that the popping occurs when I turn right or left while walking. If you need any further details, I’m more than happy to share. Thank you in advance for any help! :)
Answers (1)
8/16/2025, 4:51:01 PM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you’re experiencing a combination of discomfort and clicking in your left hip, possibly following a period of increased activity and strain. This could be due to several factors, including muscle strain, hip joint issues, or even irritation of nearby structures such as tendons or ligaments. While the clicking sound itself can be benign, the associated pain and weakness you're feeling must be addressed, especially with your upcoming festival commitments.
Explanation: The clicking sound in your hip, often referred to as "crepitus," can occur due to normal movement of tendons over bony prominences or other structures in the joint. Your pain radiating from your buttock to your thigh suggests it might be related to issues in the hip joint or associated musculature. The weakness you’re experiencing could be linked to muscle fatigue due to ongoing discomfort or recent inactivity.
Next Steps:
-
Rest and Modify Activity: While it's understandable you want to be active for the festival, try to limit strenuous activities, particularly ones that involve heavy lifting or significant walking until you feel better. When walking, do so at a comfortable pace and avoid uphill walks that exacerbate the pain.
-
Continue Ice Therapy: Keep applying ice to your hip for 15-20 minutes at a time, several times a day. This can help reduce inflammation and relieve discomfort. Ensure to wrap ice in a cloth to protect your skin.
-
Gentle Stretching and Strengthening: Engage in light stretching exercises for your hip and legs to maintain flexibility and reduce stiffness. Focus on the hip flexors, hamstrings, and gluteal muscles. Consider gentle movements like leg swings and stretches without pushing through pain.
-
Pain Relief: If you have access to over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen and do not have contraindications, you may consider taking them according to dosage instructions. They can help with pain and inflammation.
-
Monitor Your Symptoms: Keep track of any changes in your symptoms. If it gets worse or persists beyond a week even with self-care, it may be necessary to consult a healthcare professional eventually, as they can provide personalized assessment and treatment.
By following these steps, you can hopefully manage your symptoms effectively and enjoy your time at the festival. Remember, if the pain becomes more severe or if you experience significant weakness, seeking help is important. Take care!
Related Questions
Managing Early Appendicitis: Antibiotics vs. Surgery
I’m a 21-year-old who recently had a CT scan revealing mild inflammation in my appendix and lymph nodes. My doctor informed me that surgery might not be necessary if the antibiotics effectively alleviate my discomfort by tomorrow. However, I can’t shake my fears about a potential recurrence of the inflammation. The thought of going through a post-surgery recovery terrifies me, so I really want to steer clear of that option. Has anyone opted for antibiotics rather than surgical intervention? What was your experience like?
Severe Abdominal Discomfort
An 18-year-old male, with no history of smoking or current medications, finds himself at home, surrounded by his sleeping family. He stands approximately 5 feet 11 inches tall and weighs around 220 pounds. Lately, he has been experiencing persistent discomfort in the lower left side of his abdomen. This sensation has intensified recently, culminating in a bout of vomiting, which was notably different this time, presenting more solid material rather than the usual liquid with some fragments. The level of pain has escalated significantly, leaving him uncertain about seeking medical assistance at this moment. What steps should he take?
Concerns Over My Partner's Persistent Pain and Resistance to Seek Medical Help
I’m facing a worrying situation with my partner, a 40-year-old man who stands 6 feet 1 inch tall and weighs approximately 19 stone. Here's a brief overview of his medical background: Twenty years ago, he experienced two instances of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in his left shoulder. Following the second incident, doctors discovered an abnormal growth of a rib that was pressing against a vein, which was the cause of those DVTs. More recently, he dealt with a blood clot in his calf last year. Fortunately, that was successfully treated, and he returned to his normal health. Although he was advised to continue taking apixaban for the long term, he has, unfortunately, chosen not to follow through with this guidance. He also has a history of elevated blood pressure. For the past couple of days, he has been experiencing two concerning symptoms that emerged simultaneously: a persistent cough with no accompanying cold or flu signs, and a severe pain located on the right side of his torso. He describes this discomfort as being mostly in his stomach yet extending slightly to his back. I would pinpoint the troubled area as the lower part of his ribs along the side of his body. It's unusual for him to express discomfort or complain about his health, so his recent grievances signal to me that the pain is likely quite significant. Despite my repeated suggestions for him to visit a doctor, he insists that he may have simply pulled a muscle. To manage the pain, he's been applying an ibuprofen cream (voltarol) and taking naproxen, but neither seems to provide relief. What might be the underlying issue here? I hope that some medical professionals who see this post can offer their insights, which might persuade him to consider making a doctor’s appointment. I’m open to providing any additional information you might require for a more informed perspective. Thank you for your help!
Struggling with Bleeding and Pain Since Christmas
I'm a 27-year-old woman from the UK, and I've reached a point of exasperation. I'm reaching out because I hope someone can provide insight or guidance on what I should discuss with my doctors. Please excuse any grammar or spelling errors as I have dyslexia. I've been diagnosed with endometriosis and underwent surgery in 2022 for confirmation of that diagnosis. On December 15th, I had my birth control implant removed after nearly two years. During that period, I experienced severe menstrual cramps and PMS. My GP started me on Drospirenone 3mg and Estetrol 14.2mg COCP in October to alleviate these symptoms and suppress my periods, which provided some relief. Prior to this situation, I occasionally dealt with flare-ups that typically lasted a few days or up to a week. To help manage the discomfort, I have been prescribed Duloxetine at a dosage of 90mg. I had an ultrasound earlier this summer, and the results came back normal. Currently, I am awaiting an MRI. Last year, my smear test results were also clear. After the removal of my implant in December, I began bleeding on Christmas Eve. Initially, I could manage with just a panty liner, but over the next few weeks, the bleeding intensified, requiring the use of pads due to increased blood flow and blood clots. Given my history with endometriosis, pain isn't unfamiliar to me; my average pain level is around a 4, but it has recently escalated to 7 or 8. In the past couple of weeks, the discomfort has worsened. My job demands physical activity, and bending over now causes pain in my back and legs. Additionally, I experience discomfort when my bladder fills, and urination is painful, although it doesn't feel like a urinary tract infection. I've also been waking up at night to use the restroom. My doctor performed a urine dip test that showed no signs of infection, though there was blood in my urine, which he indicated was to be expected. Recently, my GP prescribed Tranexamic acid 500mg and Mefenamic acid 500mg, which helped with the blood clots, but I'm still experiencing bleeding and significant pain. I've been diligent about taking my medication, treating it like a strict regimen. I returned to the GP, who referred me for another ultrasound and advised me to go to A&E if the pain worsens. I've been resting as much as possible while still trying to maintain some level of activity, but it hasn't provided much relief. Any assistance or advice would be immensely appreciated! Thank you!
Normal MRI and EMG Reveal Nerve Slowdown
Greetings, I’m a 23-year-old female seeking guidance about some health issues I’ve been experiencing. Recently, I've noticed weakness in both my hand and arm, particularly in my dominant hand where grip strength has been notably diminished. After undergoing an EMG, the results indicated that my nerves are exhibiting a slowdown. However, my MRI results were unremarkable. To address some swelling I experienced, I was prescribed a course of steroids (4mg for a few months), which alleviated some of the issues, yet I still experience residual swelling in my hand. Often, my hand feels cold, and I notice a popping sensation when I move my fingers. Despite these sensations, I do not have any numbness or tingling, and the swelling appears sporadic. The pain I endure is quite severe, described as a hammering sensation throughout my hand. On occasion, I take ibuprofen (600mg) for relief, but it proves to be somewhat ineffective. My wrist itself seems fine, but my orthopedic specialist is considering a diagnosis of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS), even though my symptoms don’t align with typical CTS indicators. I would greatly appreciate any advice or insights you may offer!