Severe One-Sided Hip Swelling Making Mobility Difficult
I'm a 25-year-old assigned female at birth (AFAB) and I have been diagnosed with multiple mental health conditions, as well as asthma and scoliosis. A couple of times each month, I experience significant swelling and discomfort in one of my hips. This issue typically lasts for about 3 to 5 days and makes even simple tasks like walking extremely challenging. The pain can be so intense that it often disrupts my sleep, forcing me to wake up. When this occurs, I find it hard to do much beyond moving back and forth to the restroom due to the excruciating pain that often brings me to tears. On most days, I rate my usual back and chronic pain around a 2 or 3, occasionally reaching a 5 during flare-ups. However, the pain from my hip is consistently at a 7 to 8, leaving me unable to concentrate on anything else for more than 10 to 15 minutes at a time. I have discovered that I can gain temporary relief by fully sitting on the unaffected side or lying down on the opposite side, yet this is short-lived, as the discomfort returns within a similar time frame, forcing me to change my position frequently. The swelling is particularly pronounced around my right hip bone, where it connects to my leg, and others have noted the heat and swelling emanating from that area when they have examined it. I'll provide more details in the comments.
Answers (1)
8/21/2025, 7:12:43 PM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you're experiencing significant discomfort and disruption due to the recurrent swelling and pain in your hip. Given your description, it's important to take this seriously as it impacts your daily life.
Explanation
The swelling and pain you’re experiencing may suggest several potential issues, such as bursitis (inflammation of the fluid-filled sacs that cushion the joints), a possible joint issue (like tendinitis or arthritis), or even referred pain from your scoliosis or other conditions. Considering the heat and swelling you mentioned, it’s crucial to focus on managing these symptoms and understanding what's causing them.
Next Steps
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Rest and Positioning: Since you’ve found relief by positioning yourself on your unaffected side or lying on the opposite side, continue to prioritize these positions during flare-ups. Make sure to rest as much as possible when symptoms are severe.
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Ice Therapy: Apply ice to the swollen area for 15-20 minutes every hour while awake. This can help reduce swelling and provide some pain relief. Make sure to wrap the ice in a cloth to prevent direct contact with the skin.
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Gentle Movement: Engage in light stretching or gentle movements for your hip if it feels manageable. This can help maintain mobility without putting too much strain on the area.
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Over-the-Counter Pain Relief: Consider using over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or naproxen (if you’re not contraindicated) to help manage pain and inflammation. Always follow the dosage instructions on the package.
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Symptom Tracking: Keep a detailed diary of when the flare-ups occur, how long they last, what you've been doing before the episodes, and any other symptoms. This can help identify any patterns or triggers, which can be beneficial later for understanding the condition better.
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Hydration and Nutrition: Ensure you are well-hydrated and maintaining a balanced diet, as certain foods can sometimes impact inflammation levels in the body.
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Mindfulness Techniques: Given the pain you're experiencing, consider mindfulness or relaxation techniques to help manage the emotional impact. This can include deep breathing exercises or meditation, especially during painful flare-ups.
Follow-Up
If your symptoms do not improve, become more frequent, or are accompanied by additional symptoms such as fever, you should seek professional guidance to explore possible underlying causes more thoroughly. A healthcare provider may suggest imaging tests or refer you to a specialist for a more detailed evaluation.
Your well-being is important, and handling these frustrating symptoms with a proactive approach can help you manage them better. Let me know if you need any further clarification or additional advice!
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