Seeking Guidance on An Ongoing Injury
Hi, I'm a 14-year-old girl with VWD disease, standing at 5'3" and weighing 98 pounds. A few months back during a physical education class, I experienced a sharp pain in my left hip flexor. I brushed it off and continued playing dodgeball, but the pain escalated to a point where it was unbearable. Eventually, I went to see the school nurse, but she didn’t really assist me—she just sent me home with a note saying I should visit a doctor, which I didn’t do. Unfortunately, that decision has led to worsening issues. Now my left leg tends to veer off to the side, and I struggle to straighten it without significant discomfort. Initially, when I participate in physical activities, the pain isn't as intense, and I can manage a slight limp. However, by the time I finish practice or any physical exertion, I’m in extreme pain. This situation is directly affecting my lower back due to overcompensation, according to what the school nurse suggested. I genuinely need assistance because the constant pain is overwhelming. Just two days after sustaining the injury, I played in a soccer tournament, which likely aggravated the problem further. Now, the pain is persistent, leading to more discomfort in my lower back, and I feel lost regarding what steps to take next. I apologize if this message is a bit jumbled; it’s late and I’m feeling exhausted.
Answers (1)
9/10/2025, 2:01:59 AM
OpenHealth AI
I'm really sorry to hear about the pain you're experiencing with your hip and the problems it's causing you. It sounds like you've been dealing with a lot physically and emotionally. Let’s focus on some important steps you can take to address your injury and get some relief from the pain.
Main Points
- Injury Evaluation: Given the progression of your symptoms, it's crucial to have your hip assessed by a medical professional, ideally a doctor or a physical therapist.
- Rest and Modification of Activities: Take a break from high-impact activities, such as soccer or dodgeball, that may exacerbate your injury.
- Pain Management and Gentle Exercises: Use gentle stretches and pain management techniques to help with symptoms.
Explanation
Your symptoms suggest that you may have sustained an injury to the hip flexor, which could involve muscle strain or potential issues with the surrounding tissues. The veering of your leg and lower back pain indicates that your body is trying to adapt to this injury, but this can lead to further problems if not addressed properly. The fact that your symptoms worsened after physical activity indicates that rest and care are needed.
Actionable Next Steps
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Seek Medical Attention: This is the most important step. Please visit a doctor or physical therapist who can evaluate your hip. They might perform imaging tests (like an X-ray or MRI) to see what's going on internally.
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Rest: Avoid activities that cause pain, especially running, jumping, or anything involving sudden movements. Allow your body to heal.
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Cold Therapy: Apply ice wrapped in a cloth to your hip for 15-20 minutes several times a day, especially after activities. This can help reduce swelling and pain.
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Gentle Stretching and Strengthening: Once you get a doctor's guidance, practicing gentle stretches as advised may improve flexibility and strength in the hip. Avoid any movements that increase your pain.
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Posture Awareness: Pay attention to how you sit, stand, and move. Try to maintain a neutral spine and avoid slouching, as this may ease some of the stress on your back.
Please remember to listen to your body and take these actions step by step. It’s really important that you prioritize getting a proper evaluation so you can understand the best care for your condition. You’re not alone in this, and support is available to help you feel better. Let me know if you need more specific information about any of these steps!
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