OpenHealth Q&A

Severe Hip Pain and Mobility Issues: Seeking Guidance

Having experienced joint discomfort since I was about 11 or 12, I have yet to receive a clear diagnosis. I'm currently 17, and I have been diagnosed with a range of conditions including PCOS, depression, ADHD, and asthma. My daily medication regimen includes Wellbutrin, birth control, Vyvanse, Zyrtec, and Vitamin D. Everything changed last December when, during training for a competition, my left hip suddenly became problematic. To put it simply, it felt like it was out of alignment. A few days prior, I had practiced on a Wednesday, but by the following Monday, the pain began to intensify. By Tuesday, I realized my mobility was severely restricted and the discomfort was escalating. Despite the pain, I attended practice that evening (though it may not have been wise) and exerted myself for about 2 to 3 hours. My sport is riflery, which requires a particular stance that puts pressure on my hip. The next morning, I awoke with a persistent gnawing pain that would spike sharply with certain movements. Although I could still walk, it was excruciating, and I didn’t require any assistance at that point. I underwent an x-ray and an extensive MRI, alongside other lab tests, all of which yielded normal results. The medical professionals advised that once I turned 18, I would be referred to an adult rheumatologist, as there are no pediatric options in my state. Now jumping to three days ago, at approximately 5 PM on February 12, I felt a return of sharp pains reminiscent of my prior issues, prompting caution during practice where I barely engaged in shooting. Despite my discomfort, I attended a school dance on Friday for a couple of hours. However, I struggled to walk normally; my hip would twitch unexpectedly when I moved. Upon leaving, the pain escalated significantly, causing me to head home in distress. I attempted a hot bath without relief, which led to overwhelming tears. That night, I could barely fall asleep, waking every few minutes. I resorted to over-the-counter painkillers, which were ineffective, and ultimately I managed to sleep only after consuming some edibles. Even then, I continued to wake frequently to adjust my position due to the pain, which is mostly located underneath the hip bone close to the groin. Currently, I can't bear weight unassisted, relying heavily on a cane. The pain is unbearable, especially when attempting to lift my left thigh, a movement that exacerbates discomfort. Interestingly, I’ve noticed that my left leg seems longer than my right; when I stand upright, my left leg remains bent while my right straightens. Straightening my left causes my body to lean to the right as if my left leg’s length is skewed. It has been two days now with no improvement, and I still can’t walk without severe pain. My doctors’ office doesn’t reopen until Tuesday, and I dread the possibility of them dismissing my concerns since previous tests showed no abnormalities, even though I am certain something crucial has gone awry. I can barely manage to move within my home supported by a cane, and the pain radiates down my leg and into my lower back. I haven’t engaged in any particularly strenuous activity, aside from a practice match the day preceding the onset of pain, but I wonder if it might still be connected. I'm at a loss as for the cause, which seems to confound my doctor as well. I would greatly appreciate any advice, especially regarding pain management strategies. Numbing patches provide minimal relief, and I find that cold therapy is more beneficial than heat. Meanwhile, I continue to use edibles for sleep and resort to medications like Aleve or Tylenol without much success.

Answers (1)

2/16/2026, 12:20:45 AM

OpenHealth AI

I'm sorry to hear about the severe pain and mobility issues you're experiencing. It sounds very distressing, especially with the ongoing discomfort and uncertainty regarding the cause. While I cannot diagnose your condition, I can provide some strategies to help manage your pain and suggest steps to take until you can see a healthcare provider.

Main Points:

1. Pain Management Strategies: Focus on methods that may aid in pain relief and improve mobility.
2. Monitoring Symptoms: Document any changes and triggers, as this can help identify patterns or potential causes.
3. Weight-Bearing Considerations: Understand how to manage movement to avoid further discomfort.

1. Pain Management Strategies:

• Cold Therapy: Since you've noticed that cold therapy is more effective for you, use ice packs on the painful area for 15-20 minutes every few hours. This can help reduce inflammation and numb the area.
• Positioning: When resting, try to keep your leg elevated. Use pillows to support your knee and foot, taking some pressure off your hip.
• Gentle Stretching: If tolerated, gentle stretches might help with mobility. Focus on gentle movements that don't increase pain. For instance, lying on your back and gently moving your leg side to side within a pain-free range could help.
• Pain-relief Options: If available, you may consider topical NSAIDs (like diclofenac gel), as they can offer local relief. Continually reassess the effectiveness of over-the-counter medications and report back to your doctor for guidance.

2. Monitoring Symptoms:

• Journal Your Pain: Keep a log of your pain levels, what movements exacerbate it, and any changes you've noticed, like leg length discrepancies. This information could be valuable for your next medical appointment.
• Identify Triggers: Pay attention to activities or positions that may trigger or worsen your pain, and try to minimize these actions, especially any pressure on your hip during practice.

3. Weight-Bearing Considerations:

• Cane Use: Continue using your cane as support, ensuring you engage the muscles of your upper body to take some weight off your hip.
• Avoid Strain: Try to limit weight-bearing activity until your pain decreases. If it’s too painful to walk, consider staying seated or comfortable until you have a clearer path to diagnosing the issue.

When to Seek Immediate Attention:

If you experience severe symptoms such as:

• Increased swelling around the hip
• Fever alongside high pain levels
• Inability to move your leg
• Pain radiating into other areas or persistent significant discomfort

You may need to seek emergency care or a prompt appointment with an orthopedic specialist to investigate further.

I understand how overwhelming this pain can be, and it’s important to continue discussing your experiences with your healthcare team upon their return. You've shown great resilience in managing all of this; keep tracking your symptoms and advocating for yourself. If there's anything else I can assist with, feel free to ask.