What Causes Hip And Thigh Pain?

Posted on Mon, 31 Mar 2014

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Mon, 31 Mar 2014 Answered on

Sat, 19 Apr 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : I have continual hip and high thigh pain from the moment I lay down ti the moment I get up in the morning. I sleep on a Latex mattress with an extra latex pillow top on the top of the mattress. Many years ago I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia but I have my doubts. I see flashes of light most of my morrning hours with each blink I am aware of shock pains and flashes in my eyes and in front of my eyes most of my day. My lower body joints hurt on standing and find myself limping from hip, knee and foot pain and weakness until I walk to ease the pain. I ride a 3 wheeler adult tricycle and I find I still have use of my lower limbs after returning from a ride where as if I walk, even as less as a mile, I can't walk for the remainder of the day. These are my most painful and annoy symptoms.

Answered by Dr. Karl Logan (12 minutes later)

Brief Answer: You need to be investigated properly. Detailed Answer: Hi, Your symptoms sound very significant and should be investigated. You do not say what tests you have had so far? I would start with a full medical history and physicial examination. Doing this can help build a differential diagnosis as to the cause of your symptoms. Pain in the hip region can come from the spine as well as from the hip. Baseline tests would include X-rays of you lower back, hips and other affected joints, blood work to look for any signs of inlammation and more specific tests to look for certain types of arthritis would be important. If your physical examination suggested that you are indeed weak with neurological signs then it would be prudent to get an MRI scan of your spine to look for spinal canal narrowing or nerve root impingment. The fact that you can cycle without any problems but have trouble walking would be consistent with spinal canal narrowing - i.e. spinal stenosis. Best wishes

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D

Follow up: Dr. Karl Logan (17 minutes later)

Because my husband was in the Air Force for 42 years and moved 20 times across the country and states during that time, I never really stayed in one place long enough to establish an ongoing investigation, nor were many tests were undertaken. I did have T5 - T3 spinal surgery almost 9 years ago - lower back without any fusing of discs necessary but some nerves needed to be separated and relocated. Actually, pain wasn't the issue back then. I felt at the time that the surgery was a success but we were again sent interstate 3 months later. I actually felt I had a new lease of life at the time. We know live in the same city as when I had my surgery and I could possible track down the specialist/surgeon. Coud this be my next approach to my issues? Thanks for you assistance.

Answered by Dr. Karl Logan (15 minutes later)

Brief Answer: Yes I would speak to your old surgeon Detailed Answer: This sounds very reasonable and he should have your medical records from your previous surgery. As you have had previous spinal surgery and you are now getting symptoms in both of your legs any physician would want to investigate the spine as a possible cause of your problems. It sounds like you have had a very busy life and made alot of sacrifices for your husband and your country. Best wishes - I hope you find a solution to your health concerns.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D