What Causes Left Flank, Abdominal Pain And Hip To Ankle Radiating Pain?

Posted on Sun, 26 Oct 2014

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

Sun, 26 Oct 2014 Answered on

Wed, 19 Nov 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : Left flank pain 2-5/10, left abdominal pain 2-5/10, left hip to ankle pain esp at night. Recent left plantar fasciitis, 58 yo white female, no daily meds, generally good health, works every day. Hx of diverticulitis, two episodes requiring hospitalization in past 7 years. Dx of IBS, no meds for IBS. Feels like sciatica but the left abdominal discomfort/pain is bothersome. Recently, feel lots of "movement" left colon. Feels like fetal fluttering, which, I assure you, is not. My Internist is out on medical leave, not much interested in seeing NP. GYN appointment scheduled for early December.

Answered by Dr. Behar Greca (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Detailed Answer:
Hi, thank you for posting!

I have gone through your query and I understand your concerns.

Bowel movements and fluttering are caused by IBS(Irritable Bowel Syndrome).
I think that hip and ankle pain are caused by Sciatic Neuritis.
As for left flank and abdominal pain I can say that those symptoms are caused by a kidney disease.

To confirm the diagnosis you need the following tests:
1. Abdominal ultrasound, to check kidney condition.
2. Glomerular filtration rate (GFR), to check kidney function.
3. Urine test.
4. Complete blood count.
5. Ct-scan of the spine is necessary, to rule out Sciatic Neuritis.

The results of the above tests will determine the needed treatment.

Ask me for anything unclear.

Wish you good health.
Dr. Behar.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T