Hip and Leg Pain
Hip pain often coincides with leg pain due to the intricate connection between the hip joint and the lower extremity. Serving as a pivotal ball-and-socket joint, the hip facilitates a wide range of movements essential for mobility, such as bending, twisting, and rotating the leg. Discomfort originating from the hip can extend to the leg, resulting in knee pain and restricted movement.
One prevalent cause of hip and leg pain is hip osteoarthritis, a degenerative joint condition affecting cartilage health. Common symptoms include pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility in the hip joint, often radiating down the leg. While more prevalent among older adults, osteoarthritis can also affect younger individuals with a history of hip injuries or trauma.
Additionally, hip bursitis can contribute to hip and leg discomfort. This condition arises from inflammation of the bursae, fluid-filled sacs responsible for cushioning the hip joint. Overuse, repetitive movements, or hip injuries commonly trigger bursitis, resulting in hip tenderness that may extend down the leg.
In certain instances, hip and leg pain may stem from sciatica, characterized by compression or irritation of the sciatic nerve. Manifesting as pain, numbness, tingling, and weakness, sciatica can affect the leg, hip, and lower back regions.