In addition to accidental injury, there are
many potentialcauses of internal hip pain. While some issues may be relatively easy to
assess, such as a hernia, other cases may not be so clear. When getting an
initial diagnosis from your doctor, he or she will review your medical history
in detail and perform a basic physical examination. You should keep in mind
that, once an initial assessment has been made, further testing may be needed.
Discussing
Your Medical History
In order to pinpoint the source of pain and
recommend the best course of treatment, every diagnosis must begin with a
careful discussion of your medical history. Make sure to consider the following
questions before your appointment:
- Was your pain preceded by any injury or accident?
- What factors worsen the discomfort? What seems to relieve it?
- Where does pain occur in your hips, legs, or lower back? When does it occur?
- Does the discomfort limit your mobility, or prevent you from daily activities?
- Do you feel pain in any other areas of your body?
Your doctor will also likely ask you to
describe your pain (e.g., sharp, dull or burning), or ask you to locate the
severity of discomfort on a pain scale. Additionally, he or she will need to
know about existing conditions, such
as osteoporosis, and any current use of supplements or medications.
Physical
Examinations and Tests
During your initial assessment, you doctor
will perform a basic physical examination. He or she may ask you to walk or
move your limbs in order to determine range of motion and location of pain.
They will also likely inspect the knee joints, spine, and groin, since examining
these areas can often identify hidden pelvic issues.
In cases where there is no clear cause, or
if your doctor suspects that your pain is the result of a musculoskeletal
issue, he or she may order an X-ray or MRI. X-ray imaging will allow a clear
view of issues with bone structure or deterioration. Meanwhile, MRI scans provide
an even more detailed picture of the state of your joints and cartilage.
In some cases, your doctor may recommend
blood testing. A blood test can help to detect an elevated ESR (erythrocyte
sedimentation rate) and white blood cell count: common indicators of the
presence of infection. Such testing can also reveal issues with rheumatism or
multiple myeloma, which are often associated with otherwise unexplained pain in
the hips.
While it may take a series of tests and a
bit of patience to ultimately determine the source of your pain, an accurate
diagnosis will ultimately lead to the best treatment plan for your specific
case.