Common Causes of Hip and Leg Pain

Nobody wants to be bogged down with hip and leg pain. Unfortunately, this type of pain is not uncommon. The causes of hip and leg pain can vary from minor ailments such as muscle spasms, to conditions that are as severe as osteoarthritis.

Muscle Cramps

Muscle cramps can affect even the healthiest person, and can cause severe pain in the hip and leg regions of the body. Some common causes of these cramps include dehydration, potassium deficiency in the body, and muscle fatigue from overuse of the muscles.

To prevent muscle cramps in the legs, drink plenty of water, don’t overdo the exercises, and eat plenty of potassium-rich foods such as bananas. Also, replace lost electrolytes with specialty drinks when sweating excessively, or experiencing severe vomiting and diarrhea.

Osteoarthritis

Pain in the legs and hips can be caused by osteoarthritis. This condition causes the gradual loss of joint cartilage in the body and results in stiffness and pain in the joints. Osteoarthritis usually affects people over the age of 40. Unfortunately, there is no known cure for osteoarthritis, but several treatment options are available to manage the condition. Some of these treatments include medications, exercise, weight loss, and physical therapy.

Sciatica

The sciatic nerve is the longest nerve in the body, running from the spine down the length of the leg. This nerve can often be the culprit of pain in the lower back, hips, thighs, legs and calves. The most common cause of sciatica is damaged disks in the back putting pressure on the sciatic nerve. The pain of sciatica is often described as a pins-and-needles feeling, or a burning sensation in the affected area.

Sciatica is typically managed with rest, which allows inflammation of the nerve to go down. If sciatica is severe, physical therapy and prescription medications may be recommended by a doctor.

If your hip and leg pain is severe or persistent, contact a doctor immediately.