The average person is unlikely to have the knowledge or expertise to self-diagnose an orthopaedic condition. Generic information online may lead them to believe that they have sciatica when the hip is the source of the pain. The alternative is also true, where hip pain is often mistaken for sciatica. Orthopaedic professionals near you are here to reveal the differences between sciatica and hip pain for helpful insights before your consultation appointment.
We treat both sciatica and hip pain at Orthopaedic Medical Group of Tampa Bay. Reach out to your nearest location today to book an appointment.
Pain Movements and Behavior
The exact way that pain reacts and travels across the body can give clues as to the source of the condition or injury.
Sciatica pain tends to begin in the lower back and work its way down the thigh. This downward shooting pain can reach all the way down to the foot, well past the kneecap.
Hip pain is often felt at the front of the hip, around the groin area. In some cases, hip pain can radiate to the sides of the hip joints. From these locations, the pain may travel down to the knee joint, but rarely breaches that point,
Type of Severity of Pain Levels
Not all pain gives off the same sensations. It can be felt at extreme levels and is often defined as either sharp or dull.
Sciatica pain is known for feeling sharp as it shoots down the leg. It is sometimes described as “electrifying,” followed by symptoms of numbness or tingling. This intense variety of pain causes many individuals to feel weak in the legs.
Hip pain is more associated with sensations of dull, throbbing, or aching pain. This variety of pain is often paired with symptoms of stiffness, followed by audible clicking or grinding noises upon movement.
Main Triggers
Coming from different locations, sciatica and hip pain are induced by specific motions or actions.
Sciatica pain is often triggered when in a sitting position, especially for long durations at a time. Coming up from a sitting position can also trigger shooting pain, as well as bending forward or tensing up the body through sneezing or coughing.
Hip pain is most prevalent when the joints are placed under pressure. Common examples of this include walking, running, climbing stairs, or moving the leg in awkward positions.
Sciatica Treatment Options
We offer these sciatica treatment options at Orthopaedic Medical Group of Tampa Bay:
1. Physical therapy and rehabilitation are recommended for early intervention in treating sciatica through non-surgical methods. PT for sciatica focuses on muscle-building in the abdominal and lower back while relieving tension with guided stretches.
2. Microdiscectomy involves clipping the herniated disc to relieve pressure on the nerve. This procedure is recommended when non-surgical options prove unsuccessful.
3. Laminectomy involves removing bones to widen the spinal canal and directly address nerve compression. This procedure is recommended when spinal stenosis or bone spurs are the root cause of the pain.
Hip Pain Treatment Options
We also offer comprehensive treatment options in Tampa Bay for those with severe hip pain:
1. Physical therapy is also recommended for treating hip pain by non-surgical means in the early stages of your joint condition.
2. Hip arthroscopy involves small cuts to reduce inflammation caused by conditions or injuries like labral tears.
3. Hip joint replacements are often reserved for situations in which the joint and the surrounding components are damaged beyond repair.
Read more > How Early Intervention Can Improve Hip Replacement Outcomes
Orthopaedic Medical Group of Tampa Bay Offers Comprehensive Treatment For Back and Hip Pain. Schedule a Consultation Today!
Experiencing back or hip pain? Book an appointment with Orthopaedic Medical Group of Tampa Bay today when you call (813) 684-BONE (2663). Your custom treatment plan will include our wide range of services, including neck and back, hip, and spine care.
