Bad Hip Pain

Updated on May 04, 2008
T.Y. asks from Del Rio, TX
35 answers

Hey mamas! I am 23 weeks pregnant and i have been having really bad pain in my left hip joint. This is not the pelvis pain in my buttocks or back pain, it is actually in my hip. Sometimes it hurts so bad I can barely walk and if i have to pick up my son, well it is horrible. I don't remember that hurting like this with my first pregnancy. I was wondering if anyone knew of anything that might help. Maybe squats? I try to go for a walk everyday and that helps my back, but when I am having the pain, walking is not very fun. Thanks!

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So What Happened?

Thank you everyone! Some days are good and some aren't. Luckily when it hurts it is not all day, but I still have a long way to go. I will definitly tell my doctor about this next week. I guess I felt kind of dumb telling him since I know some things just hurt during pregnancy, but if there are ways to help then i should try to use them! Thanks for the encouragement!

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V.L.

answers from Houston on

I am 38 weeks preggo and had the same thing told my chiro and she discovered my pubic bone was out of place. She put it back and has had to do this 2 additional times and I have been totally pain free including back pain my whole pregnancy. Good luck!

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L.C.

answers from Austin on

I would like to tell you about a back flex that we have .Completely non invasive and guaranteed by me.
Call me at ###-###-####
L.

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W.R.

answers from San Antonio on

Go to the chiropractor....sounds like the sciatic nerve which could mean that you are out of alignment. It always helps me when I go to get aligned.

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L.H.

answers from Houston on

Hi T.,
I had the same symptoms during my 3rd pregnancy. I suffered with it throughout the pregnancy. After having my son, I went to an orthopedist who told me that I had bursitis. He gave me a steroid shot in the hip and I had instant and permanant relief. I wish I had done that much sooner.

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J.C.

answers from Austin on

I had that with my first pregnancy- I discovered my bed was too hard then, and the angle of my legs to my hips had changed making the hard bed just terrible. You might try getting one of those memory foam mattress toppers... just a thought. Hope you feel better!
J.

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J.F.

answers from San Antonio on

OK, if I was pregnant (again), the LAST thing I would want to do is expose my unborn child to MEDICATIONS that could affect him/her. There are plenty of tests that a Chiropractor (Naturopath or even an Acupuncturist) can put you through, form a diagnosis, and proceed with treatment/care. If an xray is ABSOLUTELY NECESSARY, then one will be performed. If not... believe me, you'll get great care. And if you throw in some therapeutic massage, even better. Good luck!

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M.D.

answers from El Paso on

I also experienced this with my 2nd pregnancy. I went to a chiroprator and it was like a mircle. Ialso tried the heating pad and it helped alot. The problem is probly siatic pain from the pressure on the siatic nerve.
Good luck. There is one thing that will cure this that is birth.
M.

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J.R.

answers from San Antonio on

Hi T.,

Have you seen a doctor to rule out arthritis or injury? If so, find a good spa/therapist and get a sports massage. They will focus the massage on your hip and supporting muscles, and do lots of stretching to help with the pain and your range of motion. I'm pregnant with my second, and getting regular massage this time around has made a big difference - not to mention being able to lay down and relax in a quiet room for an hour or more! Good luck!

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M.N.

answers from Austin on

I experienced hip pain. Mine felt like a bone type pain - hard to describe, but it was painful when I walked like you are describing. Mine was around 37 weeks though, and I think my hips were spreading to prepare way for the baby. Since it's your 2nd baby, maybe it's just happening earlier.

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C.W.

answers from Austin on

I'm a physical therapist who treats pregnant gals all the time with pregnancy related back, buttock and hip pain. It's very common due to the hormone relaxin when your pregnant, which makes you more ligamentously lax which in turn allows your pelvis to spread making room for your baby. It is more likely for sacroiliac pain to refer to your back, buttock or even sciatica down your entire leg, but it sometimes refers to the hip/groin area. I would ask your doctor to refer you for P.T. somewhere. There are stabilization exercises as well as something called an SI belt that can help a lot. Unfortunately not everyone, gets 100% better and has to manage it the rest of their pregnancy, but hopefully you can at least get some relief. I am 13 weeks preggo with number 2 and am experiencing some of these wonderful pains that come with pregnancy, so I understand. I didn't have them with my first either. Hang in there.

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L.S.

answers from Houston on

Have you been favoring that leg or limping on that leg?? I know that when I had a heel spur I limped on that leg and I limped so much it caused my hip to hurt immensely. I somtimes couldn't sleep good because of the pain. Hope you feel better. God Bless. L. S.

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K.G.

answers from San Antonio on

I "ditto" Katy's response/advice :)

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K.C.

answers from Killeen on

It may be sciatica, pain caused when the sciatic nerve that runs down the side of your hip and leg gets pinched or is under pressure, as is the case when you are pregnant and have a lot of extra weight in your belly. I would suggest laying down and putting your feet above your head as much as possible during the day to relieve the pressure on your legs and hips. A heating pad may work also.

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R.B.

answers from College Station on

Try a maternity support belt. A friend of mine had hip pain when she was pregnant, and she said the support belt really helped, though she could tell an immediate difference when she took it off at night.

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P.M.

answers from Austin on

Are you taking your pre-natal vitamins? You might need more calcium, remember the babies take from you what they need and maybe you need more.... Ask you doctor and when I was expecting I needed more things that the doctors did not see on tests. I go the The Herb Nook, ask for Allen.
...and eat really fresh and nutritious. Have a massage!

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L.B.

answers from Odessa on

I too have had hip pain since my first son. He's now 2 and he's a big boy. Carrying him on our hips, my husband and me both, I think has thrown our hips out of whack. I'm now only about nine weeks preggos and I fear when I get much bigger.

Check with your chiropractor or online for some hip and lower back exercises. That's what gets me through.

Good luck!

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J.W.

answers from Austin on

Hi T.,

Pregnant or not, your body is talking to you with this pain. Tell your doctor. Get it X-rayed. Ask for a PT (physical therapy) referral. You do not want to do any permanent damage to your body by overdoing it--it could be anything--bone fracture, muscle/ligament/tendon strain/tear, etc. And yes, if it's not a bone issue, there may be some specific exercises you could do at home to help it heal; plus modalities such as heat/ice; and how to use good body mechanics when lifting your son, etc. (PT's can evaluate/treat/guide you in these areas, but they must have a physician's order to treat you). Good luck! jenifer

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S.G.

answers from Houston on

Hi T.
Sounds like it could be a torn ligament.
Only a doctor can diagnose it takes a long long long time to heal
Best Wishes

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B.G.

answers from Austin on

Hi T., I feel for you. I had this problem when I was pregnant with my son. It was quite severe and disabling. I could barely make it up our staircase to get in bed at night. However, not nearly as bad when pregnant with my daughter! Sounds to me like your SI joint is has shifted out of place as your hips have spread. I thought I had sciatica too (as many presume) but my doctor said many woman think they have sciatica when it's actually the SI joint (Sacroiliac Joint). It's where the spine and hips meet. If you can get it back in place, your symptoms can be relieved. Throughout my pregnancy, I would have bad weeks and then better weeks and then bad weeks again. With my daughter, I started seeing a chiropractor the second I felt symptoms. It must have helped because it was never severe like it was with my son; I still had some mild pain but she kept things under control. Thank goodness!! She's in RR and her name is Susan Correia ###-###-####). If you don't already use one, I thought she was good. You need to get in with a Physical Therapist as soon as possible. Your OB may have to refer you to a PT. I must say, however, the PT with my son did very little for me. I never used a Chiropractor with him. I was a skeptic. The day I had him, I was 100% better (I started having symptoms at about 26 weeks). Check out this site, if you want to read up on it. http://www.kalindra.com/pregnancy.pdf Lastly, my neighbor had SI problems with her recent pregnancy. It was severe also. Her car is a 6 speed and she flat out couldn't drive it! Good luck, just know you are not alone.

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S.B.

answers from Killeen on

I'm probably not going to be of a lot of help in your situation..BUT it's worth a try. In my first pregnancy, it was a breeze. No complications, 3 hours in labor and a healthy baby. My second one, on the other hand was pure terror. I had the EXACT same pains you're describing. It was after I got up from laying down all night or even for a minute. My doctor said it's just your body (particularly, your pelvis) adjusting and that each child you have that this will get worse. What helped me was sleeping upright. It usually only hurt when I would roll into a sitting position from laying on my side, but it was crippeling. Hope I could help!
Much love!
Shaena

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M.B.

answers from Houston on

Since pain is that bad and different from what you've had before, AND because you are pregnant, seeing your doctor would be the safest and best thing, I believe. I hope you feel better very soon! Good luck to you and your family.

M. O

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T.F.

answers from Austin on

That doesnt sound fun! The miracle thing for me as a former college athlete pregnant or not pregnant is an Epsom salt bath. Epsom salt is very cheap and you can get it anywhere, Costco, Walgreens, Walmart etc. I have taken them a couple different times with this 3rd pregnancy and it has done wonders for my back.
I hope it helps.

T.

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J.M.

answers from San Antonio on

Hi, T.

My name is J. M., and I am a therapeutic massage therapist. I work with some of the Spurs, as well as many people with pain problems - chronic & acute. The pain you are describing sounds like the kind of pain that I have helped many people overcome. I had one client who thought he was going to have to have a hip replacement, but now is pain free. If you'd like to contact me, I am in San Antonio, and my number is ###-###-####.

Oh, and by the way, squats and other exercises will most likely not help, and could make it worse. If you want to try something on your own, I would suggest stretches that focus on the deep six rotators (near the greater trochanter).

J.

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C.K.

answers from Austin on

Here's my advice:

Prenatal yoga at Kula Yoga or Yoga Yoga
Chiropractic therapy at Inner Sun Chiropractic

Maybe swimming versus walking

Good luck with the pain relief!

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J.Z.

answers from Austin on

First, T., these symptoms often occur during the late stages of pregnancy because of the increased laxity of ligaments surrounding your pelvis (which facilitates easier delivery). Second, a steroid (either injected or swallowed), anti-inflammatory drug or pain medication is both dangerous and inappropriate care during pregnancy. For the safest, most effective relief, your spine and pelvis should be evaluated by a doctor of chiropractic to ascertain the exact cause of the pain you're having. Please take a moment to look at www.docvaughn.com and click on the link 'Kids and Chiropractic'. On that page, you will find a search engine, where you can search "pregnancy" and find dozens of articles that explain the beneficial effects of chiropractic on the pregnant mother's spine. Above all, don't institute an exercise program without first getting good advice from a qualified chiropractor. Otherwise you could easily aggrevate the problem that is causing your pain, which can compromise your labor, your delivery and the health of your newborn. Don't suffer needlessly--chiropractic is safe and it works!

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M.R.

answers from San Antonio on

I, too, experienced a bad pain in my hip during late pregnancy. Mine was sciatica. It was almost 100% improved after my Dr. advised me not to bend at the waist, instead bend the knees and squat to pick something up. Later in Lamaze classes when the instructor explained that the abdominal muscles were acting like big rubber bands did I visualize what was going on when I bent at the waist. Hope this helps.

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L.B.

answers from Austin on

I don't know if this will help you or not but try potassium. I had bad leg cramps when I was pregnant with my son. My doc told me to get lots of potassium because of course the baby was taking a lot of what I was getting. I don't like bananas so he told me to drink a lot of orange juice. It really helped a lot.

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A.E.

answers from Sherman on

Go to a chiropractor and a good massage therapist. The best!

A. <><

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P.C.

answers from San Antonio on

T.,
Believe it or not, you may be suffering from Sciatic. I have a herniated disc in the lumbar region (L5) and is pinching my sciatic nerve. This pain usually manifests in the "normal" way-- pain running down the front and back of my legs all the way to the bottom of my feet. As of late, I have had really bad pain in my hip. Feels like a knife stabbed into my hip bone. My chiropractor has said it most likely the nerve. I would not recommed squats as this may worsen the problem. If you are able to lie on your back, pull your knees to your chest and hold. If you can't do this try sitting in a chair and pull one leg at a time towards your chest. It seems to take pressure off the nerve. Hope it helps you. Congrats on your pregnancy and a big thanks to your husband for his service to our country!
P. C.

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O.M.

answers from San Antonio on

Hey T. , go see your urologist , it may be a urine infection , I have something similar but I am not pregnant , and my doctor ran some test on me and found that I have something called IC for short it is Interstitial Cystitis it is server pelvic pain , the lining in your bladder is damaged by the toxin's in your urine ,and could be very painful , tomorrow I go back to see her and I will probably be put on some medicine , Maybe that is what is causing your hip and back pain ? It wouldn't hurt to ask your doctor if this is what you have. I hope not but you won't know unless you ask your doctor..... take care and may God give you comfort and take away your pain.....

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J.C.

answers from Houston on

I had the same pain when I was pregnant and I found that a materninty massage really helps. Have you ever heard of Massage Envy? The massages are very affordable and they have great therapists that are licensed in maternity massage. I would really recommend that you get one I know how painful that feeling is. I had a horrible time with my back and my entire lower body. I felt a lot better afterwards, you should really try it.
GOOD LUCK AND I HOPE YOU FEEL A LOT BETTER!!!!

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H.F.

answers from San Angelo on

Hi T.,

I was thinking that you probably have a pinched nerve.
It could also be how the baby is positioned, is the pain better when you are laying down? You don't sleep on your back do you? You are not supposed to do that because the baby can cut off major blood supplies.

I wouldn't try a chiroprator though unless it is cleared by your family practice doc (I had a weird episode, kind of like a stroke, right after seeing a chiropractor, so I am really leary of them) Keep in mind that the pain can be originating somewhere else but felt in your hip. I would call family practice and talk with the nurse to see if she has any insight, or else go in and see the Doc. H.

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N.S.

answers from Houston on

I am currently having hip pain which is probably caused becaused I hyperextended my ankle years ago when I tripped. The ankle is messed up which is now causing me hip pain, since my new job involves me walking on a concrete floor several hrs per day. The orthopedic is also investigating the possibility of SCIATICA which sounds like what you have. The extra weight on your low back is probably causing pressure on the sciatic nerve, which will run across the low back, down the hip and leg. It's usually only one side. I also used to work for a chiropractor for over 8 yrs and they can adjust your low back and help with the pain and relieve the pressure on the sciatic nerve. I would try that. It's totally safe since you are pregnant. Just tell them you are PG and they use special, gentle techniques to adjust you. Chiropractic is incredible, so give it a try.

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C.H.

answers from Houston on

Dear T. - I experienced a very severe pain that made it almost impossible for me to even pick up my right leg to walk. The doctor said that the baby was probably on a nerve and that the only way to help the pain was to get down on all fours (on your knees and hands) and massage the baby (your tummy) that maybe he would reposition himself. I hope that this will help you.
By the way, the pain went away immediately after delivery.
Blessings to you and your family - C.

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C.B.

answers from San Antonio on

T.,

Have you ever been evaluated for Fibromyalgia? Do you get pains anywhere else, particularly under your left shoulder blade? Do you have problems with sleep, whether it is not being able to fall asleep, or not sleeping well and feeling like you didn't sleep at all when you wake up? Do you have any pain or tingling or numbness in your feet, legs, arms, or hands? Do you have restless legs syndrome (it feels like bugs are crawling on your legs)? Do you have a history of migraines, tension headaches, depression, bipolar disorder, carpal tunnel syndrome, or exhaustion? Very often, these diagnoses are NOT the correct diagnosis. Fibromyalgia is very often misdiagnosed as any of the above, particularly bipolar disorder.

Fibromyalgia can sometimes present during pregnancy. Not to say that you didn't have it before, but for some people (myself included), pregnancy causes a major flare in symptoms.

You may want to consider seeing a rheumatologist, but it is important to find one that:

1. Believes fibromyalgia is a real disease
2. Knows how to do a tender point exam
3. Is up to date on the latest research, meds, and treatments

Do you have any other family members who have odd pains, or are tired all the time, or who have been diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis, chronic fatigue syndrome, autism, chrons disease, irritable bowel syndrome, ulcerative colitis, or interstitial cystitis? These diseases are genetically linked to fibromyalgia, meaning they run in families.

Fibromyalgia is very difficult to get diagnosed without a good doctor, so I wish you well in your search. Although it may seem overwhelming to be diagnosed with a chronic illness, Fibromyalgia is becoming more manageable every day. Research is ongoing for new treatments, better diagnostic tests, and better medications.

If you want to learn more about Fibromyalgia, check out fmaware.org If you do get diagnosed, and want someone to talk to, feel free to email me.

Good luck!

-C. Bishop
Fibromyalgia Patient Advocate for Pfizer

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