Pain is the most neglected complaint in females. They considered it to be a part and parcel of their daily routine.
Pain can be very distressing and causes significant discomfort. Pain near hip bone can be transient, but treatment should be sought if it persists for a long time and obstructs daily routine.

• Occasional Shooting Hip Pain
• Hips Ache When Sleeping On My Side

Hip pain may be caused by arthritis, injuries or other problems. Why Do You Have Hip Pain When Sitting? It is important to stress out that hip pain is not normal! Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis are among the most common causes of hip pain, especially in older adults. Arthritis leads to inflammation of the hip joint and the breakdown of the cartilage.

When a person complains of pain near the right hip, it is not just limited to a muscular cause, there are some important organs located near the right hip which can cause pain and discomfort. Irrespective of the location, cause of pain should be investigated into and appropriate treatment should be taken.

Causes of Pain Near Hip Bone at Right Side in Females are:

1. Sciatica: The sciatic nerve is the largest one in the body. Sciatica pain occurs due to irritation of the sciatic nerve.

• Pain is felt as a cramp-like, sharp and shooting type of pain which characteristically begins on either side of the back and extends to the thigh or knees on the same side.
• Pain is worse from walking and relieved from applying pressure.
• An x-ray of the lumbosacral spine may show signs of disc compression or protrusion or signs of degenerative changes.

2. Trauma or Injury may cause a dull aching pain. A history trauma may be elicited during case taking. Contusions may be seen on examination.

3. Osteoarthritis: osteoarthritis of the right hip joint is a very common cause of hip pain in women in menopausal age groups.

• This occurs due to depleting levels of calcium in the blood. Lesser calcium in the blood increases the risk of postmenopausal women for fractures.
• In osteoarthritis, degeneration of cartilage occurs and the pain gradually increases with age.
• Pain is worse from moving around and better from rest. Apart from the involvement of bones, tendons and cartilages, pain near the hip bone may occur because of other reasons as well.

4. Appendix:Appendix is a sac like opening towards the end of the large intestine. When a part of stool gets lodged in it, inflammation occurs.

• Symptoms include severe, spasmodic pain with tenderness in right lower side of the abdomen above the hip. Pain is associated with fever, loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting.
• Appendicitis can be diagnosed by ultrasound of abdomen. It may be acute or chronic.
• Appendicitis is a serious medical condition. If neglected, the appendix gets perforated and infects other parts of the abdomen (Peritonitis). Surgical removal of the appendix is done to prevent complications.

5. Gastroenteritis: This is inflammation of the stomach and intestines.

• It occurs from consuming contaminated food and drinks. Gastroenteritis is usually self limiting and complaints subside within few days.
• Symptoms include cramp-like abdominal pain before stools, loose motions, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite and fever.
• Tenderness is present in the region of the umbilicus and large intestine.
• Gastroenteritis is a clinical diagnosis.

6. Kidney/ Ureteric Stones: These are also called Renal Calculi. Ureters are tubes which carry urine from kidneys to the bladder.

• Pain is spasmodic and in the lumbar region above the hip.
• Ureteric stones cause pain along the ureter when the stone shifts.
• Kidney/ ureteric calculi are associated frequently with symptoms of Urinary Tract Infection (UTI).
• Symptoms include pain, nausea, vomiting and occasionally blood in urine.

7. Urinary Tract Infection: It is inflammation of the urinary tract. Infection may be present in the upper or lower part of the urinary tract.

• Symptoms include pain near the region of hip bone, high grade fever with chills, increased the frequency of urination and a burning sensation while urinating and vomiting.
• UTI may be diagnosed on routine and microscopic examination of the urine sample.
• UTI occurs more commonly in females due to the close proximity of urethra to the anus.

8. Dysmenorrhea: Also known as Painful Menses. This is one of the most common causes of pain near hip bone in females.

• This pain can occur on both left and right side.
• Pain is spasmodic, colicky and often associated with nausea, vomiting and bloating of the abdomen.
• These complaints may occur 1-2 days before or during menses.

9. Diverticulitis: A diverticulus is a pouch-like structure that forms in the colon (large intestine), and diverticulitis is infection and inflammation of the diverticulus or diverticuli.

• A low-fiber diet is known to be one of the factors responsible for diverticulitis.
• Diverticulitis is a very painful medical condition.
• Pain is cramp-like which is worse on movement. It is often associated with nausea, vomiting and abdominal bloating.
• This condition usually responds to conservative medical management, but if symptoms persist or get worse, surgery may be required.

10. Ectopic Pregnancy: Ectopic means abnormal place or position. Ectopic pregnancy is one which occurs outside the uterus.

• Ectopic pregnancy is a life threatening condition. It is a surgical emergency. It can be detected by an abdominal and pelvic ultrasound.
• Maximum percentages of ectopic pregnancies have found to occur in fallopian tubes. The woman undergoes physical changes similar to that of a normal pregnant woman.
• There are great chances of ectopic to rupture and cause infection within the abdomen (inside of abdomen is a sterile environment)
• Usually, ectopic pregnancies are asymptomatic, but they may also be associated with sudden severe abdominal pain and vaginal bleeding when the ectopic rupture.
• Ectopic pregnancies constitute 10% of all causes of maternal deaths.

11. Pelvic Inflammatory Diseases (PID): This is infection and inflammation of pelvic organs in females.

• PID involves uterus, ovaries and fallopian tubes
• Complaints include chronic lower abdominal pain, fever with chills, nausea and vomiting.
• This condition responds well to antibiotics.
• As a complication, PID may cause infertility and ectopic pregnancy.

12. Endometriosis:Endometriosis is a condition where the tissue which lines the uterus from inside, starts growing outside the uterus.

• This condition usually involves female pelvic organs. It is one of the important causes of pain in females.
• Symptoms include severe lower abdominal pain during menses and also while passing urine or motions. Heavy and irregular menstrual bleeding.
• This condition is frequently associated with a possibility of infertility.

13. Fracture of Neck of Femur: Femur is the bone of the thigh and a fracture of this bone occurs commonly in postmenopausal women, especially of elderly age group.

• In post menopausal women, there is rapid calcium depletion in bones. This makes them prone to fractures.
• A history of fall is usually the cause of a fracture of neck of the femur.
• Symptoms include pain and inability to move the affected leg.
• Surgery is the only treatment option for fracture of neck of the femur.

14. Inguinal hernia: Hernia is a condition in which contents of the abdomen protrude through the abdominal wall. An inguinal hernia occurs in the groin region.

• Symptoms include pain at the anterior side of hip bone and discomfort.
• The bulge becomes prominent when the person coughs or strains.
• Persons who have a chronic cough or constipation or those who lift heavy objects frequently have a high risk of developing hernias.
• Surgery is the sole option for treatment. This condition does not respond to medicines.

15. Inflammatory Bowel Disease: This term describes chronic inflammatory conditions of the intestine.

• Ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease come under the term IBD.
• These are chronic inflammatory states which affect and erode the normal lining of intestines which causes significant loss of healthy gut flora.
• Complaints include chronic diarrhea with bloating and abdominal pain before stools.
• Crohn’s disease involves sections of intestines and spares healthy intermittently.
• Ulcerative colitis involves a considerable length of the intestine.

Dr. Himanshi is a Homoeopathic consultant and currently working as a lecturer in Post-graduate faculty of Homeopathy, Parul University, Vadodara. Completed BHMS and MD in Homeopathy in January 2018 and also has a clinical experience of about 6 years. Personal interests include reading, spending time with family and traveling.

Pain above the left hip can be confusing to a lot of people. Many individuals who experience this pain wonder whether it is right in the hip itself or actually coming from the stomach.

Pain above the left hip can sometimes be above the hipbone on the left side, which is associated with abdominal discomfort, or it can be hip pain on left side near the back and be linked to back pain. As you read on, you will discover left hip pain causes.

There are cases where the pain can be superficial (just under the skin or just above the skin). There can also be cases where left hip pain is much deeper and can indicate a problem with organs that are in that general area.

Organs located above left hip

At the lower part of our abdomen is a bone at the sides on top of the pelvic area. This bone is our hip. In reality, our hip lies lower – to the side and slightly in front of our buttocks. The area most people refer to as the hip is technically the lower abdomen. Since the upper part of the pelvic bone lies within the abdominal area, any organs in this region can be possible causes of pain on left side above hip. Some of the organs include the descending and sigmoid colon, the left ureter, as well as the left ovary and fallopian tube in females. It is also important to know that the small intestine, which is the longest part of our digestive tract, is coiled in the abdominal cavity.

What causes pain above left hip

Left hip pain can be difficult to cope with since it is not only uncomfortable, but can slow you down. The National Institutes of Health report that people who experience pain associated with the hip may feel discomfort in the hip joint, the middle of the thigh, the groin, or pelvis area.

The following are causes of pain above the left hip:

Dislocation

Upper left hip pain can be due to a dislocated hip. The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons states that a dislocated hip happens when the head of the femur of the thighbone slips out of the hip joint. Dislocating a hip can cause severe pain and immobility. It can also damage surrounding nerves. A fall or car accident can lead to a dislocated hip.

Hip bursitis

This is the swelling and inflammation of a fluid-filled sac between ligament or tendons and bone. It can reduce friction between these structures during mobility. There are several different types of hip bursitis. The most common hip bursitis is trochanteric bursa. This is located on the outside of the upper hip. This type of bursitis can happen as a result of an injury or due to excessive friction from repetitive movement. Pain usually radiates from the hip area down to the outer thigh.

Avascular necrosis

Also known as osteonecrosis, this left side pain above the hip is best described as the death of bone tissue. Essentially, the bone tissue dies because there has been insufficient blood supply. Avascular necrosis complications include fractures and bone collapse. How does avascular necrosis happen? It’s believed that joint dislocation, some steroid medications, and alcoholism are to blame.

Abdominal wall

If soft tissue, such as skin, muscles, fat, and fascia get strained or injured, left hip pain can come from the abdominal wall. There are also diseases and disorders that can cause the pain to arise from the upper portion of the pelvic bone. When a portion of the intestine gets trapped within a hernia, which is called strangulated hernia, it can cause bowel damage and extreme pain. Abdominal wall problems can include symptoms such as bruising and swelling.

Colitis

Inflammation of the lining of the colon can cause pain in the left hip area. Colitis is associated with a long list of uncomfortable symptoms, including abdominal pain, diarrhea, bloating, and blood in stools. The inflammation from colitis can be due to infection, loss of blood supply to the colon, or inflammatory bowel disease.

Inflammatory bowel disease

This term covers a number of disorders that involve chronic inflammation in the digestive tract. Ulcerative colitis, as outlined above, as well as Crohn’s disease are both classified as inflammatory bowel diseases. With Crohn’s disease, inflammation often spreads deep in tissues.

Diverticulitis

This is a condition that involves bulging pouches forming in the lining of the digestive system. These pouches are called diverticula and are mostly found in the lower part of the colon. Sometimes diverticula become inflamed or infected and cause severe abdominal pain. Fever, nausea, and changes in bowel habits can also occur with diverticulitis. Severe diverticulitis may require surgery.

Occasional Shooting Hip Pain

Colorectal cancer

Hips Ache When Sleeping On My Side

Cancer starts when cells begin to grow out of control. This can happen in nearly any part of the body, including the colon or the rectum. Colorectal cancer can cause discomfort that feels like pain on the left side above hip. Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of death in the United States.

Colon polyps

These are growths in the inner lining of the large intestine (colon) that protrude into the colon. Polyps form when genetic material mutates. Usually, immature cells in the colon divide, mature, and die, but sometimes, genetic changes don’t allow the cells to mature and die off. This leads to abnormal cells, which eventually turn into polyps. The chance of getting colon polyps increases as we age.

Irritable bowel syndrome

IBS is a common, chronic health problem that impacts the large intestine. Those who suffer from IBS often complain about abdominal pain, bloating, gas, diarrhea, and constipation. Many people are able to manage this syndrome with diet and lifestyle adjustments.

Intestinal obstruction

This is a blockage that prevents food or liquid from passing through the small intestine. A blockage can be from adhesions that form after surgery, an inflamed intestine, diverticulitis, hernias, or colon cancer. Intestinal obstruction requires immediate medical attention.

Ureteritis

The ureter is a duct that allows urine to pass from the kidney to the bladder. Ureteritis means that the ureter is inflamed. Ureteritis is rare and is linked to cystitis or pyelonephritis. Cystitis is inflammation of the bladder. Pyelonephritis is inflammation of the kidney.

Ureteral stones

These are a mineral mass in the ureter. They can originate in the kidney and travel down into the ureter. They form when particles of minerals in the urine crystallize. Small stones can pass through the ureter and out of the body without a person noticing, but if they are large, they can get stuck in the ureter and obstruct urine flow.

Ureter stricture

This is when a portion of the ureter becomes narrowed. It can be congenital, the result of scarring from surgery, or scarring from urinary stones. Some ureter strictures have been linked to cancer.

Polycystic ovary syndrome

PCOS is a hormonal disorder that is common in women in their reproductive years. Women who suffer from this syndrome may have irregular menstrual periods or excess male hormone levels. The ovaries may develop small collections of fluid and fail to release eggs. The exact cause of PCOS is still being investigated.

Endometriosis

This is a painful disorder whereby tissue that lines the inside of the uterus grows outside the uterus. It involves the ovaries, fallopian tubes, and hip. With this condition, endometrial tissue has no way to exit the body and becomes trapped. Surrounding tissue becomes irritated and eventually develops scarring or adhesions that can lead to organs sticking to each other. Endometriosis can cause fertility problems along with severe pain.

Pain above the left hip can be intermittent or it can be constant. Often times, people assume that they have simply twisted or moved the wrong way and that the discomfort will correct itself. There are situations where it can be the first sign of something more serious. If you experience severe pain that just won’t go away, or other symptoms such as changes in bathroom habits, fever, difficulty walking, difficulty urinating, fever, skin discoloration, or nausea, see a doctor. In the majority of cases, a full physical examination and proper diagnosis will get you on the right path to being pain-free and healthy again.

Related: