Sciatica

“Sciatica” is used to describe symptoms of leg pain that begins in the lower back and radiates through the buttock and down the large sciatic nerve in the back of the leg.  Sciatica is an indication and result of an underlying medical condition.

Symptoms may include:

  • Constant pain in only one side of the buttock or leg (rarely occurs in both legs)
  • Pain that is worse when seated
  • Burning or tingling down the leg
  • Weakness, numbness, or difficulty moving the leg or foot
  • A constant pain on one side of the rear end
  • A sharp pain making it difficult to stand up or walk

Osteoarthritis

Upholding much of the weight of the body is shared between the hip joints. A majority of people have unequal leg lengths, which means that the stress on the hips is not shared equally between the two. Just like anything else that takes more stress than it is designed to, over time, the hip can succumb to wear and tear of the cartilage and bone. While pain in the hip may come from the spine or back muscles, osteoarthritis pain can often radiate to other parts of the body, like the low back, thigh, pelvic floor, or even the groin area.

Symptoms may include:

  • Grating of the joint when in motion
  • Joint pain in wet weather
  • Swollen joints
  • Limited movement of joints
  • Morning stiffness

Hamstring Strain

A hamstring strain, or pulled hamstring, is a common injury involving a tear in one or more of the hamstring muscles.

Symptoms may include:

  • Sudden sharp pain at the back of the leg during exercise – most probably during sprinting or high velocity movements
  • Pain on stretching the muscle (straightening the knee whilst bending forwards)
  • Pain on contracting the muscle against resistance
  • Swelling and bruising
  • If the rupture is severe a gap in the muscle may be felt

Trochanteric Bursitis

Bursae are small, fluid-filled sacs which act as cushioning and lubrication between bones, tendons, and muscles near your joints. Bursitis occurs when a bursa becomes inflamed.  Bursitis restricts movement and causes pain in the affected area. Bursitis of the hip, or Trochanteric Bursitis, is frequently related to an injury of the hip or arthritis. People who stand or sit for extended amounts of time are at higher risk of suffering from Trochanteric Bursitis. While the joints of the elbow, shoulder, and hip are most commonly affected, Bursitis can also occur in many other places including knees, ankles, and wrists. Bursitis is often caused by overuse, stress, or direct trauma to a joint. It can also be a result of an infection, gout, or arthritis.

Symptoms may include:

  • Dull pain in the area on your hip where the joint meets the bone
  • Joint stiffness
  • Increased pain with movement
  • Tenderness
  • Due to bursae being located below the bulkiness of the muscles in the leg, there will be no visible swelling or redness of the skin around the hip