When we talk about sharp pain, it usually refers to a stabbing or piercing pain. Sharp pains are usually short-lived and occur in locations where there is an acute increase in pressure, such as the underside of the thigh, the small of your back, or the side of your hip.
These pains tend to get worse with movement and may radiate to your buttocks or legs. If you experience any of the above symptoms, and are not sure why, see your doctor. Sharp pain in your hip is commonly referred to as femoro-psoas pain. It is often a manifestation of a strained muscle, and requires rest, ice, compression, and elevating the area of the pain.
Unfortunately, many home remedies for sharp pain in the hip are ineffective and only serve to make the pain worse. If you are looking to relieve the pain naturally, there are plenty of options available, though. Read on to learn more about the best home remedies for sharp pain in the hip.
Symptoms of sharp pain in left hip
It’s important to get to the bottom of which muscles are causing the problem, and what you can do to fix it. Let’s take a look at some of the most common symptoms of sharp pain in left hip, and how to diagnose it.
- Pain in your groin or left side when sitting
Pain that is localized in your groin or left side when you sit is likely a result of tight muscles in your abdomen or lower back. In order for your hip to be stable, your abdominal muscles and lower back have to work to keep your pelvis from moving too far forward or backward.
- Pain when getting up from sitting
If you have pain when you get up from sitting, it’s likely your hip joints are over-extended. Getting up from a seated position requires your leg muscles to be contracted. If these muscles are tight, then you have a higher chance of over-extending your hip when you try to stand.
- Pain that gets worse after doing activities
When you have pain that gets worse after doing certain activities, it could be a result of inflammation. Inflammation is a normal, protective response your body has after injury. However, when you have pain that is associated with certain activities, it’s a good idea to have it checked out.
- Extreme pain or bruising with activity
Extreme pain or a bruise in your left hip after activity could be a result of a muscle or ligament tear. These types of injuries are very serious, and you should never ignore them. If you’re in pain, or if you have a significant bruise, you should immediately stop what you’re doing and see a doctor.
- Pain with a specific movement or position
Pain with a specific movement or position can be an indication of a larger problem. For example, if you’ve been experiencing pain with climbing stairs, it could be a sign of a torn muscle or a slipped or torn ligament. Of course, pain with a specific activity like stair climbing could also just be due to arthritis.
Causes of Sharp Pain in Left Hip
There are many possible causes of sharp pain in the left hip. These include overuse, muscle strain, tightness and inflexibility, tear in the muscle, blood clot in the muscle, and other causes. Interestingly, most of these have something in common: they are all caused by the muscle moving or contracting the wrong way. Below, we discuss each of these causes and the best ways to deal with it.
- Overuse
Overusing the muscle can lead to irritation and inflammation, which can result in a painful and swollen muscle. While most people can walk or move around with mild discomfort, those who experience sharp pain in the left hip often have overused the muscle. Most cases of this type of sharp pain can be treated at home. The most important thing to do is to rest the muscle. In cases of overuse, the first thing to try is to lie down with the hip flexed to 45 degrees for 30 minutes every four hours for seven days. This can help to reduce inflammation and swelling.
- Muscle Strain
Strain is characterized by a tear in the muscle, either within the muscle fibers or between the muscle and the bone. A strain occurs when the muscle is overused, or stretched beyond its normal capacity. Once again, most people can experience mild pain in the hip when they strain it. However, if the pain is very sharp or intense, it is most likely a strain. Treatment for a strain usually involves rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE).
Rest the injured area for at least 24 hours. Apply ice for 15 minutes every hour for six to eight hours. Keep the area as immobile as possible by keeping both legs elevated. Follow this up with gentle movements. Massaging the muscle, taking hot compresses, and taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) can help to reduce muscle pain and inflammation. This, along with the RICE treatments, can help to speed up the healing process.
- Tightness and Inflexibility
People often have tight muscles as a result of overuse. However, a few people may have a genetic predisposition to have extremely tight muscles. This may result in a condition known as “fibromyalgia”, which can cause extreme amounts of sharp pain in the left hip. Fortunately, there are ways to reduce the pain caused by tight muscles. One of these is to stretch the muscle. Stretching can help to increase the flexibility of the muscle, which can make it feel less tight.
- Tear in the Muscle
A tear in the muscle is usually the result of an extremely strenuous or violent movement. Examples include sports like American football, soccer, or basketball that involve running, jumping, or falling. In some cases, a simple fall on the outside of the hip can result in a tear. Other times, a person may experience inflammation and a small tear, followed by a large tear after a strenuous activity.
This can occur when the muscle is overused. However, a large tear is usually an indication of a more serious injury, and should be evaluated by a doctor. Treating a tear usually involves RICE, as well as ice, compression, and elevation. A doctor may recommend a short period of rest, followed by light activity.
Treatments of sharp pain in left hip
1. Ice Pack for Sharp Pain in Hip
An ice pack is one of the most popular home remedies for sharp pain in the hip, and for good reason. Not only does it provide temporary relief from the pain, but it can also help to reduce inflammation and swelling. Place an ice pack over the painful area for 15 minutes, twice a day. You can also fill a plastic bag with ice and place it on your hip for 15 minutes at a time.
You can also make your own ice pack by filling a plastic bag with ice and placing it on your painful area. If you want to make it more convenient, you can also buy an ice pack that fits on your hip. Simply place it on your painful area when you need relief, and then throw it in the freezer when you’re done.
2. Take an Epsom Salt Bath
Epsom salt is known for its therapeutic properties, and can be used for a wide range of ailments. It has anti-inflammatory, anti-tussive, and decongestant properties, and can be used to treat many conditions, including sharp pain in the hip. Soaking in a tub full of Epsom salt can be soothing and help to get rid of toxins. You can also add baking soda to make a baking soda bath; both of these have anti-inflammatory properties that can help to ease your pain.
3. Make Your Own Ice Pack
Ice packs are convenient, but they can be expensive. Fortunately, you do not have to buy them every time you have a bout of sharp pain in the hip. You can easily make your own ice pack by filling a plastic bag with ice and placing it on your painful area. If you want to make it more convenient, you can also buy an ice pack that fits on your hip. Simply place it on your painful area when you need relief, and then throw it in the freezer when you’re done.
4. Don’t Sit for Long durations
Sitting for long periods of time can be painful and potentially harmful, especially if it is on one particular area of your hip. When you sit for long periods of time, your hip flexors are in constant flexion. This can cause your hip muscles to become exhausted, and if they become too exhausted, they may spasm or cause you to develop arthritis. To prevent this, alternate between sitting with your legs stretched out in front of you, and standing or walking while you are at work. Make sure to take a break in between sitting positions if you can. You can also try a back support or sitz-epileg-machine while you are at it.
5. Use a Stretching Exercise
Stretching is a crucial part of any weight loss or maintenance program, and it is just as important when it comes to preventing and treating sharp pains in your hip. Stretching can increase the flexibility of your muscles, which can make sitting more comfortable, and can improve your ability to move and exercise without pain. To stretch your hip muscles, lie on your back with your legs extended and bent at 90 degrees. In this position, hug your knees into your chest, and then gently pull your legs back toward your chest. You can do this 5-6 times, and repeat the process for your other hip.
6. Relax, and Stay Away from Certain Activities
When you are in pain, it is tempting to avoid movements and positions that cause the pain. Unfortunately, this can make the pain worse because it prevents your hip muscles from healing. It is important to keep activity around the painful area, and to maintain good posture while doing so, but you should avoid extremes as this can cause additional damage. If you must sit, try to keep your legs straight, and avoid putting weight on your knees, as this can cause additional damage and pain.
Conclusion
If you experience sharp pain in your hip, it could be a sign of a more serious underlying condition. It is important to see a doctor if you experience any of the symptoms listed above, as they may signify an injury or a more serious illness. In the meantime, try one or more of the home remedies listed above to get instant relief from your pain.