What Causes Right-sided Numbness In The Hip While Having Arthritis?

Posted on Tue, 26 Sep 2017

Question: I am 51 year old female. I've been told I have early arthritis in my hips and knees. This weekend, when I got up, i was in excruciating pain - radiating down both (lateral sides) of my legs and up on the right side to my rib cage. I took tylenol for the pain and went on with my weekend. Yesterday, I noticed numbness in my right hip. When I pinch the skin on my right hip, I feel nothing compared to my left. Today I have numbness across my right buttock and down the back of my right leg. I've had sciatica before - so I know what that is like - but this seems worse to me. I'm a military dependent, so I can't just go see an ortho.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Gopal (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
The pain is most likely to be due to spinal pathology.

Detailed Answer:
Hi, I am Dr. Gopal Goel Orthopedic Surgeon.

I have read the description and in my opinion, this pain is mostly arising from your spine. The arthritic pain would not lead to loss of sensation.

Probably you have slipped disc and now the pressure on the nerve is more - maybe slipped disc along with lumbar spondylosis/ Secondary canal stenosis, that is why the pain is worse at this time.
I'd suggest you start good pain killer(Ibuprofen, Naproxen etc.), muscle relaxant, and neuropathic pain-medications (like Pregabalin- you may need a prescription from your local doctor for these).

Physiotherapy will immensely benefit you additionally.

For confirmation of diagnosis, MRI of lower spine will be required. Normally I'd advise MRI if my patients don't respond to the treatment.

I hope to have answered your question helpfully. Please feel free to ask any other question.
Regards

Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee