Differential Diagnosis for Referred Pain to the Left Hip and Leg
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Lumbar Radiculopathy: This condition, often due to a herniated disc, can cause pain to radiate down the leg, typically following a dermatomal pattern. The pain can be referred to the hip and leg due to nerve root irritation, making it a common cause of such symptoms.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Trochanteric Bursitis: Inflammation of the bursa over the greater trochanter of the femur can cause pain on the outer aspect of the hip and thigh, which may radiate down the leg.
- Piriformis Syndrome: The piriformis muscle can compress the sciatic nerve, leading to pain in the buttock and referred pain down the back of the leg.
- Osteoarthritis of the Hip: Degenerative joint disease can cause hip pain that may radiate down the leg, especially with weight-bearing activities.
- Sacroiliitis: Inflammation of the sacroiliac joint can cause pain in the lower back, hip, and leg, often on one side.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm: Although less common, a ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm can cause severe back and abdominal pain that may radiate to the hip and leg, and is a medical emergency.
- Ectopic Pregnancy: In women of childbearing age, an ectopic pregnancy can cause abdominal pain that may radiate to the hip and leg, and requires immediate medical attention.
- Appendicitis: In some cases, especially if the appendix is located near the hip, appendicitis can cause pain that is referred to the hip and leg.
Rare Diagnoses
- Neoplastic Processes: Tumors in the spine, hip, or abdominal cavity can cause referred pain to the hip and leg, though these are less common causes.
- Inflammatory Arthropathies: Conditions like rheumatoid arthritis or ankylosing spondylitis can cause hip and leg pain, but the presentation is usually more systemic and involves multiple joints.
- Neurological Disorders: Certain neurological conditions, such as multiple sclerosis or peripheral neuropathy, can cause pain in the hip and leg, but these typically have other distinctive symptoms and signs.