Left foot/leg will not relax!?

hotchaitogo,

Most of the rotation of the lower limb, comes from the hip. So, it sounds like you have some sort of problem that is not allowing you to externally rotate your hip.

Unfortunately, without a thorough examination and screening x-rays, it is impossible to determine the exact cause. You could have something going on with the bones of the hip joint itself (femoral-acetabular impingement or the residuals of a problem from childhood - which you may not have even known about). You could have a contracture of the joint capsule, muscles, or ligaments around the hip joint.


So, you should probably see an orthopedic surgeon for an evaluation. The condition will most likely not resolve on its own. It may even cause problems with walking and joint degeneration in the long term if left the way it is. And if you do have degenerative joint problems in the hip, possibly needing a replacement in the future, this contracture would usually have to be resolved before a replacement could be performed. It may be that the problem can be treated with therapy alone, but that would need to be determined.

Again, you need to see an orthopedic surgeon. Good luck.

Thank you for your reply! I tried to test how much rotation I can do on my left leg compared to my right. I even pushed it a little too much, but it feels like there is something keeping me from having the range of motion like my other one. When I lie down flat, I tried lifting my leg off the ground and over to the left side. Can not go out as far as my right one can. (And it is a lot easier for my right leg) The Dr. already did an MRI on my lower spine. He didnt get the hips, though. Should I ask for that? or is there another test that could be done. Or should I ask for a referral to a specialist? I don't think the Dr. I see is taking me seriously. I told him about the problems with my leg and could that be causing my hip pain. He is still stuck on bursitis. (I know I have that, because I did fall 2 years ago right on my left hip.) But I don't think it causes all the other weirdness. Thank you so much for your help. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

hotchaitogo,

From what you are describing, it should be pretty evident on a thorough hip examination, if one was done. Bursitis does not cause significant decrease in the passive range of motion of the hip. It might cause discomfort, especially if the patient does active range of motion.

But, with passive range of motion, you take out the patient having to actively move the joint, so the pain should be less. If the range of motion is significantly different, then there is something going on in the joint itself, usually.

You should be seeing at least an orthopedic surgeon. If you are already seeing an orthopedic surgeon, and he/she is still not taking you seriously, then look for another surgeon. One that has subspeciality training in hip surgery. That may be a total joint surgeon, but these surgeons do other things with the hip joint other than just replacements. And they have the extra training to be able to pick up the subtle problems going on around the hip joint.

Studies for problems around the hip, usually start off with a set of good plain x-rays, which may include an AP (of the whole pelvis), frogleg lateral, cross table lateral, and weight bearing films. A bone scan may be ordered if there is concern about inflammation around the joint. An MRI looks at the soft tissues best. A CT scan is best for looking at the bones and joint, and how they relate to each other. Some surgeons also use the ultrasound, but the physician reading the ultrasound has to be specially training in musculoskeletal pathology.


So, if your doctor is not taking you seriously and has not done a thorough exam, ask for a referral. You sometimes have to be proactive and look out for your own health care. Good luck.