Crohn's disease and hip pain

Inflammation associated with Crohn's disease can involve joints as well as the digestive tract. Clues may include stiffness on waking, pain that improves with gentle movement, or symptoms that appear when bowel symptoms are active. Hip pain can also come from muscles, tendons, the spine or the joint itself, so its presence does not establish the cause.

Tell a clinician whether one or both hips hurt, whether movement is limited, and whether there is swelling, warmth, back pain, abdominal pain, diarrhoea, fever or a recent injury. The examination may include walking, joint movement and checks for other causes.

Arrange a GP consultation for persistent, recurrent or activity-limiting hip pain, especially if it occurs with bowel symptoms. Note stiffness, pain triggers, sleep disturbance, new medicines and any link with flare-like symptoms. Keep gently mobile within comfort, but avoid exercises that sharply increase pain. Discuss pain relief before taking anti-inflammatory medicines, as some may not suit people with bowel disease.

Seek urgent care after a significant injury, or for sudden inability to bear weight, a hot swollen joint, severe pain with fever, numbness or weakness, or loss of bladder or bowel control. Seek prompt medical advice for persistent diarrhoea, severe abdominal pain, or hip pain that is rapidly worsening. These warning signs need attention independent of the final diagnosis.

Ask whether the pattern suggests joint inflammation, a mechanical hip problem or pain referred from the back. Ask whether a blood test or imaging could help, which activity is suitable, and which medicines are safe with your bowel treatment.