What should you know about hip flank pain?

Flank pain is felt on the side of the body between the ribs and the pelvis. When it seems to involve the hip, the source may be nearby muscles or tendons, the hip joint, the lower back, or an irritated nerve. Pain that follows lifting, exercise, prolonged sitting, or a particular movement fits more with a musculoskeletal source. Burning or pain during urination, needing to urinate often, cloudy urine, or blood in the urine can point toward the urinary tract. Severe pain that comes in waves and travels toward the groin can occur with kidney stones. Fever, chills, nausea, or feeling unusually unwell alongside side or back pain needs prompt medical assessment because a kidney infection can require treatment.

The exact spot, whether the pain is constant or colicky, and whether movement changes it are useful details. A clinician may examine the abdomen, back, hip, and urine, then decide whether further tests are needed.

If the pain is mild and began after an obvious strain, reduce the activity that triggered it while keeping gentle movement within comfort. Avoid heavy lifting until ordinary movements are easier. Follow the label of any over-the-counter pain medicine and check with a pharmacist or clinician if you are pregnant, have kidney disease, have stomach ulcers, or take regular medicines. Keep track of urinary symptoms, fever, vomiting, the pain's direction of spread, and what makes it better or worse. Arrange a clinical review if the pain does not settle, keeps returning, or has no clear explanation.

Seek urgent medical care for severe or rapidly worsening pain, fever or chills with flank pain, repeated vomiting, faintness, new weakness or numbness, difficulty passing urine, or visible blood in the urine. Get prompt assessment after an injury if you cannot bear weight or the hip looks deformed. New flank pain during pregnancy, or pain with marked illness, also warrants prompt advice. Emergency services are appropriate if you feel seriously unwell, confused, or unable to keep fluids down.

You could ask: Which causes best fit the exact location and pattern of my pain? Do I need a urine test or an examination of my back and hip? Which pain medicines are suitable with my health conditions and current medicines? What changes should make me seek urgent care?