Sudden hip and glute pain
Hoping for some guidance, because I don’t even know how to explain this to my doctor in a way that makes sense, or even what kind of doctor I should see.
For background, I’m 48f, slightly overweight. I’ve worked a desk job most of my life but after being laid off, I had to go back to a retail environment where I have to stand for 6-9 hours a day, as well as lifting heavy items. I also have had issues with plantar fasciitis in the past.
Sometimes when my shoes were wearing down, I would get a sudden spasm in the middle of my lower back, that essentially meant, ok it’s time to get new shoes. So when I had this same feeling in my left hip about a month, I assumed that was the problem. Put on a fresh pair of shoes and thought I’d be alright.
But it seems to be becoming more frequent… I have a hard time describing the sensation. It’s not so much a sharp pain but like a sudden muscle cramp or twinge, making me feel like my leg is going to give out on me, or that my muscles are “off track” or something. Usually what I have to do is lift up my leg and set it back down again until it’s in a position where I don’t get the twinge sensation. And it’s sore for a little bit after that, but not constantly aching. But I take small steps now because it can happen at any time if I extend my leg too far and I’m afraid I’ll fall. It was just in the left hip at first but now can pop up there or inside my left buttock. I notice it the most when I get up from a sitting position, or straighten myself up after bending over.
Google isn’t helping me narrow down what is going on and I’m not sure what kind of doctor to see or tests I would need to get a diagnosis. I’ve seen everything from piriformis syndrome to hip impingement to sciatica… any advice would be appreciated.