Hip and leg pain occur for different reasons. For instance, if an injury has occurred to the leg, pain typically results. If the pain is related to the nerves, it may involve both the hip and leg as a result of possible pressure on nerves and ligaments that connect to both the hip and the leg. Likewise, an injury to the hip may cause pain in the leg, according to the Mayo Clinic. Underlying health issues also can cause pain in the hip and the leg.
Arthritis
Arthritis can cause pain in both the hip and the leg. Arthritis causes inflammation and swelling that may trigger pain in the affected area, such as the hip, and referred pain to another area, such as the leg. Referred pain may occur with inflammation of the hip joint. The doctor may find it difficult to determine the origin of pain when evaluating the discomfort of arthritis, according to the Cleveland Clinic. He may order tests such as an MRI, X-rays and blood work to make a final determination. Over-the-counter pain medications such as ibuprofen and acetaminophen can help treat arthritic pain. Ice alternating with heat treats this type of pain, too.
Bone Cancer
Bone cancer may occur in either the leg or hip, depending on the origin and how it spreads. Bone cancer causes severe pain that may radiate from the affected hip to the leg. Inflammation similar to that associated with arthritis will occur with the cancer. Scans indicate whether the pain has occurred because of possible cancer in the bone, according to Medline Plus. Blood work will show increased calcium levels, and the bone scan will indicate tumor growth, if any. The doctor will prescribe narcotic painkillers to ease the discomfort, as well as other cancer treatments.
Tendinitis
Tendinitis occurs when exercise strains the tendons beyond normal capacity. The tendons connect the bones and ligaments around the hip and the leg. Pain will occur in both the hip and leg when the strain affects the tendon connecting them. The effect can occur as severe, sharp pain. When the tendons in the leg become strained, the pain will occur in the leg. Ice alternating with heat helps relieve the tendon pain, according to Medline Plus. Over-the-counter pain relievers such as naproxen and acetaminophen also help.
