Hip Pain that radiates down leg after sleeping?

For several months I have experienced extreme pain in the left hip that radiates for about 10 mintues down the leg after getting out of bed.  Is this arthritis?  It seems to be worse while recovering from lapband surgery.  Does anyone have suggestions to help with this?  Thanks

I have pain like this.  It is my sciatic nerve which is affected by the arthitis in my back.  I had shots in my back that helped the right leg but not the left.  It may just be inflammation for you and will go away.  Mine is not, it is only getting worse becasue the arthris damage is too bad..  I had my 2nd MRI done yesterday and will see what my pain doc says. Go visit your primary doctor and get a referral to a pain doc who will diagnose you. Best of luck. 

Ahhhh yes, the dredful "Sciatica" ..... I too have sciatica pain like this for years but it doesn't always mean its caused by arthritis.  It just may be because your spine is out of alignment.  It's my understanding that this is also caused by weight loss as well.  If you think about it, makes sense.  Also think about how our spines are kept in alignment ~ by muscle...  How is your stomach (core) and back muscles?  (Lumbar is supported via core muscles - lumbar directly affects the siatica)   Ha, neither one is any good on me thus having resulted over the years in Degenerative Spinal Arthritis, hence, I too see a Pain Clinic Dr for epidurals and meds... 

I guess I mispoke in my 1st post.  I didn't mean my arthritis caused my sciatic pain. My sciatic pain comes from the herniated disk in my spine pressing on my nerve.  The disk is herniated because of my osteoarthritis.  My bones are crumbling/degenerating.  I have bone spurs and loose bits of bone also pressing the nerve. I have a referral to go see a neurosurgeon because the pain doc says I have 2 options...pain pills or surgery.  Surgery can fix the disk but not the OA. Best of luck with yours! 

Hope your pain is gone now, but if not try seeing a chiropractor.  I had pain like that and it was sciatica.  The chiropractor was the only one who could give me relief for it, my spine was out of alignment.  You may take pain meds. to feel better but the cause will still be there if your spine is misaligned.  Worked wonders for me, especially when I was pregnant with my first child.

Thank you for your reply and thoughtfulness.  Unfortunately I have been advised to never allow a chiropracter to adjust me.  I have a spinal disk and bone spurs in my neck.  I was informed my a spinal specialist that any adjustments could paralyze me.  Losing almost 50 pounds has improved my pain and I rarely take Advil anymore.  I have learned to live with my problems and prefer to not have surgery at this time.  Hopfully another 40 pounds will further improve my problem.  Thanks again and a very Happy New Year to you!! Patti

I can certainly understand why you won't go to a chiropractor!  Congrats on your weight loss!  I am glad to hear the pain has gotten better, you have a great New Year too! Beth