What causes severe pain in the right hip and leg despite taking Tramadol?
Patient: I am away from my current home having heavy pain in my right hip and leg. I don t want to go to the ER and I live in Kansas City but I am in Denver with relatives. I have surmised that it is sciatica. I applied heat and it didn t help. I think I need an anti inflammatory drug. I take tramadol regularly but it is not cutting it. What is an OC anti inflamatory? I am a female, 68yurs old and weigh 136. Doctor: Hi,  I'm afraid you are having an acute sciatica pain episode. And yes, Tramadol alone can't help you.   As you cannot go to the ER, then, I advise to: - apply an analgesic cream on your lower back and on right hip and leg joints - take over the counter Paracetamol alternating with Ibuprofen or Ketoprofen - some sciatic exercise can help you a lot to manage the pain - I think heat won't help but make inflammation worse, should apply cold compresses or Glucosamine packs (ask at your local drug store) - take Glucosamine and vitamin B complex supplement.  Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.  Regards, Dr. Albana Sejdini,  General & Family Physician