Do you get hip pain with MS?
James Williams
Updated on April 15, 2026
Joint pain, specifically in the knees and hips, is very common in people with multiple sclerosis (MS). It is usually due to a nerve-related or muscle-related manifestation of MS rather than degeneration of cartilage or inflammation of the joints, as seen in rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, or lupus.
Does MS cause back and hip pain?
For instance, MS may cause weakness in a person's legs, which can affect the way they walk. This in turn may result in back and hip pain. Other people with MS may have back pain that is not related to MS but to another health problem, such as muscle strains or a herniated disk.Does MS affect hip and leg?
People with MS can develop problems with gait or how they walk because of several factors. Some MS symptoms that may affect how a person walks include: muscle stiffness and spasms. numbness or other sensory problems in the hips, legs, ankles, or feet.Can MS cause hip and leg pain?
Experts usually describe pain caused by MS as musculoskeletal, paroxysmal or chronic neurogenic. Musculoskeletal pain can be due to muscular weakness, spasticity and imbalance. It is most often seen in the hips, legs and arms and particularly when muscles, tendons and ligaments remain immobile for some time.Can MS cause hip and groin pain?
Hip and back pain caused by alterations in how you walk due to MS, possibly because of muscle stiffness (spasticity), weakness, or problems with balance.Managing Pain and Sleep Issues in MS: Part 1- Pain in Multiple Sclerosis
What does MS feel like in hips?
Tightness or stiffness of the muscles, called spasticity, is caused directly by MS. Spasticity, will alter walking and cause pulling on the joints. This can result in pain typically in the ankles, knees, hips and back.Does MS cause buttock pain?
Spasticity is a common symptom in MS. It is a tightness or stiffness of the muscles – occurring typically in the legs (calf or thigh), groin, and buttocks.Do your joints hurt with MS?
Balance, energy, and muscle problems are all very common with MS, and the nerve and musculoskeletal damage can contribute to the development of painful joints and aching muscles. With the right combination of physical therapy, medication, and lifestyle changes, you can manage your MS and a lead rich, enjoyable life.When should you suspect multiple sclerosis?
People should consider the diagnosis of MS if they have one or more of these symptoms: vision loss in one or both eyes. acute paralysis in the legs or along one side of the body. acute numbness and tingling in a limb.What were your first MS symptoms?
Common early signs of multiple sclerosis (MS) include:
- vision problems.
- tingling and numbness.
- pains and spasms.
- weakness or fatigue.
- balance problems or dizziness.
- bladder issues.
- sexual dysfunction.
- cognitive problems.
Can MS feel like arthritis?
At least half of those living with multiple sclerosis experience MS-related joint pain. Joint pain is associated with other symptoms of MS, including muscle weakness, balance and coordination issues, and muscle spasms. A person should see their doctor if they are experiencing new or worsening symptoms of MS.Can MS cause hip bursitis?
Abstract. This case report describes greater trochanteric pain syndrome (often referred to as trochanteric bursitis) in a patient with multiple sclerosis (MS). It is a relatively common and treatable cause of hip pain in patients with several underlying conditions.How do you know if you have MS or fibromyalgia?
MS can permanently damage your nerves. Fibromyalgia causes pain and stiffness all over your body, along with other symptoms. Doctors aren't sure what triggers it. They think it might have something to do with how your brain processes pain.Does MS feel like sciatica?
It's easy to mistake sciatica as a symptom or related condition of MS, which often causes neuropathic pain. But while the two do coexist, sciatica isn't caused by MS. It's caused by strain on the sciatic nerve. Thankfully, there are many remedies for sciatica.What does MS flare feel like?
Increased fatigue. Tingling or numbness anywhere on the body. Brain fog, or difficulty thinking. Muscle spasms.What does MS feel like in legs?
Some people with MS describe it as like having bags of sand attached to their legs. This muscle weakness combined with MS fatigue can be upsetting. Weakness in your legs can cause balance and walking difficulties and you may be more likely to fall.Can a neurologist tell if you have MS?
MS is diagnosed by your neurologist. They will use a specific checklist to diagnose MS, known as the McDonald criteria. They'll carry out a number of tests to run through the criteria, which could include blood tests and MRI.Where does MS tingling occur?
Numbness or TinglingA lack of feeling or a pins-and-needles sensation can be the first sign of the nerve damage from MS. It usually happens in the face, arms, or legs, and on one side of the body. It also tends to go away on its own.