<s>[INST] I have pain in what feels like my left hip and when I take a step with my left leg my knee/thigh bends inward towards my groin. Pain is moderate most of the time but sharp pains shoot down my leg with a misstep. This causes me to walk with a severe limp. Any ideas? [/INST] As per your explanation I believe it can also be related to sciatica.  You can test it buy lying straight on your back and keeping one leg on ground lift other leg straight up and check with other leg also doing the same.  Here check how much you are able to lift and whether you have the similar feeling again like pain radiating to leg from hip and all.  If yes then confirm it is related to sciatica or back spinal level disturbance.  I suggest visiting physical therapist and take proper treatment along with spinal exercise.  As well do use hot pack and apply some pain relieving ointment post use of it. This will give you good result. Hope this was useful to you.  Take care </s>