@sassysaveur I echo what @tgreer1972 said. If the rheumatologist thought your hips look okay, it could be spinal. I have degenerative disc disease and it causes the symptoms you described, affecting hip, thigh, shin, knee, ankle and sometimes my toes. I know it's not my hips because they are implants and in good condition. An orthopedic surgeon can make this diagnosis as well.

Don't panic - it doesn't have to mean back surgery, there are a number of more conservative treatments.