Hip Injury

hip injury

DEFINITION

Injury to a bone, muscle, joint or ligament of the hip and upper thigh

Types of Injuries

Fractures (broken bones)
Dislocations (bone out of joint)
Sprains - Stretches and tears of ligaments
Strains - Stretches and tears of muscles (pulled muscle)
Contusion (bruise) - A direct blow or crushing injury resulting in bruising of the skin, muscle, and underlying bone

See More Appropriate Topic (instead of this one) If

ANIMAL BITE to hip area
BURNS of hip area
PUNCTURE WOUND to hip area
SKIN INJURY is main concern

FIRST AID Advice for Bleeding:

Apply direct pressure to the entire wound with a clean cloth

WHEN TO CALL YOUR DOCTOR

Call 911 Now (you may need an ambulance) If

Major bleeding (actively bleeding or spurting) that can't be stopped
Injury looks like a dislocated joint (crooked or deformed)
You can't stand (bear weight) or walk
NOTE: For bleeding, see First Aid

Call Your Doctor Now (night or day) If

You think you have a serious injury
Severe pain

Call Your Doctor Within 24 Hours (between 9 am and 4 pm) If

You think you need to be seen
There is a large swelling or bruise (wider than 2 inches) at the site of the injury
You are limping
You are over age 54, have osteoporosis, or use steroid medications routinely

Call Your Doctor During Weekday Office Hours If

You have other questions or concerns
Injury interferes with work or school
Injury and pain have not improved after 3 days
Injury is still painful and swollen after 2 weeks

Self Care at Home If

Minor bruise
Minor strained (pulled) muscle or sprained (stretched) ligament

HOME CARE ADVICE FOR MINOR BRUISE, SPRAIN OR STRAIN

Treatment of Bruise (e.g., direct blow to hip area):
- Apply a cold pack or an ice bag (wrapped in a towel) for 20 minutes each hour for 4 consecutive hours. (20 minutes of cold followed by 40 minutes of rest for 4 hours in a row).
- 48 hours after the injury, use local heat for 10 minutes 3 times each day to help reabsorb the blood.
- Rest the injured part as much as possible for 48 hours.
Treatment of Sprains and Strains of Hip and Upper Thigh:
- FIRST AID - Apply an ice pack (crushed ice in a plastic bag covered with a towel) to reduce bleeding, swelling, and pain.
- REST the injured leg for 24 hours. You may return to normal activity after 24 hours of rest if the activity does not cause pain.
- Continue to apply crushed ICE packs for 10-20 minutes every hour for the first 4 hours. Then apply ice for 10-20 minutes 4 times a day for the first two days.
- Keep injured leg ELEVATED and at rest for 24 hours. Put your leg up on a pillow and stay off your feet as much as possible.
Pain Medication: For pain relief, take acetaminophen every 4-6 hours (e.g., Tylenol; adult dosage 650 mg) OR ibuprofen every 6-8 hours (e.g., Advil, Motrin; adult dosage 400 mg).
- Do not take ibuprofen if you have stomach problems, kidney disease, are pregnant, or have been told by your doctor to avoid this type of anti-inflammatory drug. Do not take ibuprofen for more than 7 days without consulting your doctor.
- Do not take acetaminophen if you have liver disease.
- Read the package instructions thoroughly on all medications that you take.
Expected Course: Pain and swelling usually begin to improve 2 or 3 days after an injury. Swelling is usually gone in 7 days. Pain may take 2 weeks to completely resolve.
Call Your Doctor If:
- Pain becomes severe
- Pain does not improve after 3 days
- Pain or swelling lasts more than 2 weeks
- You become worse

And remember, contact your doctor if you develop any of the "Call Your Doctor" symptoms.

Disclaimer: This information is not intended be a substitute for professional medical advice. It is provided for educational purposes only. You assume full responsibility for how you choose to use this information.

Author and Senior Reviewer: David A. Thompson, M.D.

Last Reviewed: 9/21/2007

Last Revised: 3/21/2007

Content Set: Adult HouseCalls Online

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