Hip Injury

HIP INJURY

DEFINITION

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

More Information

More Information

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

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FIRST AID Advice for Bleeding:

  • Apply direct pressure to the entire wound with a clean cloth
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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

Call your doctor now (night or day) if:

  • You think you have a serious injury
  • Severe pain

Call your doctor within 24 hours (between 9am and 4pm) 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
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HOME CARE ADVICE

  • 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.

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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.

REFERENCES

  1. American Heart Association. 2005 Guidelines for Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation and Emergency Cardiovascular Care. Part 10: First Aid. Circulation. 2005;112:IV-196-IV-203.
  2. Brunner LC, Eshilian-Oates, Kuo TY. Hip fractures. Am Fam Physician. 2003;67(3):537-42.
  3. Dake AD, Stack L. Penetrating trauma to the extremities: systematic assessment and targeted management of weapons-related injuries. Emerg Med Reports. 1997;18(7).
  4. Rudman N. Emergency department evaluation and treatment of hip and thigh injuries. Emerg Med Clin North Am. 2000;18(1):29-66.

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