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Hip Injury

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Does this describe your symptoms?

Click image for more info

Bruise on Thigh (1 Day Old)
Bruise on Thigh (1 Day Old) :: LMS Inc. :: (click image to see Copyright)

X-Ray - Normal Hip
X-Ray - Normal Hip :: LMS Inc. :: (click image to see Copyright)

X-Ray - Hip Fracture
X-Ray - Hip Fracture :: LMS Inc. :: (click image to see Copyright)

Hip Fracture
Hip Fracture :: LMS Inc. :: (click image to see Copyright)

Anatomy - Hip
Anatomy - Hip :: LMS Inc. :: (click image to see Copyright)

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

 

If not, see these topics

First Aid:

FIRST AID Advice for Bleeding: Apply direct pressure to the entire wound with a clean cloth.

FIRST AID Advice for Penetrating Object: If penetrating object still in place, don't remove it (Reason: removal could increase bleeding).

FIRST AID Advice for Shock: Lie down with feet elevated.

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When to Call Your Doctor

call 911

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 now

Call Your Doctor Now (night or day) If

  • You think you have a serious injury

  • Severe pain

call within 24 hours

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 within 24 hours

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

home care

Self Care at Home If

  • Minor bruise

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

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HOME CARE ADVICE FOR MINOR BRUISE, SPRAIN OR STRAIN

  1. 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.

  2. 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.

  3. Pain Medicines:

    • For pain relief, take acetaminophen, ibuprofen, or naproxen.

    Acetaminophen (e.g., Tylenol):

    • Take 650 mg by mouth every 4-6 hours. Each Regular Strength Tylenol pill has 325 mg of acetaminophen.

    • Another choice is to take 1,000 mg every 8 hours. Each Extra Strength Tylenol pill has 500 mg of acetaminophen.

    • The most you should take each day is 3,000 mg.

    Ibuprofen (e.g., Motrin, Advil):

    • Take 400 mg by mouth every 6 hours.

    • Another choice is to take 600 mg by mouth every 8 hours.

    • Use the lowest amount that makes your pain feel better.

    Naproxen (e.g., Aleve):

    • Take 250-500 mg by mouth every 12 hours.

    • Use the lowest amount that makes your pain feel better.

    Extra Notes:

    • Acetaminophen is thought to be safer than ibuprofen or naproxen in people over 65 years old. Acetaminophen is in many OTC and prescription medicines. It might be in more than one medicine that you are taking. You need to be careful and not take an overdose. An acetaminophen overdose can hurt the liver.

    • Caution: Do not take acetaminophen if you have liver disease.

    • Caution: Do not take ibuprofen or naproxen if you have stomach problems, kidney disease, are pregnant, or have been told by your doctor to avoid this type of medicine. Do not take ibuprofen or naproxen for more than 7 days without consulting your doctor.

    • Before taking any medicine, read all the instructions on the package

  4. 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.

  5. 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.

Online Medical Reviewer: Louise Akin, RN, BSN
Online Medical Reviewer: Daphne Pierce-Smith, RN, MSN, FNP, CCRC
Last Review Date: 2/21/2012
© 2000-2013 Krames StayWell, 780 Township Line Road, Yardley, PA 19067. All rights reserved. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your healthcare professional's instructions.