Hip Injury

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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

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 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 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 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 Medication:
   • For pain relief, take acetaminophen or ibuprofen
   • Acetaminophen (e.g., Tylenol): The dose is 650 mg by mouth every 4 hours or 1000 mg by mouth every 6 hours. Maximum dose per day = 4000 mg.
   • Ibuprofen (e.g., Motrin, Advil): The dose is 400 mg by mouth every 6 hours or 600 mg by mouth every 8 hours.
   • People who are over 65 Years of age: Acetaminophen is generally considered safer than ibuprofen. Acetaminophen dosing interval should be increased to every 8 hours because of reduced liver metabolism. Maximum dose per day = 3000 mg.
   • CAUTION: 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.
   • CAUTION: Do not take acetaminophen if you have liver disease.
   • Read the package instructions thoroughly on all medications that you take. 
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.