WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW: What is a hip contusion? A hip contusion is a bruise that appears on the skin of your hip after an injury. The injury is caused by a fall, being hit with a large object, or kicked. A bruise happens when small blood vessels tear but the skin does not. When blood vessels tear, blood leaks into nearby tissue, such as soft tissue or muscle. What are the symptoms of a hip contusion? You may not have symptoms for 48 hours after your injury. You may have any of the following: - Pain that increases when you touch the bruise or walk
- Swelling or a lump at the site of the bruise or near it
- Red, blue, or black skin that may change to green or yellow after a few days
- Stiffness or problems moving the bruised hip
How is a hip contusion diagnosed and treated? Your healthcare provider will do x-rays to make sure your hip or leg is not broken. Your hip contusion may heal without any treatment. You may need NSAIDs to decrease the swelling and the pain. This medicine is available with or without a doctor's order. Ask your healthcare provider which medicine is right for you. NSAIDs can cause stomach bleeding or kidney problems in certain people. If you take blood thinner medicine, always ask if NSAIDs are safe for you. Always read the medicine label and follow directions. Do not give these medicines to children under 6 months of age without direction from your child's doctor. How can I manage my symptoms? - Rest your injured hip so that it can heal. You may need to avoid putting any weight on your hip for at least 48 hours. Return to normal activities as directed.
- Ice the injury for 20 minutes every 4 hours, or as directed. Use an ice pack, or put crushed ice in a plastic bag. Cover it with a towel to protect your skin. Ice helps prevent tissue damage and decreases swelling and pain.
- Compress your injury with an elastic bandage to reduce swelling. Ask your healthcare provider how to use an elastic bandage and how tight it should be.
- Elevate your injured hip above the level of your heart as often as you can. This will help decrease swelling and pain. If possible, prop your hip and leg on pillows or blankets to keep it elevated comfortably.
- Do not massage or use heat. Heat and massage may slow healing of the area.
- Do not stretch injured muscles. Ask your healthcare provider when and how you may safely stretch after your injury.
- Do not drink alcohol. Alcohol may slow healing of your injury.
When should I seek immediate care? - You have severe pain in your hip.
- You have numbness in your leg or toes.
- You cannot put any weight on or move your hip.
When should I contact my healthcare provider? - Your pain does not decrease, even after treatment.
- You have questions or concerns about your condition or care.
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