What are the common causes of a hip contusion. How can you identify the symptoms of a hip contusion. What are the most effective treatment options for a hip contusion. When should you seek medical attention for a hip injury. How long does recovery from a hip contusion typically take. What exercises can help in recovering from a hip contusion. How can athletes prevent hip contusions in contact sports.

Understanding Hip Contusions: Definition and Overview

A hip contusion, often referred to as a bruised hip, is a mild injury resulting from direct impact to the hip area. This type of injury occurs when small blood vessels beneath the skin are damaged, causing blood to leak into surrounding tissues. The result is the characteristic swelling and bruising associated with contusions.

While hip contusions can be uncomfortable and may temporarily impair normal hip function and walking ability, they typically resolve relatively quickly with proper care. In sports medicine, these injuries are sometimes called “hip pointers,” particularly in contact sports contexts.

Common Causes and Risk Factors for Hip Contusions

Hip contusions usually result from direct blows to the hip area. This can occur in various scenarios:

• Colliding with another person or object during sports activities
• Falling and striking the hip on a hard surface
• Any blunt trauma with sufficient force to impact the hip muscles

Sports-related activities are a frequent cause of hip contusions, particularly in contact sports such as:

1. Football
2. Rugby
3. Lacrosse
4. Soccer
5. Basketball

Risk factors for developing a hip contusion include:

• Participation in contact sports
• Wearing limited or no protective padding in the hip area
• Engaging in activities with a high risk of falls or collisions

Recognizing the Symptoms of a Hip Contusion

Identifying a hip contusion is crucial for proper treatment and recovery. Common symptoms include:

• Pain and stiffness in the hip area
• Ecchymosis (bruising) and/or redness around the affected area
• Swelling of the hip
• Difficulty bearing weight on the affected side, often resulting in a limp

Despite these symptoms, individuals with hip contusions can typically apply some pressure on the affected hip and maintain a degree of mobility, albeit with discomfort.

Are hip contusions always visible?

Not all hip contusions result in visible bruising immediately. In some cases, bruising may appear several hours or even days after the initial injury. The absence of visible bruising doesn’t necessarily rule out a hip contusion, especially if other symptoms are present.

When to Seek Medical Attention for a Hip Injury

While hip contusions often don’t require extensive medical intervention, certain circumstances warrant a visit to a healthcare professional:

• Swelling or pain that worsens over time instead of improving
• Extensive bruising or swelling in the hip area
• Significant difficulty bearing weight on the affected leg
• Persistent pain that doesn’t respond to home treatment measures
• Any suspicion of a more severe injury, such as a fracture or dislocation

During a medical evaluation, your doctor will likely:

1. Ask about the circumstances of your injury
2. Inquire about your symptoms and their progression
3. Perform a physical examination of your hip
4. Potentially order imaging tests (X-ray or MRI) to rule out more serious injuries

Can a hip contusion be mistaken for other conditions?

Yes, hip contusions can sometimes be confused with other hip-related conditions. This is why seeking medical attention is important if symptoms persist or worsen. Other conditions that may present similarly include hip bursitis, muscle strains, or even stress fractures in some cases.

Non-Operative Treatment Options for Hip Contusions

Hip contusions are universally treated through non-operative methods. The primary goals of treatment are to reduce pain, minimize swelling, and promote healing. Common conservative treatments include:

• Rest: Lying flat to alleviate pressure on the hip
• Mobility aids: Using crutches or a cane as needed to reduce weight-bearing on the affected hip
• Activity modification: Taking a break from sports or strenuous activities
• Ice therapy: Applying ice to the hip area for 20 minutes every 1-2 hours, especially in the first 24-48 hours post-injury
• Pain management: Using over-the-counter pain medications like ibuprofen or acetaminophen as needed
• Professional therapy: Working with a physical therapist or athletic trainer for more severe contusions

Why is heat not recommended initially for hip contusions?

Heat is generally avoided during the first 24-48 hours after a hip contusion because it can increase blood flow to the area, potentially exacerbating bleeding and swelling. Ice, on the other hand, helps constrict blood vessels, reducing swelling and numbing pain.

Exercises and Rehabilitation for Hip Contusion Recovery

Proper rehabilitation is crucial for a full recovery from a hip contusion. Here are some general guidelines for exercises and progression:

1. Start with gentle stretching exercises within a few days of the injury, as tolerated
2. Gradually progress to strengthening exercises for the hip, knee, and ankle
3. Incorporate weight-bearing exercises as pain allows and under professional guidance
4. Focus on regaining full range of motion in the hip joint
5. Include exercises that improve balance and proprioception

It’s important to note that the specific exercises and progression should be tailored to your individual case and guided by a healthcare professional or physical therapist.

What types of exercises are most beneficial for hip contusion recovery?

Beneficial exercises for hip contusion recovery often include:

• Gentle hip flexor and quadriceps stretches
• Hip abduction and adduction exercises
• Glute bridges and clamshells for gluteal strengthening
• Core stability exercises
• Balance exercises on stable and unstable surfaces
• Low-impact cardiovascular activities like stationary cycling or swimming as healing progresses

Always consult with a healthcare provider before starting any exercise program after an injury.

Recovery Timeline and Return to Activities

The recovery time for a hip contusion can vary depending on the severity of the injury and individual factors. Generally:

• Mild contusions may allow a return to normal activities within a few days
• More severe contusions might require several weeks of rest and rehabilitation
• Full return to sports activities should only occur once you’ve regained full range of motion and strength in your hip, knee, and ankle

A gradual return to activities is typically recommended, starting with low-impact exercises and progressively increasing intensity and complexity.

How can athletes determine if they’re ready to return to play after a hip contusion?

Athletes can gauge their readiness to return to play by considering the following factors:

1. Pain levels: The hip should be pain-free or have minimal discomfort during activities
2. Range of motion: Full, pain-free range of motion should be restored
3. Strength: The affected side should have comparable strength to the uninjured side
4. Functional ability: The athlete should be able to perform sport-specific movements without limitation
5. Professional clearance: A healthcare provider, athletic trainer, or physical therapist should assess and clear the athlete for return to play

Preventing Hip Contusions in Sports and Daily Activities

While it’s not always possible to prevent hip contusions, especially in contact sports, several strategies can help reduce the risk:

• Wear appropriate protective gear, including hip pads in contact sports
• Practice proper technique and form in your sport or activity
• Strengthen the muscles around the hip to provide better support and stability
• Improve flexibility and range of motion in the hip joint
• Be aware of your surroundings to avoid accidental falls or collisions
• Use proper equipment and ensure a safe playing environment

What role does nutrition play in preventing and recovering from hip contusions?

Nutrition plays a significant role in both preventing injuries and supporting recovery:

• Adequate protein intake supports muscle repair and recovery
• Vitamins C and D, along with minerals like calcium and magnesium, contribute to bone and muscle health
• Anti-inflammatory foods like fruits, vegetables, and omega-3 fatty acids can help reduce inflammation during recovery
• Proper hydration is crucial for overall tissue health and recovery

A balanced diet rich in these nutrients can help maintain tissue health and support the body’s natural healing processes.

Hip Contusion – Upswing Health

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Hip Contusion

A hip contusion, or bruising of the hip, is a mild injury that can occur as a result of a direct impact to the hip.

When a bruise or contusion occurs, the small blood vessels get damaged and blood leaks out under the skin causing the typical swelling and bruising seen in these injuries.

While a hip contusion is uncomfortable and may temporarily make it difficult to walk or use your hip normally, it’s an injury that typically resolves quickly.
Sometimes, especially in the sporting world, these injuries are called ‘Hip pointers’.

Overview

A hip  contusion, or bruising of the hip, is a mild injury that can occur as a result of a direct impact to the hip. When a bruise or contusion occurs, the small blood vessels get damaged and blood leaks out under the skin causing the typical swelling and bruising seen in these injuries.

While a hip contusion is uncomfortable and may temporarily make it difficult to walk or use your hip normally, it’s an injury that typically resolves quickly.

Sometimes, especially in the sporting world, these injuries are called ‘Hip pointers’.

What causes Hip Contusion?

A hip contusion usually results from a direct blow to the hip from an object or another person. It can also occur as a consequence of striking your hip during a fall. Any blunt trauma with sufficient force to propel its energy into the muscle can cause a contusion. Contusions are often the result of sports-related injuries. Hip  contusions are common in contact sports especially the following;

• Football
• Rugby
• Lacrosse
• Soccer
• Basketball

Risk factors for a hip contusion or a hip pointer include participation in contact sports and wearing limited or no padding or protective equipment in the region.

Symptoms

If you have a hip Contusion, you may have these symptoms:

• Pain and/or stiffness in the hip
• Ecchymoses, or ‘black and blue’ bruising and/or redness.
• Swelling of the hip
• Difficulty weight bearing and/or limping

If you have a hip contusion you are usually able to put some pressure on your hip and move the hip but with some discomfort.

When to see a doctor

Although a hip contusion doesn’t usually require medical treatment, you may need to see your doctor to make sure that you don’t have a more serious injury. Make an appointment to see your doctor if you injure your hip and have swelling/pain that gets worse instead of better, have a lot of bruising or swelling in your hip,  or have trouble weight bearing. Your doctor will ask you about your injury and your symptoms and examine your hip. In order to rule out another injury, your doctor may order an  x-ray or MRI to get a better look at the bones and soft tissues of your hip.

Non-operative treatment

Hip contusions are always treated nonoperatively. Conservative treatments include:

• Laying flat to take your weight off the hip
• Crutches or a cane as needed
• Rest, including taking a break from play
• Icing your hip (every one to two hours for 20 minutes) – The general recommendation is to avoid heat during the first 24-48 hours to avoid increasing the extent of bleeding and swelling.
• Over-the-counter pain medication, like ibuprofen or acetaminophen, if needed
• Severe contusions are often treated by a Physical Therapist or an Athletic Trainer. They are often the best people to advise you on when it is safe to return to your sport.

Try these exercises to help address your condition:

Below is a PDF of the Exercise Program

Hip Contusion

Recovery

After a hip  contusion, you may be able to restart normal activities after just a few days, though more severe contusions may require several weeks of resting your hip. You should start stretching exercises within a few days of your injury and progress to strengthening and weight-bearing  exercises, under the guidance of your doctor or physical therapist. You can return to play once you’ve regained your full range of motion and strength of your ankle, knee and hip.

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Hip Injuries From A Fall

Posted in: | Tags: | Posted on: 25-Jul-2022

The hips consist of two main parts: the ball at the end of the femur and the socket in the pelvis. Together, they form a ball-and-socket joint, and they are secured by several other components, such as a joint capsule, ligaments, tendons, and various muscles in the spine, groin, and buttocks. 

All of these keep the hip stable and allow a full range of motion. When healthy, it would take significant force to disrupt this stability, such as a blow during contact sports or falling from a considerable height.

As the largest ball-and-socket joint and one of the widest parts of the skeleton, the hips are more susceptible to bearing the impact of a fall. As such, trauma is dealt to the hips, resulting in different types of injuries.

Below, we delve into the most common injuries from falling on your hip and the various treatment options available.

Most Common Hip Injuries From A Fall

Hip Bursitis

Bursitis is an inflammation in the tiny, jelly-like sacs located throughout the body called bursae. These sacs contain fluid that helps reduce friction between bones and soft tissues. This is caused by severe trauma resulting from banging the hip on a hard surface or falling on the outside of the hip, causing the bursa to fill with blood.

Two types of bursitis can occur in the hips when two different bursae become irritated and inflamed. These are:

• Trochanteric Bursitis – caused by an inflammation in the bursa covering the bony part of the hip bone called the greater trochanter.
• Iliopsoas Bursa – occurs when the inflammation is located in the bursa near the groin area.

Symptoms:

• Localized pain on the outside area of the hip and thigh or in the buttocks.
• Pain that occurs when lying on the affected side.
• Pain that occurs when applying pressure on or outside of the hip.
• Pain that intensifies when performing even minor activities like getting up from a chair or walking up the stairs.

Hip Labral Tear

A labral tear in the hip is an injury that occurs in the labrum. This is a cup-shaped cartilage rim that lines the hip joint’s socket part and keeps the joint aligned during motion. It also helps keep the joint fluid in place to ensure frictionless movement.

Some labral tears can result from gradual wear on the labrum due to old age or excessive use. But in cases of trauma, a section of the labrum can tear away from the socket bone, causing pain, reduced range of motion, and a sensation of locking up in the hips.

Symptoms:

• Pain in the groin, buttocks, or hips that intensifies during periods of activity
• Limited range of motion in the hips or a feeling of stiffness
• The sensation of clicking or locking in the hip joint during motion

Hip Dislocation

Hip dislocation is one of the most common hip injuries from a fall. This occurs when the impact of falling from a significant height deals excessive force that causes the femur to dislodge from the pelvis, the extent of which depends on the gravity of the force dealt.

Symptoms:

• Acute to severe pain
• Muscle spasms
• Swelling or discoloration at the hip joint
• Odd rotation in the leg
• Inability to bear weight on or move the leg
• Loss of feeling in the foot, legs, or hip
• Visible displacement of the hips

Hip Fracture

Hip fractures are breaks in the upper portion of the femur. They are one of the most common hip injuries from falling among elderly patients with weaker bones due to osteoporosis. But they can also occur in younger patients due to severe trauma caused by vehicle collisions or falls from a considerable height.

Symptoms:

• Intense pain in the groin or hip
• Inability to immediately get up or walk after a fall
• Inability to place any weight on the leg at the side of the injured hip
• Presence of swelling and bruising at and around the area of the hip
• The leg appears to be shorter at the side of the injured hip
• Visible displacement of the hip or leg

Hip Strain

Hip strains occur when muscles supporting the hip joint are stretched beyond their limits to the point of tearing. They are common sports-related hip injuries and can result from overstretching, insufficient warm-up before activity, direct blow during contact sports, or a fall. Hip strains can also be caused by the weakening of the muscle or tendon due to overuse due to repetitive movements.  

Symptoms:

• Tenderness in the affected area
• Limited range of motion
• Swelling around the hip area
• Muscle weakness along the hips
• Onset of pain during movement as the muscles are used

Snapping Hip Syndrome

Snapping hip syndrome is a condition that is characterized by the audible snapping sound or snapping sensation felt around the hip area. For some people, the snapping sound is the only symptom that manifests, which may be considered a slight annoyance. However, pain can also develop as a result of falling, which dramatically limits the range of motion in the joint and impedes performance as an athlete or dancer.

Symptoms:

• Snapping sensation or sound in the back, front, or side of the leg during movement
• A feeling of tightness in the hip
• Swelling
• Weakness in the hip
• Limited range of motion

How to Treat Hip Injury From Falling

Pain experienced after falling on your hip can range from mild to extremely painful, depending on the extent of the injuries sustained. For milder symptoms, applying ice on the affected area, having plenty of rest, and stopping all movement can help alleviate some pain. 

However, this only applies to minor injuries. To eliminate the possibility of permanent damage, it is still vital to seek emergency medical treatment after a fall to ensure that your injury is given proper care and ensure a fast and complete recovery. 

For Hip Injuries From Falling and Sports-Related Hip Injuries, Seek Treatment At The American Hip Institute

After a fall, it’s normal to want to know how to treat hip injury from falling right away to relieve some of the pain. However, home remedies should not replace expert medical care to properly diagnose your injury and develop the right plan that can lead to your quick recovery.

The American Hip Institute provides innovative hip treatment solutions to properly care for hip injuries sustained after a fall. After determining the extent of your injuries, our orthopedic specialists will determine the best course of action and help you develop a personalized recovery plan. Contact us today to schedule your appointment.

Bruised leg – symptoms, causes, treatment

This disease is treated by a neurologist.

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A bruise is one of the most common types of injury that occurs, as a rule, when falling or hitting hard objects. A leg injury is a closed injury to the soft tissues of the lower limb without violating the integrity of the skin, resulting from direct physical impact. We will analyze the current methods of diagnosis and treatment.

CMRT specialist tells

Kuchenkov A.V.

Orthopedist • Traumatologist • Surgeon • Phlebologist • Sports doctor • 24 years of experience

Publication date: July 19, 2022

Verification date: February 19, 2023

All facts have been verified by a physician.

Contents of the article

Causes of leg injury

Symptoms

Stages of leg injury

How to diagnose fractures.



The following methods of clinical and instrumental examination are used to determine the exact nature of the damage in CMRT:

X-ray of the injured leg in 2 projections allows differentiating a bruise from a fracture.

If subcutaneous hematoma or hemarthrosis is suspected, ultrasound or MRI.

Which doctor to contact

Foot injuries, including bruises, are treated by doctors specializing in traumatology and orthopedics.

Treatment of leg bruises in CMRT clinics

Tactics of treatment for leg injury depends on the location and severity of the injury, the results of ultrasound, X-ray, MRI or CT.

Therapy for bruises is mainly conservative, aimed at eliminating symptoms:

To reduce swelling and stop bleeding within 1-2 days after injury to the injured limb, rest and use cold compresses.

Analgesics are prescribed to relieve pain.

Locally applied non-steroidal anti-inflammatory ointments, gels, creams.

To speed up the resorption of hematomas, shorten the recovery period, prevent the development of complications, physiotherapy methods are sequentially connected to the treatment: electrophoresis, UHF, shock wave therapy, as well as exercise therapy, massage.

In case of accumulation of blood or inflammatory fluid in the joint, a puncture (puncture) of the joint capsule is performed with antiseptic treatment and subsequent drainage.

If you hit or hurt your leg, you should not self-medicate, since only a qualified traumatologist can distinguish the type of injury (bruise, sprain, fracture) after examination and examination.

You can make an appointment with a traumatologist at CMRT for the diagnosis and treatment of leg injuries by phone or through an online application on the website.

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Moskaleva V.V.

Editor • Journalist • Experience 10 years

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Hematoma after injury: causes, treatment

By hematoma is meant the accumulation of blood (or its clots) in the skin, muscles, joints, brain. A hematoma forms after a severe bruise: the rupture of capillaries or vessels is to blame. The most “popular” variety of this pathology can be called an ordinary bruise, but in some cases this injury can be quite dangerous. So, a hematoma of the head after a bruise can lead to a brain tumor.

What are the types of hematomas

The faster a hematoma forms after a severe bruise, the more difficult it is to recover. Such injuries can be divided into several categories:

1. Light. It develops within 24 hours. Painful sensations are weak.
2. Medium severity of leakage. An injury develops in five to six hours, accompanied by swelling and pain. If, after a bruise, a hematoma forms on the leg or arm, the functions of the limb may also be slightly impaired.
3. Severe hematomas are formed in a couple of hours, the functions of the legs or arms are noticeably disturbed, the swelling is noticeable, the pain is acute.
4. Mild hematomas are the most common. These are normal bruises.

Bruises can also be divided according to other criteria. For example:

1. By location depth. In this case, damage can affect the subcutaneous tissue (subcutaneous hematomas), mucous membranes, muscle tissue (intermuscular), fascia (subfascial).
2. Pay attention to the state of the blood. Hematoma can be fresh (blood has not clotted), clotted, lysed (with old blood, it cannot clot). Lysed injuries are detected after 14-20 days, curled ones – after a couple of days.
3. Depending on the distribution of blood. A hematoma can be diffuse (if blood permeates all tissues, it spreads rather quickly), cavitary (accumulation of blood between body cavities), encapsulated (the cavity is filled with blood, a “bag” of connective tissue forms around it).
4. Hemorrhages can be pulsating (blood flows freely from the vessels), as well as non-pulsating (a ruptured vessel is blocked by a thrombus). They can also be arterial, venous and mixed.

Depends on the features of the damage and its location.

Causes and symptoms

Similar injuries occur after second degree contusions. The main reason can be called damaged capillaries and ruptures of muscle tissue. And everyone is familiar with the symptoms – bruises. In places of accumulation of blood, pain and slight swelling are observed.

Meanwhile, the accumulation of blood after a bruise is not just an unpleasant sensation. Such injuries can be dangerous. If a hematoma has formed inside a joint or any internal organ, it can be life-threatening. If a joint or spine is damaged, problems with the musculoskeletal system may appear. In the clinic “Hello!” treatment of the spine and joints.

If there is an accumulation of blood in the peritoneal area, it can lead to peritonitis. A large hemorrhage can lead to infections, suppuration and inflammation. A head hematoma after a bruise can lead to a deterioration in cognitive functions, paralysis, and the development of tumors.

In order not to start the disease, you should definitely contact a traumatologist. Medical assistance is needed in several cases:

• if the damage is extensive;
• if the swelling is very severe;
• if a joint or bone is suspected to be damaged;
• if the injury involves the eye, head, or abdomen.

It is also worth contacting the doctors of our clinic if the damaged cavity does not go away after a bruise for more than 14 days.

If a hematoma does not go away for a long time after an injury, you should contact our clinic and conduct a diagnosis. It includes:

1. Ultrasound. One of the most informative visual methods. It can be carried out for any organs and parts of the body, as well as joints. It does not require special preparation.
2. Radiography. Needed for injuries of the joints and cranium.
3. Computed tomography, MRI. It will help to detect hematomas of the brain and spine. Computed tomography is cheaper than MRI, but also provides good visual information.

If an internal hematoma after a bruise has affected the joints, brain or spine, a puncture can be done. It allows you to analyze the state of blood and other fluids in case of injury.

How the treatment is carried out

Therapy depends on the features and nature of the injury. Immediately after the injury, ice can be put on the injury site. Further treatments can be quite varied.

So, ultra-high frequency therapy (UHF) can be quite effective. This is a physiotherapeutic method based on the work of electromagnetic fields with ultra-high frequency. They are brought to the patient with the help of electrodes. This procedure will help reduce pain, relieve swelling, stop inflammation, and is necessary to stimulate blood circulation.

UHF is contraindicated for nursing mothers, people who have a malignant tumor or heart problems, thrombosis, high temperature, low pressure, ischemia, after heart attacks.

Laser therapy is also popular. The radiation penetrates to a sufficient depth, improves metabolic processes and activates regeneration processes.

Magnetotherapy. The magnetic field affects the body, water molecules in cells with tissues are magnetized. Free radicals merge, inflammatory processes stop. Magnetic therapy is contraindicated for mental problems, tuberculosis, people with a pacemaker, thrombophlebitis, and infections. Magnetotherapy is good for its affordable price.

If blood clots have accumulated in the area of ​​a hematoma on the leg after an injury, they can be removed surgically. Sometimes the place of accumulation of blood is opened.

Sometimes the patient may be admitted to surgery. Some hemorrhages require drainage. Next is antibiotic therapy.

Diet is also important in treatment. So, the menu must have proteins. It is necessary to eat turkey, cottage cheese, chicken breast, fish, eggs. You can use vitamin supplements, especially with B vitamins. For example, vitamin B12 accelerates blood clotting. Helps eliminate bruising and vitamin K.

It will help to get rid of a hematoma after a bruise and exercise therapy. After exercise therapy, you need to take a horizontal position, while the injury site must be placed on a hill. They can also prescribe therapeutic massage and kinesio taping.

Swelling and hematoma after a bruise can be quite a dangerous injury.