What is a hip contusion. How does a hip contusion occur. What are the symptoms of a hip contusion. How is a hip contusion diagnosed. What are the treatment options for a hip contusion. How long does it take for a hip contusion to heal. When should you seek medical attention for a hip contusion.

Understanding Hip Contusions: Causes and Mechanisms

A hip contusion, commonly known as a hip bruise, is a mild injury that occurs when small blood vessels beneath the skin break open and leak blood into the surrounding tissues. This type of injury typically results from direct impact to the hip area, such as a fall, bump, or forceful hit. The severity of a hip contusion can vary depending on the force of impact and the individual’s overall health condition.

What causes a hip contusion? The primary causes include:

• Falls onto a hard surface
• Sports-related impacts (e.g., tackles in football or collisions in hockey)
• Accidents or collisions in everyday life
• Direct blows to the hip area

Understanding the mechanism of injury is crucial for proper diagnosis and treatment. When an impact occurs, the soft tissues in the hip area compress against the underlying bone, leading to damage of the small blood vessels. This damage results in the characteristic bruising and swelling associated with a contusion.

Recognizing the Symptoms of a Hip Contusion

Identifying a hip contusion early can lead to more effective treatment and faster recovery. What are the telltale signs of a hip contusion? The most common symptoms include:

• Changes in skin color (bruising)
• Swelling in the affected area
• Pain, especially when moving or applying pressure
• Stiffness or limited range of motion in the hip
• Tenderness to touch

It’s important to note that the full extent of bruising may not be immediately visible. In some cases, particularly with deep contusions, it can take several hours for the bruise to appear on the skin’s surface. This delayed onset of visible symptoms can sometimes lead to underestimating the severity of the injury.

Diagnosing a Hip Contusion: When to Seek Medical Attention

While many hip contusions can be treated at home, certain situations warrant professional medical evaluation. How can you determine if your hip contusion requires medical attention? Consider seeking medical care if:

• The pain is severe or worsening
• You’re unable to bear weight on the affected leg
• The swelling is excessive or spreading
• You experience numbness or tingling in the leg
• You suspect a more serious injury, such as a fracture

During a medical evaluation, a healthcare provider may perform a physical examination and ask about the circumstances of the injury. In some cases, imaging tests such as X-rays or MRI scans may be ordered to rule out more severe injuries like fractures or muscle tears.

Effective Home Care Strategies for Hip Contusions

For mild to moderate hip contusions, home care can be an effective first-line treatment. What are the key components of home care for a hip contusion? The primary strategies include:

1. Rest: Avoid activities that cause pain or put stress on the injured area.
2. Ice: Apply ice packs to the bruised area for 20 minutes every 1-2 hours on the first day, then 3-4 times daily until pain and swelling subside.
3. Compression: Use an elastic bandage to provide gentle compression and reduce swelling.
4. Elevation: When possible, elevate the affected area to help minimize swelling.

In addition to these measures, over-the-counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen, ibuprofen, or naproxen can help manage pain and reduce inflammation. Always follow the recommended dosage and consult with a healthcare provider if you have any concerns about medication use.

Creating an Effective Ice Pack

How can you make an effective ice pack at home? Follow these simple steps:

1. Place ice cubes in a sealable plastic bag
2. Remove excess air and seal the bag tightly
3. Wrap the bag in a thin towel to protect your skin
4. Apply the pack to the bruised area for the recommended duration

Remember to never apply ice directly to the skin, as this can cause ice burns and further tissue damage.

Medical Treatments and Interventions for Hip Contusions

While many hip contusions can be managed with home care, some cases may require medical intervention. What treatment options might a healthcare provider recommend for a hip contusion? Depending on the severity of the injury, treatments may include:

• Prescription pain medications for severe pain
• Physical therapy to improve mobility and strength
• Ultrasound therapy to promote healing
• Aspiration of a large hematoma (if present)
• In rare cases, surgical intervention for severe injuries

Your healthcare provider will develop a treatment plan based on the specific characteristics of your injury and your overall health status. It’s crucial to follow their recommendations closely to ensure optimal healing and prevent complications.

Recovery Timeline and Rehabilitation for Hip Contusions

The healing time for a hip contusion can vary significantly depending on the severity of the injury and individual factors. How long does it typically take for a hip contusion to heal? In general:

• Mild contusions may resolve within a few days to a week
• Moderate contusions often take 2-4 weeks to heal completely
• Severe contusions can require 4-6 weeks or more for full recovery

During the recovery period, it’s essential to gradually reintroduce activities as pain and swelling decrease. Your healthcare provider or physical therapist may recommend specific exercises to help restore strength and flexibility to the affected area.

Rehabilitation Exercises for Hip Contusions

What exercises can help in the rehabilitation of a hip contusion? Some beneficial exercises may include:

• Gentle hip rotations
• Leg raises
• Stationary cycling
• Swimming or water aerobics (once the bruise has healed)
• Progressive resistance exercises for hip muscles

Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any exercise program following an injury. They can provide guidance on which exercises are appropriate for your specific situation and how to perform them safely.

Preventing Hip Contusions: Strategies for Minimizing Risk

While it’s not always possible to prevent accidents, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk of hip contusions. How can you minimize the likelihood of experiencing a hip contusion? Consider the following strategies:

• Wear appropriate protective gear during sports and high-risk activities
• Maintain good balance and coordination through regular exercise
• Ensure a safe home environment by removing tripping hazards
• Use assistive devices if you have mobility issues
• Practice proper form and technique during physical activities

By implementing these preventive measures, you can significantly reduce your risk of experiencing a hip contusion and other related injuries.

Long-Term Considerations and Potential Complications of Hip Contusions

While most hip contusions heal without long-term consequences, it’s important to be aware of potential complications. What are some possible long-term effects or complications of a hip contusion? In rare cases, individuals may experience:

• Myositis ossificans: Abnormal bone formation within the muscle tissue
• Chronic pain or discomfort in the affected area
• Reduced range of motion or flexibility in the hip joint
• Increased susceptibility to future injuries in the same area

These complications are more likely to occur in severe cases or when the injury is not properly managed. To minimize the risk of long-term issues, it’s crucial to follow your healthcare provider’s recommendations and complete any prescribed rehabilitation programs.

Monitoring Your Recovery

How can you effectively monitor your recovery from a hip contusion? Keep track of the following aspects:

1. Pain levels: Note any changes in pain intensity or location
2. Swelling: Monitor the extent and duration of swelling
3. Bruising: Observe changes in the size and color of the bruise
4. Range of motion: Track improvements in your ability to move the hip
5. Functional capacity: Note your ability to perform daily activities

If you notice any concerning changes or lack of improvement, consult your healthcare provider for further evaluation and guidance.

Understanding hip contusions, their causes, symptoms, and treatment options is crucial for proper management and recovery. By following appropriate care strategies and being attentive to your body’s healing process, you can optimize your recovery and minimize the risk of complications. Remember, while most hip contusions are mild injuries that heal with time and proper care, it’s always best to consult with a healthcare professional if you have any concerns about your injury or recovery progress.

Hip Bruise

A bruise (contusion) happens when small blood vessels break open and leak blood into the nearby area. A hip bruise can result from a bump, hit, or fall. Symptoms of a bruise often include changes in skin color, swelling, and pain. It may take several hours for a deep bruise to show up. If the injury is severe, you may need an X-ray to check for broken bones. Swelling should decrease in a few days. Bruising and pain may take several weeks to go away.

Home care

• Unless another medicine was prescribed, you may take acetaminophen, ibuprofen, or naproxen to help relieve pain and swelling. If needed, stronger pain medicines may be prescribed. Take all medicines as directed by your provider.

• Ice the bruised area to help reduce pain and swelling. To make an ice pack, place ice cubes in a plastic bag that seals at the top. Wrap the bag in a thin towel. On the first day, apply the cold pack to the bruised area for 20 minutes every 1 to 2 hours. Then, use an ice pack 3 to 4 times a day until the pain and swelling goes away.

• If walking causes pain, use crutches or a walker until you can walk without pain. These items can be rented at most drugstores and medical or orthopedic supply stores.

• If your injury is keeping you from moving around or caring for yourself correctly, you may qualify for services, such as home healthcare. Check with your healthcare provider and insurance company to see if this type of care is covered by your plan.

Follow-up

Follow up with your provider as advised.

When to get medical care 

Call your provider right away if any of these take place:

• Increased pain, bruising, or swelling near the injured area

• Decreased ability to bear weight on the injured side

• Pain or swelling develops below the knee

• Chest pain or shortness of breath

© 2000-2022 The StayWell Company, LLC. All rights reserved. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your healthcare professional’s instructions.

Was this helpful?

Yes
No

Tell us more.

Check all that apply.

 
Wrong topic—not what I was looking for.

 
It was hard to understand.

 
It didn’t answer any of my questions.

 
I still don’t know what to do next.

 
Other.

NEXT ▶

Last question: How confident are you filling out medical forms by yourself?

Not at all
A little
Somewhat
Quite a bit
Extremely

Thank You!

Hip Contusion – Upswing Health

Connect with a certified trainer for free

What should your Certified Athletic Trainer know about your injury? (optional)

What is the best mobile phone number for your Certified Athletic Trainer to connect with you via text message?

Text message conversations are the fastest and easiest way to connect with you and get you on the path to recovery. We will never sell your # and you will not receive text messages about promotions or other services. Standard text msg rates apply and you can always stop by replying, “stop”.This question is required. *

Invalid phone number

Something went wrong please try again.

Thank you for contacting us!

Check your phone’s messaging application for next steps.
We are here to help!

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.

Share this article

Contusion of the hip joint, hips, causes, symptoms and treatment

Contusion – mechanical damage to soft tissues in the area of ​​the hip joint and part of the lower limb, in which there are no significant violations of their structures. The skin, subcutaneous fatty tissue, periosteum, muscles are damaged, especially with a heavy blow, soft tissues suffer. Injuries happen to people of all ages and for a variety of reasons. They often occur in everyday life, during sports, when falling on their side, hitting, colliding. The most persistent symptoms are pain, swelling, limited mobility, and bruising. Orthopedists and traumatologists are engaged in the diagnosis and treatment of a bruised hip joint.

Share:

Important!

An accurate diagnosis, determining the causes and nature of the disease, and prescribing effective treatment can only be done by a qualified doctor at an internal appointment.

Make an appointment with a doctor using the online form on the website or call

APRIL 2021

Another day

APRIL 2021

Another day

APRIL 2021

Another day

Addresses of medical clinics in Moscow

VDNH
st. Kasatkina, 3 Dubrovka
st. Sharikopodshipnikovskaya, 1 Sokolniki
st. Stromynka, 11

Online appointment

Causes

Tissue damage in the hip joint, thigh occurs under the influence of a mechanical factor. A bruise can be received when falling, twisting a leg, from a blow with a blunt object, in conditions of industrial, domestic, sports, street injuries, traffic accidents, as a result of natural and industrial disasters, criminal incidents.

Article checked

Kuchenkov A. V.

Orthopedist • Traumatologist • Surgeon • Phlebologist • Sports doctor • 25 years of experience

Publication date: March 24, 2021

Review date: February 14, 2023

Article content

Symptoms

9 0048 Diagnosis

Diagnosis of contusion of the hip joint, hips are carried out by specialists from the field of traumatology and orthopedics. The doctor conducts an external examination, evaluates the extent and depth of the injury, the quality and amplitude of movements, and finds out the cause of the injury. To clarify the diagnosis with a bruise, to exclude bone pathology, radiography of the hip joint, femur is performed. The study allows you to confirm the integrity of the bones, determine the shape, size and structure of the joint under study, the consequences of injury. With insufficient information content of radiography, and for detailed planning of therapeutic measures, arthroscopy, computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging are prescribed.

Emergency care

Treatment

Prevention

Consequences and complications

---

Article checked

Moskaleva V.V.

Editor • Journalist • Experience 10 years

We publish only verified information

The materials posted on the site were written by authors with medical education and specialists from the CMRT company

More details

Like the article?

Subscribe so you don’t miss the next one and get a unique gift from CMDT.

e-mail

By clicking on the button, I accept the agreement for the processing of my data.

We will provide assistance on the same day of treatment

We recommend that you do not start treatment without consulting an experienced specialist!

Hello! We will be happy to help you solve your problem at a face-to-face appointment. Sign up directly on the website or call

How to treat a hip bruise and what the consequences of an injury can be

Hip contusion is a common closed soft tissue injury of the lower extremity. You can get it when playing sports, with an unsuccessful fall or a strong blow. The risk of damage increases in winter due to ice. In some cases, the leg is injured slightly, the pain and bruising disappear quickly, without consequences. But more serious injuries are also possible, fraught with complications and requiring long-term treatment.

For the most accurate formulation of the diagnosis and the convenience of recording it in medical records, all pathologies and injuries are coded according to the international classification. All superficial injuries in the area of ​​the thigh and hip joint are alphanumerically coded as S70. When specifying the location and nature of the injury, the diagnosis of hip contusion is recorded with the code S70.1.

Mechanism and causes of hip injury

The essence of the injury is extensive damage to small and large blood vessels, muscle and tendon fibers. When capillaries break, a bruise is formed, while veins and arteries form a subcutaneous or deeper hematoma. Sometimes blood is poured into the joint cavity and hemarthrosis is formed.

The causes of injury can be:

• sports, especially contact sports;
• falls from a height, including own growth;
• blows (during an accident or a brawl, for example).

Injury classification

Depending on the strength of the mechanical impact and the nature of the damage, the contusion of the femoral region has 4 degrees of severity:

• The first is the easiest, characterized by a mild and quickly passing pain syndrome. A small hematoma forms at the site of impact, which resolves within 5 or 6 days.
• The second – edema develops, subcutaneous hemorrhage is more extensive, the pain is constant, aching in nature. Not only vessels are damaged, but also muscle fibers, pain during movement and palpation intensifies.
• Third – in addition to muscle tissue, connective tissue (ligaments, tendons) is injured. Edema, bruising, restriction of movement and severe pain are observed.
• The fourth is a life-threatening injury. Against the background of all the listed signs of the 3rd degree, inflammation develops. Body temperature rises, lymph nodes may increase.

Symptoms and signs of injury

Closed damage to the soft tissues of the thigh has the following symptoms:

• Pain that may be mild at first. However, as edema develops, as with palpation, it increases significantly.
• Redness and swelling of injured tissues, the appearance of hematomas.
• Some limitation of mobility in the joint, lameness when walking.

Note! If a hemorrhage occurs in the joint cavity, it swells noticeably, and the pain becomes intense. This condition requires urgent hospitalization, since internal bleeding can last a day.

The difference between a bruise and a fracture

A bruise at first glance is difficult to distinguish from a fracture, very often the symptoms of both injuries are similar. With a broken femoral neck, especially in older people, the ability to move around is often preserved, and the pain syndrome is not very pronounced.

As a result, taking a fracture for a bruise, a person does not seek medical help, using tight bandages and ointments for pain relief at home. The result of such self-treatment is improper bone fusion, articular contractures, and restrictions in movement.

It is important! Seeing a doctor for any injury and establishing an accurate diagnosis is a prerequisite for recovery.

You can independently determine the nature of the damage by several signs: pain, even mild, does not go away for a long time, and the injured leg is also slightly shortened.

The most reliable diagnostic symptom is sticky heel syndrome. In the event of a fracture, a person lying on his back cannot tear his leg bent at the knee off the floor. If such a symptom appeared after a bruise, you should immediately contact a traumatologist.

First aid for hip injury

Before the arrival of the doctors, the victim must be laid down, and the injured leg should be slightly raised. This will help stop internal bleeding and swelling. Then you need to make a tight bandage and be sure to attach something cold: a bottle of water, a heating pad or an ice pack.

If the pain is very severe, you can give an analgesic (1-2 tablets of Analgin, Ibuprofen).

It is important! Even if the bruise seems insignificant, it is necessary to contact a traumatologist. Often internal deep hematomas develop, which then lead to serious complications.

Diagnostics

After examination and palpation of the injury, questioning the victim, the traumatologist makes a preliminary diagnosis.

To confirm it, an X-ray examination is done.

The method of magnetic resonance imaging detects all major and minor tissue injuries: internal hematomas, skin detachment, neck fracture, muscle avulsion. Muscle pinching is determined by measuring the pressure in the osteofascial beds.

Bruise treatment

It is carried out on an outpatient basis. The injury of the first degree passes on its own, in other cases, physical rest is indicated in the first week, taking anti-inflammatory drugs, analgesics.

Pain relievers and venotonics are used externally.

On the first day, cold is applied, then warming up, electrophoresis with potassium and novocaine, and massage are needed.

You can wear a special bandage or bandage.

Medical treatment

It consists of a complex application of oral and external agents. Inside, Indomethacin or Diclofenac are prescribed – NSAIDs that relieve pain and inflammation. Locally, the bruised area is treated with venotonics (gels and ointments Troxevasin, Lyoton, Heparin) and painkillers such as Nise, Voltaren.

Surgical intervention

This method of treatment is required if tissues are significantly damaged, extensive hematomas and hemarthrosis are formed. The surgeon in this case removes non-viable tissue, blood clots, installs drainage and sutures the wound.

Subsequently, antibiotic therapy is required to prevent postoperative complications.

Folk remedies

You can use safe folk remedies as an addition to the main treatment. A cabbage leaf applied at night helps to relieve swelling.

For anesthesia, a mixture of camphor oil with water (1:10), used for lotions, is suitable.

An infusion of cinquefoil (a tablespoon per liter of boiling water) is taken orally in 5 doses during the day, and a compress is made from the cake after filtering.

Possible complications and consequences

Despite the fact that bones are not damaged during a bruise, and soft tissues recover quickly, the risk of complications is quite high. If a bruise is not diagnosed and treated in time, pathologies that require long and complex treatment occur.

Hematoma inflammation

Extensive internal soft tissue hemorrhage, if not removed, may encapsulate over time. A dense shell forms around the hematoma, and the contents become infected with anaerobic bacteria.

Detachment of the skin

Significant mechanical impact can lead to exfoliation of the skin from the underlying tissues. In this case, a cavity filled with blood is formed between them. This condition, called Morel-Lavalle disease, is fraught with inflammation, suppuration and necrosis of the skin.

Case syndrome

If pronounced edema is formed, muscle pinching in their fascial beds may occur. As a result, severe pain of a bursting nature and numbness appear. Treatment is possible only surgical.

arthrosis

This is the name of a long-term consequence of a hip injury – chronic inflammation of the joint. Especially often observed in athletes as a result of regular injury. It is accompanied by degeneration of cartilaginous tissue, pain syndrome, dysfunction of the joint.

rehabilitation period

The recovery time depends on the severity of the injury.