Hip Injuries, Age 12 and Older
When To See a Doctor
You have answered Yes to:
Do you have hip pain or tenderness after an injury?
See significance of hip pain or tenderness if you need information to help you answer the questions below.
Review health risks that may increase the seriousness of your symptoms.
Call your health professional immediately if you answer "Yes" to any of the following questions.
Yes Do you have severe hip pain?
Yes Are you not able to put weight on the affected leg?
Yes Does any little movement of your hip cause severe pain?
Yes Are you not able to bend, straighten, or move your leg normally?
Yes Have you had hip surgery and now:
- Have moderate to severe hip pain?
- Cannot move the hip or leg?
- Have new weakness or numbness in the hip or leg?
- Know or think you have a fever?
Call your health professional today if you answer "Yes" to the following question.
Yes Do you have a limp?
You may wait to see if the symptoms improve over the next 24 hours (or specified time period) if you answer "Yes" to any of the following questions.
Yes Do you still have moderate hip pain, a limp, or are not able to move your hip normally after 24 hours of home treatment?
Yes Do you have hip stiffness or cannot move your hip normally after 48 hours of home treatment?
You need an appointment within the next 1 to 2 weeks if you answer "Yes" to the following question.
Yes Have you had mild hip pain off and on without other symptoms for 1 week or longer?
If you have answered "No" to the above questions, go back to Check Your Symptoms and continue to answer the questions to evaluate your symptoms.
| Author: | Jan Nissl, RN, BS | Last Updated: October 27, 2006 |
| Medical Review: | William M. Green, MD - Emergency Medicine H. Michael O'Connor, MD - Emergency Medicine | |
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