Hip Problems, Age 12 and Older

Emergencies

Yes	Do you have any of the following symptoms that require emergency treatment? Call 911 or other emergency services immediately.

• Sudden severe pain and you are not able to stand or or move your hip.
• Sudden numbness or tingling is present in the buttocks, genital area, or one or both legs.
• A hip or leg has turned pale, white, blue, or cold.

Check Your Symptoms

If you answer yes to any of the following questions, click on the "Yes" in front of the question for information about how soon to see a health professional.

Review health risks that may increase the seriousness of your symptoms.

If you have any of the following symptoms, evaluate those symptoms first.

• Hip injury: Go to the topic Hip Injuries, Age 12 and Older.
• Bleeding: Go to the topic Cuts or Puncture Wounds.

Yes	Do you have hip pain or tenderness?
Yes	Are you unable to bend, straighten, or move your leg normally?
Yes	Do you have hip pain with numbness or tingling in the hip, groin, or leg?
Yes	Did you feel or hear a snap, pop, or grating in your hip?
Yes	Do you have any signs of inflammation or infection?
Yes	Do you have pale, white, blue, or cold skin?
Yes	Does your hip feel loose or unstable after hip surgery or hip replacement?

Other Symptoms to Watch For

Do you have any of the following symptoms?

• Groin problem or injury: Go to the topic Groin Problems and Injuries.
• Tailbone or low back injury: Go to the topic Back Problems and Injuries.
• Unexplained leg pain or swelling: Go to the topic Leg Problems, Noninjury.
• Leg injury: Go to the topic Leg Injuries.
• Limping after a toe, foot, or ankle injury: Go to the topic Toe, Foot, and Ankle Injuries.
• Limping after a knee injury: Go to the topic Knee Problems and Injuries.
• Burn, scrape, bite, or bruise: Go to the topic:
  • Burns.
  • Scrapes.
  • Animal and Human Bites.
  • Insect Bites and Stings and Spider Bites.
  • Bruises and Blood Spots Under the Skin.

If a visit to a health professional is not needed immediately, see the Home Treatment section for self-care information.

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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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