Hip Sprain

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW:

A hip sprain is when a ligament in your hip is stretched or torn. Ligaments (tough tissue that connects bones) surround your hip and hold it in place.

INSTRUCTIONS:

Medicines:

• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) medicine may decrease swelling and pain or fever. This medicine can be bought with or without a doctor's order. This medicine can cause stomach bleeding or kidney problems in certain people. If you take blood thinner medicine, always ask your primary healthcare provider if NSAIDs are safe for you. Always read the medicine label and follow the directions on it before using this medicine.
  
  
• Take your medicine as directed: Call your primary healthcare provider if you think your medicine is not helping or if you have side effects. Tell him if you are taking any vitamins, herbs, or other medicines. Keep a list of the medicines you take. Include the amounts, and when and why you take them. Bring the list or the pill bottles to follow-up visits.

Follow up with your primary healthcare provider as directed:

Write down any questions you have so you remember to ask them in your follow-up visits.

How to care for your hip sprain:

• Rest: You will need to rest your hip for 2 to 3 days after your injury. This will help decrease the risk of more damage to your hip.
  
  
• Ice: Put ice on your hip every hour for 15 to 20 minutes at a time. You may need to apply ice to your hip at least 4 to 8 times each day.

How to exercise your hip:

After you rest your hip for about 3 days, your primary healthcare provider may want you to exercise the hip to decrease stiffness. He may also have you start physical therapy (PT). PT teaches you light exercises to help decrease pain and swelling and improve the movement of your hip. Once you are able to move your hip without pain, you will be taught exercises to improve your strength. If you have a severe sprain, you may need to wait 1 to 3 weeks before you exercise your hip.

How to prevent another injury:

Ask your primary healthcare provider when you can return to your normal activities. The following can help decrease your risk for sprains:

• Do not exercise when you feel pain or you are tired.
  
  
• Eat a healthy diet. This can help keep your muscles strong. Ask about the best diet for you.
  
  
• Exercise daily. Make sure you warm up and stretch before you exercise.
  
  
• Wear equipment to protect yourself when you play sports.
  
  
• Wear shoes that fit well to decrease your risk for falls.
  
  
• Stop exercising and playing sports if your symptoms from a past injury return.

Contact your primary healthcare provider if:

• You cannot stand on the leg on your injured side.
  
  
• You have new or increased stiffness or trouble moving your injured hip.
  
  
• You have new or increased numbness in the leg on your injured side.
  
  
• You have increased swelling and pain in your hip.
  
  
• The leg on your injured side looks bluish or pale (less color than normal).
  
  
• You have questions or concerns about your injury or treatment.

Learn more about Hip Sprain (Aftercare Instructions)