Hip Injuries

The hip’s main purpose is to connect the leg to the lower body. Similar to the shoulder, the hip is a ball and socket joint. But, it is far more stable because of the large muscles that surround it. However, just because it’s protected doesn’t mean that it can’t be injured.

In most cases, injuries to the hip don’t require immediate medical attention. In fact, many injuries can be treated simply with rest, ice and over-the-counter pain medications. However, if you still have symptoms after two days of self-treatment, or if your pain gets worse, you should see a doctor.

Hip injuries can sometimes result in a much more serious condition. If you have any of these symptoms after a hip injury, you should see a doctor immediately:

• Groin pain
• Severe pain while moving your hip or difficulty moving your hip
• Difficulty standing or walking

For a referral to a MedStar SportsHealth specialist who can help treat your hip injury, call 1-888-44SPORT.

Common hip injuries

• Tendonitis
• Bursitis
• Strains and sprains
• Bruising of the hip muscles, known as hip pointer
• Fractures
• Inflammation of the lining of the hip, known as synovitis