Hip injury

by Carmen
(minnesota USA)

I dove for a ball in my sports practice today and landed on my hip, first came a bruise and it hurt a little bit to walk. But after walking for awhile it's getting worse. I am wondering what I should do? It is swollen. The pain has gone from a lull to like a throbbing burning sensation pain. In the past, I’ve broken my arm and some of my fingers. I’m not taking any medications and I don’t smoke or drink. I haven’t got any family history.

Hip Injury

You should have your hip injury assessed. If it is broken your leg is likely to be shortened compared with the other side and externally rotated (foot pointing out). However, it is more likely to be a soft tissue injury with bruising. Bruising can be eased with applying an ice pack to the area to help with both the pain and also reduce any swelling that there maybe. Anti-inflammatory pain killers such as Ibuprofen may help too. Resting the leg should also help, but I would advise having your injury formally assessed by a doctor.