Are you experiencing pain in your hip or struggles with your mobility that just won’t resolve? These could be more than signs of aging or overexertion — they might point to a hip fracture.
Hip fractures can significantly affect your mobility and overall quality of life, making treatment essential.
A hip fracture is a break in the upper part of your thighbone (femur) near your hip joint. It’s a serious injury — especially in older adults — and is often the result of a fall, a direct impact, or underlying issues, like osteoporosis, that weaken bones.
Recognizing the symptoms early when you have a hip fracture can be crucial in getting effective treatment and experiencing a full recovery. But hip fractures aren’t always as obvious as you might think.
Board-certified orthopedic surgeon Kevin Park, MD, has years of experience diagnosing and treating hip fractures at his private practice in Houston, Texas.
With his compassionate approach and skill at using the latest surgical techniques, Dr. Park not only addresses the physical issues associated with a hip fracture but also focuses on your recovery.
Here are five key symptoms that might signal you have a hip fracture.
The most common and noticeable symptom of a hip fracture is severe pain in your hip or groin. This pain usually gets more intense with movement or weight-bearing activity.
It might feel like a sharp, stabbing sensation that might radiate to your knee, and it can make even small movements excruciating.
Another symptom to watch for is stiffness and swelling in your hip. This might present as a noticeable bulge or swelling around your hip.
Often, the swelling and stiffness are accompanied by a reduced range of motion. This can make it hard to move your leg or rotate your hip without discomfort.
Bruising or discoloration around your hip can also be a symptom of a fracture. This might show up as shades of purple, blue, or even yellow around the injured area. Much of the time, the discoloration develops several hours to several days after the initial injury.
In some cases, a hip fracture can cause your affected leg to seem shorter than the other leg. That’s because the broken bone pieces can shift positions, leading to an uneven leg length and a noticeable limp.
Another telltale sign of a hip fracture is the inability or extreme difficulty in bearing weight on the leg with the affected hip. This can range from severe pain when you attempt to put weight on the leg to a total inability to stand or walk without support.
If you think you might have a hip fracture, don’t wait to seek medical help. The first step in treatment is usually a visit to your nearest emergency room for diagnostic X-rays. Once a hip fracture is confirmed, it’s time to visit an orthopedic surgeon, like Dr. Park.
In most cases, surgery is needed to align the bones and joint correctly and ensure a complete recovery. As an expert in hip fracture surgery, Dr. Park tailors the procedure to your specific needs and health condition.
Surgical approaches may include internal fixation, where metal screws and plates hold the bone pieces together, or hip replacement surgery for more severe cases.
You can also expect guidance on physical therapy, pain management, and lifestyle modifications to improve bone health and prevent future fractures.
If you’re concerned about a hip fracture and the corrective surgery involved, Dr. Park is here to answer your questions. Call our Houston, Texas, office today to schedule an appointment.
