Hip Injuries, Age 12 And Older: Check Your Symptoms

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When to See a Doctor

Do you have any signs of inflammation or infection?

See significance of signs of inflammation or infection if you need information to help you answer the questions below.

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

Call your health professional immediately if you answer "Yes" to any of the following questions.

Yes

Do you have increased swelling, redness, or warmth around the hip?

Yes

Do you have increased pain with any little movement of the hip?

Yes

Is the hip extremely tender to the touch?

Yes

Are you not able to put weight on the affected leg?

Yes

Do you know or think you have a fever?

Yes

Do you have diabetes?

Yes

Do you have peripheral arterial disease?

Yes

Do you have a disease or take medicine that causes problems with your immune system?

Call your health professional today if you answer "Yes" to any of the following questions.

Yes

Do you have mild pain and swelling with redness less than around the hip?

Yes

Are you still limping after 24 hours?

Yes

Do you still have hip or knee pain after 24 hours?

You may wait to see if the symptoms improve over the next 24 hours (or specified time period) if you answer "Yes" to the following question.

Yes

Do you have hip or knee pain or a limp that still comes and goes after 72 hours?

If you have answered "No" to the above questions, go back to Check Your Symptoms and continue to answer the questions to evaluate your symptoms.

Last updated:	September 20, 2008
Author:	Jan Nissl, RN, BS
Reviewed By:	William M. Green, MD - Emergency Medicine, H. Michael O'Connor, MD - Emergency Medicine
Editors:	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Tracy Landauer