Hip Problems, Age 12 And Older: Check Your Symptoms

Content provided by Healthwise

When to See a Doctor

Do you have hip pain or tenderness?

See significance of hip pain or tenderness 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 severe hip pain?

Yes

Is your hip red, hot, and swollen?

Yes

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

Yes

Do you know or think you have a fever?

Call your health professional today if you answer "Yes" to the following question.

Yes

Do you have a limp?

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 still have moderate hip pain, a limp, or are not able to move your hip normally after 24 hours of home treatment?

You need an appointment within the next 1 to 2 weeks if you answer "Yes" to the following question.

Yes

Have you had mild hip pain off and on without other symptoms for 2 weeks or longer?

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