
Symptoms of a hip pointer include: Pain and tenderness when pressing in over the bony part at the front of your hip. You will usually some bruising or swelling. Your range of movement in the joint will be reduced and you may also have weakness in muscles around the hip.
What are the symptoms of a bad hip?
You may feel discomfort in your thigh, on the inside or outside of your hip joint, or in your groin or buttocks. Your hip pain may get worse with activity. You may have other symptoms like stiffness, reduced range of motion, or walking with a limp.
What are the first signs of hip problems?
What Are the First Signs of Hip Problems?
- Hip Pain or Groin Pain. This pain is usually located between the hip and the knee. ...
- Stiffness. A common symptom of stiffness in the hip is difficulty putting on your shoes or socks. ...
- Limping. A serious symptom of a hip problem is when you start to limp when walking. ...
- Swelling and Tenderness of the Hip. ...
How to ease hip pain?
“Not only is knee pain caused by structures associated with the knee, but it may also be caused by the joint impairments above and below the knee, such as weak hip muscles. Stretching and strengthening exercises can help with joint pain,” Tolliver adde
What causes sudden onset of hip pain?
There are lots of different reasons as to why people experience hip pain:
- Arthritis – It essentially means that the cartilage coated on the two sides of the joint is wearing away. ...
- Muscular pain – Some patients may experience pain in the muscles surrounding the hip. ...
- Nerve pain – You may experience nerve-related pain if there is a bruised or damaged nerve in the hip. ...

What does a hip pointer feel like?
A hip pointer causes pain and tenderness over the front and top of the hip bone. The area also might look bruised. Some people have pain when moving the hip, which can range from mild to severe.
Do I have a hip pointer?
Symptoms of hip pointer injuries Most people who experience a hip pointer injury also have noticeable swelling and bruising around the hip region. If the injury occurred in an athletic activity, the player will often notice limited range of motion and muscle weakness around the hip joint.
What is considered a hip pointer?
A hip pointer is a bruise or contusion on the upper outside part of the hip, resulting from impact to the iliac crest — the curved part of the pelvis on each side that we commonly think of as the hip bone. These injuries often occur in contact sports, but also can result from a fall.
How do you get a hip pointer?
A hip pointer occurs at the iliac crest of your hip. This is the bone that sticks out on your side. The actual bruise causing the pain may form around the hip, but an impact on the iliac crest leads to a hip pointer.
Why are hip pointers so painful for athletes?
Answer: A hip pointer is an injury that typically occurs in contact athletes. What happens in a hip pointer is that there is typically a contusion in the iliac crest of the hip. What happens in this area, and why it is so painful, is that cluneal nerves run right over the iliac crest of the pelvis.
Can you fracture your hip and not know it?
Asymptomatic hip fractures You may feel slight pain in your groin, back, knees, thighs, or buttocks and be unable to identify the cause. If you have an asymptomatic hip fracture, you may be able to bear weight and walk without too much discomfort. This type of fracture may not even show up on an X-ray.
How long does a hip pointer last?
The typical acute recovery time from a hip pointer is 1-3 weeks , but it can vary depending on the severity of the injury. A full recovery, wherein the soft tissues heal, can take 8–12 weeks in total.
Is a hip pointer a nerve injury?
The direct impact can cause an avulsion fracture where a portion of bone is removed by a muscle. The pain is due to the cluneal nerve that runs right along the iliac crest, which makes this a very debilitating injury....Hip pointer.Iliac CrestLatinos iliiAnatomical terms of bone3 more rows
How do you know if a hip injury is serious?
Seek immediate medical attentionA joint that appears deformed.Inability to move your leg or hip.Inability to bear weight on the affected leg.Intense pain.Sudden swelling.Any signs of infection (fever, chills, redness)
Is snapping hip serious?
Although snapping hip is usually painless and harmless, the sensation can be annoying. In some cases, snapping hip leads to bursitis, a painful swelling of the fluid-filled sacs that cushion the hip joint.
Why does the outside of my hips hurt?
But hip pain on the outer part of your hip is typically caused by problems with the soft tissues (ligaments, tendons, and muscles) that surround your hip joint, not in the joint itself. A number of conditions can cause outer hip pain. These include bursitis and tendonitis.
What does a hip bruise feel like?
Signs and symptoms of a bruised hip The affected hip may feel stiff. You could have difficulty moving it, like when walking. Pain often increases if any pressure is applied to the bruise. You might have swelling in the area or even a lump at or near the bruise site.
What is a hip pointer and where is it located?
A hip pointer is a deep bruise to the ridge of bone on the upper outside of your hip, called the iliac crest. It's often a result of a direct blow to the hip or a hard fall. Hip pointer symptoms include pain and tenderness. Recovery from the injury usually involves taking a break from activity until it heals.
How long does a hip pointer last?
The typical acute recovery time from a hip pointer is 1-3 weeks , but it can vary depending on the severity of the injury. A full recovery, wherein the soft tissues heal, can take 8–12 weeks in total.
What does a hip bruise feel like?
Signs and symptoms of a bruised hip The affected hip may feel stiff. You could have difficulty moving it, like when walking. Pain often increases if any pressure is applied to the bruise. You might have swelling in the area or even a lump at or near the bruise site.
Can you pull your iliac crest?
Trauma. Trauma can damage the iliac crest, such as a fall or car accident. This can result in muscle pulling away from the bone, causing tenderness and pain in the hip area and sometimes in the lower back.
What does a hip pointer feel like?
A hip pointer feels like intense pain at the top of the pelvis or between the pelvis and the bony part of the lateral hip. Movement and walking can...
Should you stretch or massage a hip pointer?
As the swelling subsides, it’s good to perform light stretching and massage if it helps decrease pain and improve mobility. Make sure these strateg...
How do you prevent a hip pointer?
If you are in a sport or activity where impact to the hip or pelvis and falls are likely, then you may benefit from wearing hip protectors. These c...
Is a hip pointer a nerve injury?
No. It is more of an injury to the soft tissue and bony surface. However, swelling can affect the nerve.
Is surgery needed to repair a hip pointer?
Surgery is typically not needed for a hip pointer. However, if there is a hematoma of significant size, your medical team may choose to drain it —...
Anatomy of The Pelvic Brim
The pelvic brim, or iliac crest, is the very superficial bony prominence felt beneath the skin on one’s side at the level of the belly button. It i...
Treatment For Hip Pointer
The acute treatment of a hip pointer includes rest, ice and use of anti-inflammatory medications like ibuprofen or naproxen.More Information: Read...
Prognosis of A Hip Pointer
Return to play ranges based on the severity of injury, and treatment modalities used. With conservative treatment and physical therapy, on average...
Complications of A Hip Pointer
Potential complications include muscle fibrosis, delayed muscle soreness, and myositis ossificans (bone formation after hematoma within a muscle).
What Is a Hip Pointer?
A hip pointer is a unique bruise or pain in your hip. Specifically, the pain is usually centered at the top-front side of your hip bone. The placement of the bruise causes the pain to extend around the hip, though, and affects several activities.
Hip Pointer Causes
Boom! Wham! Crack! These aren’t just words in comic books. They’re also the sounds heard when someone gets a hip pointer.
Hip Pointer Symptoms
A hip pointer is quickly identified when there’s pain around the top of your hip. Several hip pointer symptoms help your doctor make a diagnosis.
How Is a Hip Pointer Diagnosed?
It’s fairly simple to diagnose a hip pointer. Your doctor will conduct a physical examination, checking the bruising and sensitivity of your hip.
Hip Pointer Treatment
Proper treatment can speed up the healing process of a hip pointer. You’ll likely be without pain and the ability to move regularly within 1 to 2 weeks. Pain that lasts longer or worsens after 2 weeks may suggest a serious injury.
Is There Anything Else I Should Know About Hip Pointers?
Everyone gets bruises. Hip pointers can slow you down in unexpected ways, but immediate treatment can help you get back on your feet quickly.
How to diagnose a hip pointer?
To rule out more severe hip injuries, like fracture, your doctor may order imaging tests such as: X-rays. MRIs. Ultrasounds. Make an appointment for hip pointer symptoms at UPMC Sports Medicine.
How to tell if you have a hip pointer injury?
Symptoms of a hip pointer injury can range from minor to major. For a minor bruise, you may have some pain and tenderness on the upper outside of your hip. If the hip pointer injury is more serious, you may have symptoms such as: Bruising or swelling. Severe pain or tenderness to the touch. Limited range of motion in your hip.
How to make an appointment for hip pointer rehab?
To make an appointment or learn more about hip pointer treatment and rehab, contact UPMC Sports Medicine at 1-855-93-SPORT (77678).
What is a pointer on the hip?
A hip pointer is a deep bruise to the ridge of bone on the upper outside of your hip, called the iliac crest. It's often a result of a direct blow to the hip or a hard fall.
What sports can cause a hip pointer injury?
Hip pointer causes and risk factors. Hip pointer injuries are common in athletes who play contact sports, such as football and hockey. It can also happen to volleyball players or other athletes who often fall on their hip or side.
How to reduce hip pointer risk?
You can reduce the risk of a hip pointer by wearing proper protective gear while playing sports.
How to get better at hip pointers?
Hip pointers get better on their own with rest, ice, and compression. While it heals, you might still be able to play sports by wearing a protective pad over your hip. For more severe hip pointer injuries, you may need to use crutches.
How can an athlete prevent a hip pointer?
Proper fitting padding and protective equipment can help prevent injury occurrence or recurrence.
What is a hip pointer?
By James M. Paci, MD. A hip pointer is a contusion, or bruise, of the iliac crest, the bone along the brim of the pelvis, and its surrounding structures. Other affected structures may include the tensor fascia lata, the external oblique muscle and the greater trochanter of the femur. In severe cases a hematoma, a collection of blood, ...
What is the pelvic brim?
The pelvic brim, or iliac crest, is the very superficial bony prominence felt beneath the skin on one’s side at the level of the belly button. It is a part of the pelvis girdle, and has attachments for many muscles, including the internal and external obliques, the tensor fascia lata, the gluteus medius, the latissimus dorsi, ...
What are the complications of a hip pointer?
Complications of a hip pointer. Potential complications include muscle fibrosis, delayed muscle soreness, and myositis ossificans (bone formation after hematoma within a muscle).
What causes a pointer on the hip?
In severe cases a hematoma, a collection of blood, may form and cause a palpable fluctuant mass beneath the skin. Hip pointers are usually the result of a direct blow to the pelvic brim, often in contact sports like football or ice hockey, or after a fall directly onto the hip.
How long to wait to treat a deep contusion?
It has been suggested to delay treatment, other than with ice, for 48 hours to allow all bleeding to stop prior to treating a deep contusion any further. An acute injection of corticosteroids (ie hydrocortisone) into the injured area may greatly reduce symptoms in the short term and speed up rehabilitation.
What is the treatment for a hip pointer?
The acute treatment of a hip pointer includes rest, ice and use of anti-inflammatory medications like ibuprofen or naproxen. More Information: Read about sports injury treatment using the P.R.I.C.E. principle – Protection, Rest, Icing, Compression, Elevation. Crutches may be needed for a couple of days after injury.
What is a hip pointer?
Hip pointer is a bruise to the upper part of the hip bone (pelvis) that happens from a direct blow to the hip bone , usually during sports, like football and hockey. It can also happen from a hard fall. There is not much tissue in this area to provide cushioning to your bones.
How long does it take for a hip pointer to heal?
Most soft tissue injuries take a lot longer to get better than you would expect. It is not uncommon for symptoms of hip pointer to linger for 6 to 12 weeks. This can be frustrating for an athlete who is looking to return to play as quickly as possible. Returning to play too soon can be harmful and can put you at higher risk for further injury. —Dr. Schwartz
How to prevent hip pointer?
Adding additional padding to the upper hip and pelvis area and making sure your protective equipment is in good condition are good ways to prevent future episodes of hip pointer.
What is hip bursitis?
Hip bursitis is the painful inflammation of the bursa sac, a fluid-filled sac near the hip joint that cushions tendons and ligaments. Find out how to treat and prevent it.
Why does my leg feel weak?
In some cases, swelling and pain may cause the leg to feel weak or give way especially when putting weight on the leg.
What is the term for a snapping sensation in the hip?
Snapping hip syndrome is a snapping sensation in the hip that is caused by tight tendons passing over bones. It can be treated with stretching and other at-home approaches.
What are the symptoms of hip dislocation?
Symptoms include severe, sudden-onset pain in the affected leg, pain that is worse when this leg is moved, an inability to bear weight on the leg and an appearance that the leg is shorter.
What is a hip pointer?
A hip pointer injury occurs following an impact to the iliac crest (hip bone) or greater trochanter (bony protrusion at the top of the femur). It is common in contact sports such as American football.
What is the cause of a hip pointer injury?
A hip pointer injury occurs following an impact to the iliac crest (hip bone) or greater trochanter (bony protrusion at the top of the femur). It is common in contact sports such as American football. The trama causes a contusion (bruise) of the iliac crest. Sometimes an avulsion fracture occurs.
Why is the area over the front of the hip at risk?
The area over the front of the hip is particularly at risk if it receives a direct blow. This is because there is limited padding and protection.
What does it feel like to press in your hip?
Pain and tenderness when pressing in over the bony part at the front of your hip. You will usually some bruising or swelling. Your range of movement in the joint will be reduced and you may also have weakness in muscles around the hip.
How to treat a swollen ear?
Begin treatment by resting, applying ice and compression to the injury. Ice or cold therapy can be applied for 10 minutes every hour initially reducing the frequency as required. This will help to reduce or limit any pain, inflammation, and swelling.
Why do you massage after a swollen muscle?
Sports massage may be used after the acute stage to help reduce swelling, loosen the muscle fibres and prevent the build-up of scar tissue.
Where does bleeding occur in the hip?
Bleeding usually occurs around the front and side of the hip, into the abdominals and hip abductor muscles (gluteus medius and minimus). Following this type of injury, a full assessment should be undertaken to rule out damage to any intra-abdominal organs.
What is a hip pointer injury?
A hip pointer occurs during impact on the iliac crest, the fan-shaped or crescent-shaped top of the hip bone. A football helmet hitting the hip joint or a heavy object striking the bony protrusion part of the hip is what can often cause a hip pointer.
What does it mean when you hit a hip pointer?
Hip pointers are often presented as severe tenderness and pain when pressing inward on the hip joint. Most people who experience a hip pointer injury also have noticeable swelling and bruising around the hip region. If the injury occurred in an athletic activity, the player will often notice limited range of motion and muscle weakness around the hip joint. Anyone who suffers a hip pointer should be immediately assessed to determine whether any internal organs were also damaged during impact.
How to heal a hip pointer?
Once swelling and pain are reduced, it may be time to slowly begin range-of-motion exercises to regain joint health over time .
Is a hip pointer painful?
If a hip pointer sounds painful, you’re right; hip pointer can be excruciating to endure. I’d like to share what constitutes as a hip pointer injury, what are the symptoms of a hip pointer, and what treatment options are available for a hip pointer injury.
What is a hip pointer?
A hip pointer is a kind of injury or bruise on the pelvis region that happens due to some bad fall or injury near the abdominal muscles. A hip pointer is a painful condition that will inhibit your ability to do physical activities. It commonly occurs amongst sportspeople or athletes or in some cases of a severe accident. The majority of hockey players and football players suffer from this bruise frequently. It is also known as an avulsion fracture.
Why does my hip pointer hurt?
The hip pointer will cause pain near the hip bone or pelvic region. There are chances of experiences hematoma and muscle spasms. Due to the pressure on femoral nerves , there will immense pain on the iliac crest. They are on the top and the front on the hip bone may look over bruised. The common symptoms will include the inability to function legs, swelling, weakness, and spasms. There will be decreased range of motion. No movements in the hip or pain go on increasing further if not treated on time.
How long does it take for a hip pointer to go away?
After detection of hip pointer and following your doctor’s guidelines you can resume activities back to normal form after 2-3 weeks. If there is improvement in a full range of motion around hips and you can walk normally, then you can get back to the track. If you no longer feel the pain and get full strength then you have almost recovered from it. Also, make sure that you go for regular scanning routines to check whether the hip pointer has vanished or not.
Can crutches be used for therapy?
Crutches can also be a part of therapy. Walking with crutches helps you to do some kind of physical activity.
Can you give a sportsperson corticosteroids?
Corticosteroids are also given to sportsperson if they have it. Even though it is not an acceptable approach for treatment.
What are the risks of hip fractures?
People at risk for hip fractures may have a current vitamin D deficiency, lower body weakness, difficulties with balance or walking, vision problems, foot pain or poor footwear, a history of taking sedatives, tranquilizers, or antidepressants, and hazards at home that can cause falls. Hip Fracture: By the Numbers.
What is the best treatment for a hip fracture?
Other than medications to relieve pain, surgery is usually the only treatment recommended for a hip fracture, unless another pressing medical condition would delay or prohibit it.
How to determine probability of hip fracture?
The formula to determine the probability of a hip fracture is as simple as it is accurate: Age + weakened bones + a fall = hip fracture. And 75 percent of falls are experienced by women. Ninety-five percent of hip fractures are caused by falls (usually sideways, says the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ), ...
How to tell if you have a fractured hip?
If you have any of these symptoms, see your doctor or get to a hospital as soon as possible: Severe pain in the hip or groin. Inability to lift, move, or turn your leg. Inability to put weight on your leg. Stiffness, bruising, or swelling around the hip. Shorter leg on the affected side.
How long does it take to prevent hip fractures?
At least one-third among older adults involve hazards at home. Two-thirds of those who fall will fall again within six months, but as many as one-third of all falls are preventable. Below are some things you can do.
What is partial hip replacement?
A partial hip replacement removes and replaces the ball of the hip joint. It does not replace the socket. In total hip replacement, both are removed, either by traditional or minimally invasive procedures. In other cases, internal repair of the hip is possible with screws, plates, or rods.
What does it mean when your hip hurts but you have not fallen?
Leg on the injured side turned outward. Inability to move immediately after a fall. If you have hip pain but have not fallen, there is a high probability (95 percent) that something else is causing the discomfort.
