A hip pointer is bruising on the top part of the hip bone or iliac crest or transversely the greater trochanter due to direct trauma. Oftentimes, this can occur with an avulsion injury in which a small piece of bone is tugged apart by the connected muscle. In most cases, swelling and bleeding are the result of injury and can trigger pain during movement of the hip.
A hip pointer is generally due to a direct strike or blow to the hip or from falling onto hard surfaces.
Indications
A distinctive feature of hip pointer is pain or discomfort in the iliac crest along with the following:
- Pain or discomfort that is abrupt after a fall or direct strike
- Pain that worsens with jumping, running, bending or twisting
- Swelling or bruising
- Tenderness at the affected area
- Diminished range of motion due to the pain
- Walking with a limp from the discomfort
Management of a hip pointer
Primarily, a hip pointer is managed with rest, application of ice and compression. An ice pack should be applied 15-20 minutes every 2-3 hours during the initial 24-72 hours after the injury.
Always bear in mind that the injury should have sufficient recovery time to allow the damaged structures to recuperate. In case walking causes discomfort, crutches should be used to allow mobility. Return to play or activity is based on the level of pain, mobility of the hip and previous level of function. Generally, it might take within 1-3 weeks to heal.
While waiting for the injury to heal, the physiotherapist will provide simple exercises to help maintain the range of motion of the hip and prevent stiffening. In addition, aquatic-based exercises are also beneficial in preserving the range of motion of the hip while unloading the affected area.
Disclaimer / More Information
The information posted on this page on hip pointer is for learning and educational purposes only. To learn to recognize the indications, register for first aid training at one of our training centers located throughout Canada. The training centers are in Edmonton, Calgary, Vancouver, Kelowna, Saskatoon, Victoria, Surrey, Mississauga, Winnipeg, Red Deer, Toronto, Ottawa and Halifax.