When to Call a Doctor
Falls
If you have fallen and your hip hurts the key is to break the cycle of inflammation that starts right after the injury. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory over-the-counter drugs, such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, others) or naproxen (Aleve), can help relieve pain and reduce swelling. A hip fracture is a medical emergency; so don’t delay going to the emergency room if you think you have broken your hip.
Call Riverside’s Ask-A-Nurse at (757) 595-6363 or 1-800-675-6368 for additional help with questions about your injury.
When to call a Riverside doctor
If your hip still hurts 3-7 days after your fall, its time to call and make an appointment with a Riverside orthopaedic surgeon. You may decide to call sooner depending on your level of pain. See a complete list of Riverside orthopaedic clinics.
When to go to the hospital
Go to a Riverside emergency department right away, if you:
- Have a fever or feel heat in the hip since an infection could be the cause.
- Are experiencing unbearable pain.
- Cannot bear weight on the hip.
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Have either a large wound or a puncture wound.
Chronic or intermittent hip pain
Many times, hip pain is episodic. If over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medicines no longer provide pain relief or the hip ache is keeping you awake at night, its time to call a Riverside orthopaedic surgeon. In the meantime:
- Avoid activities that aggravate the pain.
- Take over-the-counter pain medication, like ibuprofen or acetaminophen.
- Sleep on your non-painful side with a pillow between your legs.
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