Hip Pointer

What is Hip Pointer

A hip pointer is a deep bruise (contusion) of the top of the hip bone (iliac crest). This happens because of an injury that causes damage and bleeding under the skin.

The bruise may turn red, blue, purple, or yellow. A hip pointer can be mild or it can be very painful.

Follow these instructions at home:

Activity

  • Return to your normal activities as told by your doctor. Ask your doctor what activities are safe for you.
  • Do exercises and stretches as told by your doctor.
  • Rest your hip until your symptoms get better.
  • Avoid activities that cause pain.
  • Wear protective gear while exercising and playing contact sports.
  • Maintain muscle strength and flexibility, especially in the hip area.

General instructions

  • Take over-the-counter and prescription medicines only as told by your doctor.
  • If directed, apply ice to the injured area.
    • Put ice in a plastic bag.
    • Place a towel between your skin and the bag.
    • Leave the ice on for 20 minutes, 2–3 times per day.
  • If directed, apply heat to the affected area before you exercise or as often as told by your doctor. Use the heat source that your doctor recommends, such as a moist heat pack or a heating pad.
    • Place a towel between your skin and the heat source.
    • Leave the heat on for 20–30 minutes.
    • Remove the heat if your skin turns bright red. This is especially important if you are unable to feel pain, heat, or cold. You may have a greater risk of getting burned.
  • If you were given crutches, use them as told by your doctor.
  • Wear compression wraps as told by your doctor.
  • Keep all follow-up visits as told by your doctor. This is important.

Contact a doctor if:

  • You have bruising or swelling that gets worse.
  • You have pain that gets worse or does not get better with medicine.
  • You have symptoms last longer than 2 weeks.
  • You get new symptoms.

Get help right away if:

  • You have numbness or a “pins and needles” feeling in your feet or your legs.
  • You cannot walk because of your pain.
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