A hip pointer is an extremely painful condition that is caused by a bone bruise to one of two bones near the hips. One of these bones is the most prominent feature of the pelvic bone, the iliac crest, which creates the widest point on the hips. Lower down the leg is the top of the femur, known as the greater trochanter. An impact to either of these locations can cause a hip pointer. This injury can happen to anyone, but those who play contact sports are most at risk.
What Happens With a Hip Pointer Injury?
Pain from a hip pointer injury results from damage to the soft tissues and bone in and around the iliac crest or greater trochanter. Patients with this condition may experience a sudden, sharp pain immediately after impact and problems with walking on the leg on the affected side. Rarely, bone fractures result from a hip pointer injury.
Who Gets Hip Pointer Injuries?
Most people who get hip pointer injuries engage in contact sports or activities where falls are common. Downhill skiing, skating, football, soccer, cycling and hockey are all sports where hip pointer injuries may occur. Using hip pads in sports like football or hockey may lessen the chance of getting this type of injury, but not all sports or activities require the use of this protection. In those instances, athletes can avoid injury to their iliac crests by maintaining proper workout form during the sport and taking precautions not to fall
How is a Hip Pointer Injury Treated?
Though painful, most hip pointers will recover with time and rest. Using crutches or complete rest to keep weight off the affected leg helps the area to heal. Icing down the hip for 20 minutes at a time for the first week reduces any swelling at the site. Those who suffer from a hip pointer injury usually only need over-the-counter anti-inflammatory pain medications like ibuprofen to get relief from the pain. Those who have severe pain that does not get better after a couple of weeks of rest and ice should have the injury evaluated by an orthopedist. The doctor may take x-rays or do a MRI to look for internal damage beyond simple bruising. Surgery is only rarely needed to correct a hip pointer, but some patients may require a doctor to drain fluid that builds up in the area.
For those who are unsure whether an injury is a hip pointer, it is always safest to let an orthopedist evaluate it to rule out more serious conditions.
