Hip Pointers
The iliac crest is the top curve of the pelvis toward the front of the body.
Copyright © Nucleus Medical Media, Inc.
Definition
A hip pointer is a bruise to the upper part of your hip. Many muscles, including abdominal muscles, attach at this site. A hip pointer can involve injury to bone and soft tissue.
Causes
Hip pointers are caused by a direct blow to the bony part of the pelvis. This commonly occurs in football or hockey when another player’s helmet hits the pelvis. It can also occur by taking a hard fall onto the hip.
Risk Factors
Participating in contact sports increases your chance of developing a hip pointer. Football players and hockey players are especially at risk. Hip pointers are also more common while playing basketball and soccer.
Symptoms
Symptoms of a hip pointer include:
- Severe pain
- Tenderness
- Pain with activity
- Swelling
- Bruising
- Soreness
- Muscle spasms
- Decreased range of motion
Diagnosis
Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history. A physical exam will be done. You may be referred to specialist. An orthopedist focuses on bones and joints. A sports medicine physician focuses on sport-related injuries.
Images may need to be taken of structures inside your body. This can be done with x-ray.
Treatment
Hip pointers are treated with:
- Rest
- Ice
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
- For severe pain, some athletes may receive an injection of a numbing medicine and/or steroid directly into the hip
- Physical therapy to help you regain mobility and build muscle strength
It may take several weeks to heal and for normal movement to return. Check with your doctor about a timeline to return to normal activities. You may be able to return to activity as soon as you feel you are able.