Version July 2025
Please read the Disclaimer at the end of this page.
What are discharge instructions? —
Discharge instructions are information about how to take care of yourself after getting medical care in the emergency department ("ED").
What should I know? —
You came to the ED for hip pain. Many different things can cause hip pain. Most hip pain is caused by damage to the cartilage, or an injury to a ligament, tendon, or muscle.
The doctors think the cause of your hip pain is not serious. You can recover at home.
How do I care for myself at home? —
Ask the doctor or nurse what you should do when you go home. Make sure you understand exactly what you need to do to care for yourself. Ask questions if there is anything you do not understand.
You should also:
●Call your regular doctor and tell them you were in the ED. Make a follow-up appointment if you were told to.
●Rest your hip. Use a cane, walker, shoe insert, or other device, if it helps you. If the doctor told you to use any of these, follow their instructions.
●Take non-prescription medicines to relieve pain, such as acetaminophen (sample brand name: Tylenol), ibuprofen (sample brand names: Advil, Motrin), or naproxen (sample brand name: Aleve).
●Apply a cold gel pack, bag of ice, or bag of frozen vegetables on your hip, if it helps with your pain. Do this every 1 to 2 hours, for 15 minutes each time. Put a thin towel between the ice (or other cold object) and your skin.
●Ask your doctor if there are stretches or exercises that can help with the cause of your pain. Before you do these exercises, warm up your muscles by walking or taking a warm shower or bath.
When should I get emergency help?
●Return to the ED if:
•You have a fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher, swelling, or redness along with hip pain.
•Your hip pain becomes severe, and you cannot put weight on that side or move without even more pain.
•You cannot move your leg on that side.
•You become unable to control your bowels or bladder.
When should I call the doctor? —
Call for advice if:
●You have very bad pain even after taking pain medicines.
●Your hip is swollen or bruised.
●Your toes or foot are numb or turn, blue, gray, or pale.
●Your leg or foot becomes much weaker than the other.
●You have new or worsening symptoms.
Patient education: Hip pain in adults (The Basics)
Patient education: How to use a walker (The Basics)
