A hip contusion is a type of bruise that appears on the skin of the hip after an injury. It occurs when small blood vessels tear but the skin does not, causing blood to leak into nearby tissue, such as soft tissue or muscle. The symptoms of a hip contusion may not appear for up to 48 hours after the injury. Some common symptoms include pain that increases when you touch the bruise or walk, swelling or a lump at the site of the bruise or near it, red, blue, or black skin that may change to green or yellow after a few days, stiffness or problems moving the bruised hip.

A hip contusion can be diagnosed by a healthcare provider who will do x-rays to make sure your hip or leg is not broken. A hip contusion may heal without any treatment, but you may need NSAIDs to decrease the swelling and the pain. It is important to note that NSAIDs can cause stomach bleeding or kidney problems in certain people, so it is important to ask your healthcare provider which medicine is right for you.

To help decrease swelling and pain, you can elevate your injured hip above the level of your heart as often as you can. If possible, prop your hip and leg on pillows or blankets to keep it elevated comfortably. It is important not to massage or use heat, as heat and massage can increase swelling and pain. Exercises to stretch and improve strength and flexibility of the hip are helpful and can be done at home, but often a referral to a physical therapist or athletic trainer may be advised by your healthcare provider.

In summary, a hip contusion is a type of bruise that appears on the skin of the hip after an injury. It can cause pain, swelling, and stiffness, but can often heal without any treatment. If you experience symptoms of a hip contusion, it is important to see a healthcare provider to rule out any other injuries and to determine the best course of treatment.