How Do I Know if My Hip Is Fractured?

If you have severe pain in the hip and cannot bear any weight, you may have a hip fracture. You may also notice your leg appears shorter and rotates outward after a hip fracture. In such cases, pain often spreads through the hip or groin and worsens with movement. These symptoms indicate structural damage that requires urgent medical attention.

At Total Orthopedics and Sports Medicine, our hip specialists, Dr. Michael K. Shindle, confirm a hip fracture using physical examination and X-rays. Using X-ray scans, he analyzes fractures and alignment abnormalities. He also assesses the exact fracture location and the extent of femoral neck involvement to guide the most effective treatment plan. Call 855-321-6784 for your consultation in Clifton.

What Symptoms Show You May Have a Hip Fracture?

You may have a hip fracture if you notice swelling, bruising, or stiffness around the hip after an injury. You may also feel joint instability when trying to move your leg or change positions. In some cases, you may hear or feel a clicking sensation at the time of injury. You may also experience a limited range of motion in the affected hip during simple movements.

In addition, you may notice the following common signs of the fracture as the injury progresses:

• Localized Tenderness: You may experience sharp discomfort when pressure is applied around the hip or upper thigh.
• Persistent Ache: A deep, constant ache persists even while you are at rest.
• Functional Limitation: You may find it difficult to sit, stand, or reposition without assistance.
• Muscle Weakness: The affected leg feels unstable and lacks strength during controlled movements.
• Visible Leg Deformity: The hip or leg may appear misaligned or positioned abnormally after injury.
• Severe Pain: Hip pain does not improve with rest and may intensify over time.

In some cases, you may also experience referred pain in your thigh or lower back instead of your hip. This happens because nerves around the hip joint share pathways with nearby areas. As a result, patients may not initially realize the hip is causing the pain.

What Are the Different Types of Hip Fractures?

Femoral neck fractures, intertrochanteric fractures, and subtrochanteric fractures are the main types of fractures as reported by PubMed. In femoral neck fractures, your bone gets broken just below the ball of the hip joint within the joint capsule. This hip area has a limited blood supply, which increases the risk of disrupted blood flow. As a result, you may face complications such as avascular necrosis or bone death if not treated promptly.

Similarly, intertrochanteric fractures occur between the bony prominences of the upper thigh bone, outside the joint capsule. This region has better blood flow, which supports more stable healing after injury. These fractures are common in older adults and often result from falls. In such cases, our doctors typically recommend surgical repair to restore alignment and allow early movement.

Other than that, subtrochanteric hip fractures occur below the hip joint in the upper portion of the femoral shaft. These fractures often result from high-impact trauma such as car accidents or severe falls. This region experiences significant mechanical stress, which complicates healing.

In some cases, you may also experience femoral head fractures and stress fractures. Femoral head fractures involve the joint surface and typically occur after high-energy trauma. These injuries often require surgical repair. In contrast, stress fractures appear as small cracks caused by repetitive loading or overuse. These injuries are more difficult to detect early and commonly affect athletes.

How Is a Hip Fracture Different From a Muscle Strain?

A hip fracture is a structural break within the bone, while a muscle strain is an injury to the muscle or tendon. When your hip is fractured, it causes severe pain, swelling, and difficulty bearing weight on the affected leg. In contrast, a muscle strain leads to hip flexor pain, mild swelling, and restricted movement, but you may still be able to bear some weight.

Similarly, fractures usually result from a fall or high-impact trauma and often require surgical treatment. However, a muscle strain develops from overuse or sudden movement. Other than that, a hip fracture requires urgent medical care because delayed treatment can lead to complications such as blood clots or loss of mobility. In contrast, a muscle strain responds well to conservative care, including rest, ice, and gradual strengthening exercises. With proper management, most strains improve within a few weeks without long-term complications.

Moreover, hip specialists use imaging tests such as X-rays or MRI to confirm a hip fracture and assess its severity. These tests help determine the need for surgical intervention and guide treatment planning. In contrast, a muscle strain is usually diagnosed based on pain location and movement limitations during physical examination.

Who Is at the Highest Risk of Hip Fractures?

Older adults have the highest risk of hip fractures due to reduced bone strength and balance issues. Genetics also increases the risk of hip fractures, especially if you have a family history of fractures or low bone density. In fact, an AAFP study explains that women older than 85 years have 10 times more chances of sustaining a hip fracture.

The study also explains that previous hip fracture and low socioeconomic status further increase the risk of hip fracture. In these cases, recovery outcomes are limited, as only 50% regain full daily function, and 20% require long-term care.

Here are some key factors that increase the risk of hip fractures:

Osteoporosis

People with osteoporosis have a higher risk of hip fractures because their bones gradually lose strength and become fragile over time. This condition reduces bone density and increases the risk of hip fractures, even after minor falls. Moreover, osteoporosis often develops without clear symptoms, which delays diagnosis and increases the risk of serious injury.

Sudden fall

Individuals who experience frequent or sudden falls have a higher risk of hip fractures due to repeated impact on the body. This risk often increases when poor balance, muscle weakness, or neurological conditions affect your stability.

Sedentary Lifestyle

A sedentary lifestyle weakens your muscles and reduces support around your hip joint, increasing fracture risk. When you stay inactive, your balance and coordination gradually decline, increasing the risk of falls. Similarly, low activity levels reduce hip bone strength over time. This combination increases stress on your hip joint and raises the risk of fractures during minor movements or falls.

Patients on Long-Term Medications

Patients who use certain medications for long periods may have a greater risk of hip fractures. For example, long-term steroid use can reduce bone density and weaken bone structure. In addition, some medications may cause dizziness or affect balance, which increases the risk of falls and contributes to a higher chance of hip stress fractures.

Vitamin D or Calcium Deficiency

If you have low levels of vitamin D or calcium, it can be the cause of hip fractures because these nutrients support bone strength. This deficiency reduces your body’s ability to repair bone tissue. Over time, your bones become more fragile, increasing the risk of bone damage even with low-impact forces.

People With Chronic Medical Conditions

People with chronic medical conditions, such as Parkinson’s disease or arthritis, have a higher risk of hip fractures due to impaired movement and reduced stability. These conditions can affect coordination, muscle strength, and joint function. As a result, individuals may experience more frequent falls or joint stress, which increases the risk of a broken hip.

High-Impact Sports Participation

Athletes involved in high-impact or repetitive sports have an increased risk of hip injuries that may lead to fractures over time. In fact, a PubMed study explains that hip and groin injuries account for about 6% of all sports injuries and 3% to 15% in professional athletes. These injuries often affect performance and may increase the risk of long-term joint damage. The study also reports that 72.7% to 100% of athletes return to sport after treatment.

How Do Doctors Confirm if Your Hip Is Fractured?

Our hip specialist, Dr. Michael K. Shindle, reviews your complete medical history to assess your previous hip condition and overall risk factors. He evaluates your symptoms, including severe pain, swelling, and difficulty in weight bearing. He also performs a focused physical examination to assess leg position, range of motion, and signs of external rotation.

After the initial assessment, Dr. Michael K. Shindle performs on-site X-ray imaging to confirm the diagnosis. He carefully analyzes the images to identify fracture location, bone alignment, and the extent of displacement. He also evaluates joint integrity and surrounding bone structure to determine the severity of the injury. This detailed analysis helps guide accurate diagnosis and supports effective treatment planning.

If the X-ray results are unclear but symptoms strongly suggest a fracture, Dr. Michael K. Shindle may recommend advanced imaging such as magnetic resonance imaging. These tests help detect hidden fractures that do not appear on standard X-rays. He uses these images to evaluate subtle bone injuries, soft tissue involvement, and joint stability. Call 855-321-6784 for your consultation.

What Happens if a Hip Injury Is Left Untreated?

Without timely treatment, a hip fracture can create a domino effect of complications that affect your overall health. Because your hip supports body weight, your body begins to compensate for its dysfunction. This compensation places abnormal stress on nearby joints and tissues. As a result, you may develop secondary injuries and experience progressive joint damage over time.

As the condition progresses, you may experience the following complications:

Avascular Necrosis

Avascular necrosis occurs when a hip injury disrupts blood flow to the femoral head. Without proper blood supply, bone tissue begins to break down and lose its structural strength. Over time, this leads to bone collapse and joint surface damage. As the joint deteriorates, you may experience severe pain and limited movement, which often requires hip replacement surgery.

Joint Instability

Joint instability develops when a hip injury damages the labrum, which supports joint alignment. The labrum maintains a suction seal that stabilizes the femoral head within the socket. When this structure is compromised, the joint loses stability and control. As a result, you may feel a slipping or wobbly sensation, which increases the risk of repeated dislocations.

Progressive Joint Degeneration

Hip fractures disrupt the normal structure and alignment of the joint, which leads to progressive joint degeneration if left untreated. When the bone does not heal properly, it creates uneven pressure across the joint surfaces. This abnormal loading damages the cartilage that protects the bones. Over time, this damage wears down the joint, leading to osteoarthritis, chronic pain, and reduced mobility.

Can Hip Fractures Heal Without Surgery?

Yes, some hip fractures can be managed without surgery, but only in specific situations. Our hip specialist, Dr. Michael K. Shindle, may recommend non-surgical treatment if the fracture is stable and non-displaced. In these cases, treatment focuses on pain management, limited weight-bearing, and close monitoring to support natural healing.

However, non-surgical treatment has limitations because it does not restore proper bone alignment. You may experience prolonged immobility, which increases the risk of complications such as blood clots, muscle weakness, and joint stiffness. Your recovery also takes longer, and you may not regain full hip function.

In addition, when your fracture is displaced or unstable, our doctor recommends surgery. Surgical treatment helps realign the bone, restore joint function, and allow early movement. It also reduces the risk of long-term complications and improves overall recovery outcomes.

What Are the Surgical Options for a Hip Fracture?

Internal fixation is the most common surgical treatment for many hip fractures because it stabilizes the broken bone and supports natural healing. In this procedure, orthopedic surgeons use metal screws, plates, or intramedullary rods to hold the fractured hip bone fragments in proper alignment. This method allows the bone to heal in its correct position while preserving the natural joint. It is often recommended for stable or minimally displaced fractures and supports earlier movement during recovery.

To restore joint function and promote healing, doctors may also recommend one of the following hip fracture surgeries:

Hemiarthroplasty

Hemiarthroplasty involves replacing the damaged femoral head with an artificial implant to restore joint function. This procedure is typically recommended when the fracture affects the ball portion of the hip and disrupts its blood supply. It helps relieve pain and improve mobility. In many cases, recovery is faster than internal fixation, especially in older adults with complex fractures.

Total Hip Replacement

In total hip replacement, doctors replace both the femoral head and the socket with prosthetic components. This procedure is recommended for severe fractures or arthritic conditions. It provides better long-term mobility and reduces the risk of future joint problems.

Hip Pinning

Doctors use metal screws or pins to hold the fractured bone fragments together. This technique is commonly used for fractures that are not significantly displaced. It is a less invasive option compared to joint replacement and helps maintain the natural bone structure.

How Long Does It Take To Recover From a Broken Hip?

Most patients recover from a broken hip within 6 months to one year. The exact recovery timeline depends on factors such as your age, overall health, type of fracture, and the surgical procedure performed. It also depends on how consistently you follow rehabilitation to restore strength and mobility.

Our doctor also guides you to adopt the following habits to support faster recovery:

• Follow exercises regularly: Guided exercises help rebuild strength and improve joint function.
• Maintain a balanced diet: A diet rich in calcium, protein, and vitamin D supports bone healing.
• Stay active within limits: Safe movement improves circulation and prevents complications.
• Use assistive devices correctly: Proper use of walkers or canes reduces pressure on the healing hip.
• Avoid high-impact activities: Limiting strain helps prevent reinjury and supports steady recovery.

Can’t Put Weight on Your Hip After an Injury? Book an Appointment with Dr. Michael Shindle in Clifton!

After a hip fracture, you may struggle to stand, walk, or perform routine activities without support. Over time, untreated hip injuries can lead to chronic pain, joint stiffness, and loss of independent walking. This limitation can impact your overall quality of life.

At Total Orthopedics and Sports Medicine, Dr. Michael Shindle provides personalized treatment plans to restore hip function and stability. He also offers guided exercise programs that focus on strength, balance, and safe movement. After starting treatment, we adjust your treatment based on your symptoms and recovery progress. Moreover, you receive diagnostics, imaging, pain management, and surgical treatment, all under one roof. Call 855-321-6784 or visit 925 Clifton Ave, Clifton, NJ 07013 to explore treatment options.

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