Hip stress fractures are painful fractures along the hip that can lead to immobility as well as an inability to engage in everyday activities. People who suffer with bone conditions such as osteoporosis are at an increased risk for fractures of this type. Fortunately, there are ways to treat a hip stress fracture and minimize the pain while paving the way for recovery.
One of the first steps in addressing a hip stress fracture is to make the patient as comfortable as possible. Toward this end, a physician is likely to prescribe some sort of pain medication. The doctor will make sure the medication prescribed will not trigger any negative interactions with other medications you are already taking. Depending on the degree of pain you are experiencing, your doctor may also recommend the use of over the counter medications, such as basic anti-inflammatory medications.
Along with managing the pain associated with the hip stress fracture, your physician may also require that you wear some sort of protective bandaging that helps to immobilize the hip. This is to take some of the stress off the fractured hip, making it easier for your body’s natural healing processes to begin mending the damage. Along with wrapping the hip, there is also a good chance that your doctor will recommend the use of crutches or a walker while the hip is healing.
Depending on the severity of the hip stress fracture, surgery may be required to facilitate the healing process. This is especially true if the stress fracture is the result of some sort of physical trauma, such as an accident. Surgery can allow healthcare professionals to visually assess the damage, help to set the fragments back into alignment, and possibly install pins or other devices that will help ease some of the strain on the damaged area. If the damage is especially severe, hip replacement surgery may be required.
In many cases, mild to moderate fractures can heal in a matter of weeks. This is especially true of the individual is in good physical condition. However, when some type of debilitating condition is also present, such as arthritis or osteoporosis, the recovery time is likely to be much longer. By taking steps to minimize the stress on the fractured hip, taking medication to manage the pain, and using support equipment to move around when and as necessary, the hip stress fracture will eventually mend, and you can return to your daily routine without fear of making your condition worse.
