Broken Hip Recovery
A broken hip is a severe injury, and the recovery process can be complicated. There are many ways that someone might suffer a fractured hip. Some of the most common include:
- A fall injury from a great height.
- Damage to the hip socket in an auto accident.
- Having a leg pinned underneath a motorcycle or a bicycle.
No matter how someone suffers a broken hip, the recovery process is always a challenge. Several factors are going to determine the recovery process after a broken hip. These could play a role in whether or not people regain full function of their hip and lower leg.
Possible Surgery for a Broken Hip
Like other traumatic injuries, the severity of a broken hip can range widely. In some cases, an individual might require surgery at the beginning of their recovery process. Some of the reasons why someone might need surgery include:
- The head of the femur has been dislocated and cannot be reduced without surgery.
- Bone fragments of the hip socket have been displaced from their normal anatomic position.
- Other associated injuries require surgical repairs such as ligament or tendon damage.
If people need surgery to repair their hip, this will make the recovery process longer and more complicated. After hip surgery, it might be several weeks before they can bear weight on their leg. This adds additional time to the recovery process.
Physical Therapy During the Recovery
After the bones have healed, many people will require physical therapy to restore function to their hip. If someone has suffered a broken hip, the muscles around the hip socket often shrink because they aren’t being used. Without these muscles, the hip will feel weak. For people to regain function of their hip, these muscles need to be strengthened. This is where physical therapy can be helpful. A trained PT can help people regain:
Restoring these functions is a critical part of the recovery process. Strength and movement of the hip are not the only issues during the recovery process.
Watch YouTube Video: How to Treat Hip Fractures. This video provides some exercises to help strengthen the muscles around the hip area after a fracture.
The Development of Chronic Pain
Unfortunately, some people will develop chronic pain in their hip and leg following this severe injury. When the hip is damaged, chronic inflammation can develop in the hip socket. This inflammation can lead to chronic pain. There are several treatment options for chronic pain, which include:
- Anti-inflammatory medications
- Opioid and narcotic drugs
- Steroid Injections
- Nerve Injections
Figuring out how to manage chronic pain after a broken hip is a crucial part of the recovery process. Pain management needs to be discussed with a trained medical professional.
Contacting a Personal Injury Lawyer
The recovery process after a broken hip can be tough to navigate. After seeking medical care, it is vital for families to meet with a personal injury lawyer in Sacramento. A trained injury attorney can help families take a look at their options, pursue damages, and start the recovery process.
Sacramento Personal Injury Lawyers
I’m Ed Smith, a Sacramento Personal Injury Lawyer. After being diagnosed with a broken hip, the recovery process could be prolonged. Should you or someone you care about have issues recovering following a severe hip injury, please reach out to me at (800) 404-5400 or (916) 921-6400 to receive free, friendly legal guidance and advice.
I’m proud to be a part of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum & of the Top One Percent, a National Association of Distinguished Counsel.
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