Hip and pelvis injuries are never expected and are always challenging to navigate. When an individual suffers trauma to the hip or pelvis at work, the injury or pain could significantly limit their daily tasks and, if left undiagnosed or untreated, impact their ability to work altogether. That’s why it is essential to seek medical help as soon as possible after suffering a hip or pelvis injury at work.
At Spine and Joint Institute of Milwaukee, we’re here to aid in your recovery so you can return to work and continue to support your household as soon as possible. Your health and well-being are of utmost importance to us. We provide comprehensive medical care while fully documenting your hip or pelvis injury and developing an individualized treatment plan for your workers’ compensation claim. Have you suffered a hip or pelvis injury at work and need help? Schedule an appointment at Spine and Joint Institute of Milwaukee today.
If you've suffered trauma to your hip or pelvis at work, taking the appropriate steps to ensure proper healing and prevent further complications is crucial. Here's what you should do:
By taking these steps, you can effectively manage a hip or pelvis injury sustained at work and promote a speedy recovery and safe return to work.
To relieve hip pain, you can try several remedies and self-care strategies. If your hip pain persists despite trying these remedies or is accompanied by severe symptoms such as sudden swelling, inability to bear weight, or loss of sensation, seek medical evaluation promptly to determine the underlying cause and appropriate treatment. Here are some options:
Avoid activities that worsen the pain and give your hip time to heal. Limit weight-bearing activities and allow yourself adequate rest.
Apply an ice pack to the affected area for 15-20 minutes several times daily. The cold helps reduce inflammation and numbs the area, providing pain relief. Be sure to wrap the ice pack in a cloth to prevent frostbite.
Alternating between ice and heat therapy can be beneficial. Apply a heating pad or warm towel to the hip for 15-20 minutes to help relax muscles and improve blood flow. Heat therapy is beneficial for chronic hip pain.
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) or naproxen (Aleve) can help reduce pain and inflammation associated with hip pain. Follow the recommended dosage and precautions on the label.
Perform gentle stretching exercises to improve flexibility and reduce muscle tension in the hip area. Avoid overstretching or pushing into pain. Consult a physical therapist for guidance on appropriate stretches.
Strengthening exercises targeting the muscles around the hip can help improve stability and support the joint. Incorporate exercises such as hip raises, leg lifts, and hip abduction exercises into your routine.
Engage in low-impact activities such as swimming, cycling, or walking to maintain cardiovascular fitness and promote healing without exacerbating hip pain.
Excess weight can put added strain on the hip joint and exacerbate pain. Maintain a healthy weight through a balanced diet and regular exercise to reduce stress on the hips.
Use supportive cushions or pillows when sitting or lying down to relieve pressure on the hips. Ensure your workspace is ergonomically designed to promote proper posture and reduce strain on the hip joints.
If hip pain persists or worsens, consider seeking the guidance of a physical therapist. They can assess your condition, develop a personalized treatment plan, and provide hands-on therapy to alleviate pain and improve mobility.
Treatment options for a hip or pelvis injury depend on the specific type and severity of the injury. Your healthcare provider will evaluate your condition, consider your individual needs and preferences, and recommend the most appropriate treatment options to help you recover from a hip or pelvis injury. Following their guidance and adhering to the prescribed treatment plan is essential to achieve the best possible outcome. Here are some common treatment approaches:
Resting the affected hip or pelvis and avoiding activities that exacerbate pain or discomfort can help promote healing. Your healthcare provider may recommend modifying your activities or using assistive devices such as crutches to reduce weight-bearing on the injured area.
Physical therapy is often prescribed to improve strength, flexibility, and range of motion in the hip and pelvis. A physical therapist can design a personalized exercise program to address your specific needs, focusing on strengthening the muscles surrounding the hip joint, improving mobility, and reducing pain.
Over-the-counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) or naproxen (Aleve) can help alleviate pain and reduce inflammation associated with hip injuries. Sometimes, prescription medications or injections may be recommended for pain management.
Alternating between ice packs and heat therapy can help reduce pain and inflammation in the hip or pelvis. Apply ice packs for 15-20 minutes several times a day during the acute phase of injury to decrease swelling, followed by heat therapy to relax muscles and improve blood flow.
Depending on the severity of the injury, you may benefit from using assistive devices such as crutches, a cane, or a walker to support mobility and reduce strain on the injured hip or pelvis.
Injections of corticosteroids directly into the hip joint or surrounding tissues may be recommended to reduce inflammation and alleviate pain in certain conditions such as bursitis or tendonitis. These injections are typically administered under the guidance of imaging techniques such as ultrasound or fluoroscopy.
In cases of severe or complex hip or pelvis injuries, surgical intervention may be necessary. Surgical options vary depending on the injury but may include arthroscopic surgery to repair damaged tissues, hip replacement surgery for severe arthritis or fractures, or surgical repair of fractures or other structural abnormalities.
Emerging treatments such as platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy or stem cell therapy may be considered in some cases to promote tissue healing and regeneration in the hip or pelvis.
If you experience any of these signs or symptoms following a hip or pelvis injury, seeking medical evaluation and treatment promptly to prevent further complications and promote healing is essential. Signs and symptoms of a hip or pelvis injury can vary depending on the type and severity of the injury, but common indicators include:
Compared to other work-related injuries, hip injuries are especially complex and can result in permanent disability. That’s why it’s critical for injured workers to get immediate care from healthcare providers who are specially trained in diagnosing and treating concussions from workplace injuries.
At Spine and Joint Institute of Milwaukee, your recovery is our top priority. That’s why, in addition to our comprehensive work injury care, we know exactly how to document your injuries and organize your medical records for your workers’ compensation case, allowing your attorney to ensure you receive the maximum compensation you need and deserve.
Struggling with a hip or pelvis injury could bring about a lot of pain and uncertainty. However, you can rest assured that our medical professionals at Spine and Joint of Milwaukee will help secure your recovery with your custom treatment plan while building your workers’ compensation claim documentation at the same time. Schedule an appointment with our experienced medical providers at Spine and Joint Institute of Milwaukee today.
If you are not receiving proper care for your injury, you have the right under Wisconsin Workers' Compensation Law to choose your own doctor and to get a second opinion.