The hip is a significant part of your body. It connects your leg and your trunk. This is where the thigh bone meets your pelvis and is connected by a ball and socket joint. That said, any force trauma from a car accident can damage the muscles, bones, tissues and other structures surrounding the hip, causing pain that can range from mild to severe.
However mild it may be, it is essential to understand the severity of your hip injury and the corresponding actions to take.
Causes of hip pain after a car accident
Various types of injuries can cause hip pain, including:
- Hip fractures: Pain from a fracture can be mild and escalate to agonizing and unbearable pain if not treated.
- Hip bursitis: This is simply the inflammation of the bursa, which is typically a fluid-filled sac that cushions the bones and muscles.
- Hip dislocations: This happens when the ball of the femur pops out of its socket—this can ultimately lead to bone tissue death caused by blood supply disruptions (avascular necrosis).
- Hip labral tears: This is characterized by tearing of the labrum, which causes excruciating pain.
- Acetabular fractures: This is an uncommon break in the outside rim of the hip socket that is caused by considerable impact.
Actions to take if you have hip pain after a car accident
The most important thing after a car accident is to seek immediate medical attention. Not only does it provide a comprehensive diagnosis and treatment, but it also gives an insight into any complications that might arise. This is important because a hip injury may not be apparent immediately after an accident, and you may experience pain days after the accident.
You should seek medical attention if you experience hip pain after a car accident. However, getting legal guidance is also imperative. Doing this can help you build your case and seek the compensation you deserve, especially if the accident resulted from negligence.