Did I break my Hip?
By Savannah Faulk, DPT
Did I Break my Hip?
Hip fractures are very common in today’s world. There are different ways that your hip could break and one of the ways is caused by repetitive, overuse, and/or high impact activity. These are called hairline femur fractures.
These hairline femur fractures are different from bone “breaks” or larger fractures of the bone as those fractures typically occur from trauma such as falls or high impacts. Hairline femur fractures which can also be called “stress fractures” are little cracks or breaks in your thigh bone that can heal on their own.
Anyone who lives a very active lifestyle can develop a hairline femur fracture. One of the best treatment approaches is rest and/or decrease of the physical activity for a few weeks.
There are several types of femur fractures. The illustration below gives the types of femur fractures.
Fractures to the femur bone
What Can Cause a Hairline Femur Fracture?
Our bones do have some elasticity to them that allows them to absorb certain movements. They are a solid and stiff structure but this elasticity allows bones to absorb the impact from high-impact activities such as jumping, running, hiking, etc. The fluid in the joint that surrounds the bone is what helps with the absorption from activities with high impact. However, when constant strain is engaged on a bone, specifically the femur bone, tiny fractures can occur through it which are known as hairline femur fractures.
Image of the Hip Joint.
Common Symptoms
- Deep and achy thigh/groin pain.
- This pain is typically noticed during physical activity.
Risk Factors
- Change in jogging/walking surfaces such as going from walking on the sidewalk or pavement to walking on the beach in sand.
- A impulsive increase in physical activity.
- Improper diet such as having low kcal during exercise which can cause extreme fatigue as well as lack of vitamin D and calcium. People with eating disorders are also at high risk.
- Having an abnormal leg length.
- Women are at a higher risk than men.
- Osteoporosis and or medications that affect bone health, growth, and strength.
- Previous hairline femur fractures.
- Inadequate techniques when working out due to an old injury or improper footwear.
Osteoporosis stages. close-up of human bones with different density. bone disease. aging process.
How to know if you have a Hairline Femur Fracture or not?
A visit to your MD will be required and they will perform a physical examination and imaging in order to provide you with the correct diagnosis. Call JOI-2000 to schedule an appointment with an orthopedic specialist in Jacksonville.
- MRI is the best imaging test to determine a hairline femur fracture compared to an X-ray.
Home Treatments for Hairline Femur Fractures
- Rest.
- Ice.
- Compression.
- Elevation.
- Advil/Tylenol (NSAIDS).
To schedule an appointment for physical therapy at one of the 12 JOI Rehab Centers, please call 904-858-7045.
Book An Appointment with a JOI Physician.