Hip injuries, including common hip injuries, are a serious outcome of car accidents, leading to long-term pain and mobility problems. Knowing the causes can help drivers and passengers take preventative measures and get medical treatment from an experienced Atlanta car accident doctor.
In this article, we will look at the typical scenarios and factors of a hip injury from a car accident, and how they happen, and what can be done to prevent them.
Hip Pain in Car Accidents
Experiencing hip pain after a car accident is common and knowing the causes can help you identify the source and get medical treatment.
Fractures
Hip fractures are common in car accidents, involving a break or crack in any part of the hip joint. The hip bone can break, it’s called a broken hip. Acetabular fractures are the hip socket and are the most complex.
Hip Dislocation
Hip dislocation is when the ball of the hip joint is forced out of the socket. This is a severe condition seen in high-impact car accidents.
Labral Tears
A hip labral tear, which is a tear in the ring of cartilage around the hip socket, can occur in an accident. This type of injury can cause ongoing pain and instability.
Bursitis
Bursitis is inflammation of the fluid-filled sacs that cushion the hip joint. This can occur from blunt force trauma of a car crash.
Tendonitis
Tendonitis is inflammation of the tendons around the hip joint. It can occur from the sudden impact of a car accident.
Ligament Sprains
Ligaments around the hip can stretch or tear in a collision. Sprains can cause a lot of pain and limited mobility.
Symptoms of Hip Injuries
Recognizing the symptoms of hip injuries is key to early diagnosis and treatment, especially after a traumatic event like a car accident.
Severe Pain
Pain in the hip area is a common sign of a serious injury. This can be immediate or develop over time. In some cases, the pain is so bad you can’t move or even stand.
Can’t Move or Walk
A hip injury from a car accident can limit your mobility. You may not be able to walk, climb stairs, or even get out of bed. This is often due to damage to the hip joint, muscles, or surrounding soft tissue.
Swelling and Inflammation
Swelling around the hip is another sign of injury. This can be accompanied by redness and warmth in the area. Swelling means internal bleeding or fluid buildup and needs medical attention ASAP.
Limited Mobility
Limited range of motion in the hip joint is a common symptom. This means you can’t move your hip as well as you used to, making daily activities hard. Limited mobility means underlying issues like fractures, dislocations, or muscle tears.
What to Do Immediately After a Car Accident
Taking immediate action after a car accident is important for your health and any potential claims. Here’s what to do:
Get Medical Treatment
Get medical attention as soon as possible after a car accident. Even if you don’t feel severe pain right away some hip injuries can have delayed symptoms. A full check-up can catch hip fractures, dislocations, or labral tears early on.
Document Medical Records for Claims
Keep a record of all medical visits, treatments, diagnoses, and medical bills. These will be important for any legal proceedings and will help prove the extent of your hip injury from a car accident and how it affects your life. Accurate medical records will support your claim.
Talk to a Car Accident Lawyer
Get a car accident lawyer to help you navigate the legal process. They can explain your rights and make sure you get fair compensation for your hip injury. They can also negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf.
Full Physical Exam and Imaging Tests
Get a full physical exam and imaging tests like X-rays, CT scans, or MRIs after a motor vehicle accident. These will give you a clear picture of the damage to your hip joint, bones, and surrounding tissue. Proper diagnosis is key to treatment and building a strong case.
Long-Term Effects of a Hip Injury From a Car Accident
Knowing the long-term effects of hip injuries from car accidents will help you manage your health and plan for the future.
Chronic Pain
One of the long-term effects of hip injuries from car accidents is chronic pain, which can manifest as pain after a car accident and affect daily activities. This pain can be ongoing and will often require ongoing medical treatment, including pain management strategies like medication, physical therapy, and sometimes steroid injections.
Changes in Gait and Movement
Hip injuries can change how you walk and move. These changes can be due to pain, muscle weakness, or joint instability. Over time an altered gait can put additional strain on other parts of the body and cause further complications.
Increased Risk of Osteoarthritis
A hip injury from a car accident can increase your risk of getting osteoarthritis. This is the gradual wearing down of cartilage in the hip joint causing pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility. Early intervention and treatment are key to managing symptoms and slowing down progression.
Permanent or Partial Disability
Severe hip injuries like hip fractures or dislocations can result in permanent or partial disability. This can limit your ability to do certain tasks or activities you used to do. In some cases, a total hip replacement may be needed to restore some level of function.
Importance of Proper Diagnosis and Treatment
Proper diagnosis and treatment are key to a successful recovery from hip injuries from car accidents.
Orthopedic Specialists
When it comes to hip injuries from car accidents, an orthopedic specialist is essential. These medical professionals are trained to diagnose and treat injuries to the hip joint including fractures, dislocations, and labral tears. They will make sure you get the right medical care for your specific injury.
Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation
Physical therapy is a big part of the recovery process. A physical therapist can create a customized rehabilitation plan to get strength and mobility back to the injured hip. Regular sessions can reduce pain and prevent long-term complications.
Surgical Interventions if Necessary
In some cases, surgical intervention is needed. Procedures like hip replacement or repair of a fractured hip socket may be required for severe injuries. An orthopedic surgeon will determine what’s best for you based on the extent of the damage.
Chiropractic Adjustments and Exercise Therapy
Chiropractic care and exercise therapy can also help in the recovery process. Chiropractors can make adjustments to improve joint function while exercise therapy focuses on strengthening the muscles around the hip joint. These treatments can increase overall mobility and reduce pain over time.
Compensation for Hip Injury Victims
Compensation for hip injury victims is key to addressing the financial, physical, and emotional impact of the injury.
Medical Expenses
Hip injuries from car accidents require extensive medical treatment. Expenses can include emergency room visits, hospital stays, surgeries, physical therapy, and follow-up appointments. Accident victims may also need medication and assistive devices. These costs add up fast and can be overwhelming without proper compensation.
Lost Wages
A hip injury from a car accident can affect your ability to work. Whether it’s taking time off for recovery or being unable to do your job duties, lost wages can cause financial stress. Compensation should cover current and future lost earnings.
Pain and Suffering
The physical pain from a hip injury from a car accident can be severe and long-term. Compensation for pain and suffering addresses the physical and emotional impact of the injury on your life. This includes ongoing discomfort and inability to do activities you used to do.
Emotional Distress
Accidents and injuries can cause emotional distress. Anxiety, depression, and PTSD are common after traumatic events. Compensation for emotional distress helps you get the support you need.
Loss of Companionship or Consortium
Severe hip injuries can affect personal relationships. Loss of companionship or consortium refers to the impact on your relationship with a spouse or family members. Compensation in this area helps address the emotional and relational strain caused by the injury.
Meet With Our Experienced Atlanta Car Accident Doctors ASAP!
Suffering from a hip injury from a car accident can be debilitating, so seeking immediate medical treatment is necessary. Don’t hesitate to visit our car accident doctors so they can treat you back to health.
Schedule an appointment with us today at 404-687-9000!
