How common is hip pain in hip fracture?

A hip fracture is a break in the upper part of the thigh bone near the hip joint. Pain may be felt in the groin, outer hip, thigh, or sometimes the knee. Movement, standing, or trying to walk can make it worse. The leg may look shorter or turned outward, but these changes are not present in every fracture. Hip pain after an injury can have other explanations, yet a fracture must be ruled out when weight-bearing is difficult.

If a fracture is possible, stop walking and keep the person as still and comfortable as possible. Do not try to straighten the leg or force the hip through movement. Call emergency services or arrange urgent hospital assessment, particularly after a fall in an older adult or when the person cannot stand. Keep the person warm while waiting for help.

Suspected hip fracture needs urgent medical care rather than routine observation. Get emergency help for severe pain after trauma, inability to bear weight, a visibly shortened or rotated leg, numbness, heavy bleeding, fainting, or breathing difficulty. A person may still have a fracture even when the leg looks normal, so persistent pain after a fall should be assessed promptly.

Ask what imaging is needed, whether you should avoid weight-bearing, how pain will be controlled, and what support is needed at home after treatment. Tell the clinician about the injury, medicines, previous falls, and any blood-thinning medication.