What does limping feel like with hip fracture?

With a hip fracture, each step can cause pain deep in the groin, hip, or upper thigh. You may shorten your stride, keep the injured leg turned outward, or lean your body away from that side to reduce loading. Some people cannot put weight through the leg at all. The limp may appear suddenly after a fall or impact, although pain and difficulty walking can also become more noticeable over time in some fractures. A limp alone cannot identify the cause; the pattern of pain, the injury, and an examination are all relevant.

Do not test the leg by repeatedly walking on it. Sit or lie in a safe position, keep the leg still and avoid twisting, and arrange urgent medical assessment after a fall with new hip pain or difficulty bearing weight. Do not drive yourself if movement is very painful. A clinician may use an examination and imaging to check the bone and nearby joints.

Seek emergency care immediately after a fall or injury if you cannot stand, cannot bear weight, have severe hip or groin pain, notice a shortened or visibly rotated leg, or develop numbness or a cold or pale foot. Sudden worsening pain or faintness also warrants urgent help.

Ask: What findings make a hip fracture more or less likely? Do I need imaging even if I can take a few steps? How should I move safely while waiting? What pain relief is suitable for me?