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Medical Author:

Benjamin Wedro, MD, FACEP, FAAEM

Benjamin Wedro, MD, FACEP, FAAEM

Dr. Ben Wedro practices emergency medicine at Gundersen Clinic, a regional trauma center in La Crosse, Wisconsin. His background includes undergraduate and medical studies at the University of Alberta, a Family Practice internship at Queen's University in Kingston, Ontario and residency training in Emergency Medicine at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center.

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Medical Editor:

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, Chief Medical Editor

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, Chief Medical Editor

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, is a U.S. board-certified Anatomic Pathologist with subspecialty training in the fields of Experimental and Molecular Pathology. Dr. Stöppler's educational background includes a BA with Highest Distinction from the University of Virginia and an MD from the University of North Carolina. She completed residency training in Anatomic Pathology at Georgetown University followed by subspecialty fellowship training in molecular diagnostics and experimental pathology.

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As we age, the body tends to tolerate falling less easily. Falls often can cause contusions (or bruising) and inflammation of the tissues that are damaged. This pain may not be felt immediately, and the injured area may begin to stiffen and get sore over a few hours. If the patient can stand and walk relatively easily with minimal limp, then it is reasonable to rest and ice the injured areas and begin activity as tolerated. Over-the-counter pain medications (acetaminophen [Tylenol], ibuprofen [Advil], naproxen [Aleve]) may be used. Crutches, a cane or a walker may be useful in the short term but these need to be fitted to the patient's height, and some people may need training to use them properly. Usually, the pain and stiffness will resolve over a few days. If the pain persists or starts to worsen instead of getting better, medical evaluation may be helpful.

Hip pain and soreness that develop because of overuse but without any specific injury may be cared for at home with rest and gradual return to full activity. While rest is important, it is also important to maintain range of motion, meaning that attempts should be made to stretch the leg, hip, and back and keep the whole body moving.

Care for hip pain that exists because of an underlying medical condition should be coordinated with the health-care practitioner. Often, the hip pain will be episodic, depending upon the control of the medical condition.

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