Hip Pointer Injuries

Tedd Girouard MS, LAT, ATC
Head Athletic Trainer FC Las Vegas

Definition:

A hip pointer is a contusion (bruise) to the upper side of the pelvis or hipbone. It can be an extremely painful and debilitating injury. This is because there is not much padding between the skin and the underlying bones. The bones underneath are also a place where many muscles attach, these muscles include, the abdominals, the hip flexors, the hip rotators, and other muscles in the area. Because these muscles are damaged where they insert on the bone movements using these muscles become very painful. Unfortunately, goalkeepers have difficulties with this type of injury because as they dive on the ground they may have a difficult time protecting themselves from these injuries.

Treatment:

Initial on field treatment should begin immediately with ice for 30 minutes. This should be followed by x-ray examination to rule out a fracture to the area. Once the initial treatment is finished and x-rays are negative, you should ice the injured area every 2 hours for 30 minutes. After the area is iced some light stretching of the involved muscles is indicated. This type of treatment should continue for up to 72 hours. After 72 hours jogging should begin with increasing speed as pain decreases until you are 100% pain free while running and cutting at 100%. The severity of this injury will vary from person to person, use the above treatment regiment as a guide, remembering to use pain as your guide. If what you are doing causes too much pain for you then back off on the exercises you are performing.

If you return to competition while the area in still tender you should have a Certified Athletic Trainer construct a protective pad for you. This injury may last a couple of days to several weeks depending on how much damage has occurred. (See Photos Below)