The undeniable truth as it pertains to hip injuries is simple. In most cases, they're consistently painful. And even worse - they don't heal easily.
Whether you're sitting, standing or walking, the muscles and joints in your hip are constantly taking the repetitive pressure that eventually wears on the cartilage that surrounds the bone. This can result in painful injuries that limit your mobility at work which - in turn - results in significant time away from the job.
That's not something most people can afford.
Hip injuries occur in different severities but oftentimes are easily aggravated. If you suffer a hip injury at work, it's important to take the necessary steps to ensure the medical compensatory benefits you're entitled to so that you can best prevent issues from arising in the future.
Immediately report it to someone in a supervisory capacity, and then immediately seek legal advice from a licensed professional. In these instances, we at Dugan & Associates are here to help! Just call 412-353-3572 for a free consultation. And as always, there's no fee unless recovery is made.
However, It's still important to stay informed on the typical types of hip injuries for the worst-case scenario. If you suffer an injury at work but don't realize its severity or report it for an extended period of time, you could lose out on the compensatory benefits you deserve.
Strains: Groin and hamstring pulls are the two most common types of hip strains. Typically, they arise from overuse of the the hip. The cartilage attached to the muscle fibers tears, which causes severe pain and spasms.
Treatment: Rest, ice, compression, elevation and eventually rehabilitation
Fractures: A fall from a tall ladder, a car accident or tripping over something at your workplace are just three of the several ways you can suffer a hip fracture. This injury requires surgery more often than not, followed by rehabilitation. You'll have to miss several weeks from work, and could have your mobility restricted when you do return. You may even be unable to perform your previous tasks.
Treatment: Intensive surgery, elevation, rehab, physical therapy, walking aids, and/or hip replacements (in serious cases)
Post-traumatic arthritis: A repeated, penetrated or blunt injury - like a fall or a car accident - can cause the hip bone to fracture, which eventually leads to post-traumatic arthritis. As it worsens over time, post-traumatic arthritis can elevate from a minor nagging injury into a significant restriction that causes you to miss work.
Treatment: Pain medication, stretching, walking aids, injections, and/or hip replacement (in serious cases)
Labral tears: A labral tear is caused by repetitive actions that force cartilage in the hip socket (labrum) to tear apart from the bone. As it occurs, you often feel some type of "pop" of the bone that results in excruciating pain shortly after.
Treatment: Arthroscopic surgery followed by rehab, elevation, and heating pad/ice
Burning thigh pain: Burning thigh pain is usually directly correlated with Meralgia Paresthetica, a clinically diagnosed condition characterized by tingling, numbness and burning pain in your outer thigh. It's caused by compression of the nerve that supplies sensation to the skin surface of your thigh.
Treatment: Heating pad/ice, pain medication, weight loss, loose-fitting clothing around the hip area, and physical therapy
If you or someone you love has significantly injured their hip at work, the team at Dugan & Associates is ready to look at your case. Our team of experienced workplace injury lawyers will make sure you receive the maximum monetary compensation available to you. Give us a call at 412-353-3572 or contact us online today for your free consultation.
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