Can You Walk With a Hip Fracture? What You Should Know

An accidental fall can happen in seconds, whether you miss a step, lose your footing, or slip on a wet floor. You may get back up and keep walking, but that doesn’t always mean your hip escaped injury. Some hip fractures still allow limited movement, making them surprisingly easy to overlook.

At Specialty Orthopaedics in Harrison, NY, board-certified orthopaedic surgeon and joint replacement specialist Dr. Steven Zelicof has served the Westchester community since 1990. He has extensive experience treating hip conditions and specializes in joint reconstruction, complex hip surgery, and advanced minimally invasive techniques.

Can You Actually Walk With a Hip Fracture?

Yes, walking with a hip fracture can sometimes be possible. Your ability to walk depends largely on the location and severity of the break.

A nondisplaced or impacted fracture may leave the bones relatively stable, allowing you to stand or take a few steps despite discomfort. A displaced or more severe fracture is much more likely to make bearing weight extremely difficult.

Because symptoms can vary, you should not try to test a suspected fracture by continuing to walk on it.

What Can a Hip Fracture Feel Like?

Hip fracture symptoms can vary, but signs worth paying attention to include:

• Hip or groin pain: Discomfort may become stronger when you move or put weight on the leg.
• Difficulty bearing weight: Standing and walking may become painful or difficult.
• Swelling or bruising: You may notice changes around your hip or upper thigh.
• Limited movement: Moving or rotating your hip may hurt.
• Changes in leg position: The injured leg may sometimes look shorter or turn outward.

When Should You Get Your Hip Checked After a Fall?

Persistent hip or groin pain after a fall deserves prompt evaluation, even when you can still walk. An orthopaedic evaluation may include an examination and X-rays. Additional imaging may be needed when a fracture is suspected but does not appear clearly on an initial X-ray.

Seek urgent medical attention for severe pain, an obvious deformity, or an inability to put weight on the injured leg.

Get Your Hip Evaluated in Westchester County, NY

Being able to walk after a fall does not rule out a hip fracture. When hip or groin pain persists after an injury, Specialty Orthopaedics can evaluate what is causing it and discuss appropriate treatment.

Call 914-686-0111 to schedule a consultation at our Harrison, NY, office.