Question - Hip Injury (football)

by Cara Suggs
(Grand Rapids, MI)

My son, now 17, first injured his hip flexor playing football when he was 13. This past Friday during a game he has now (re)injured it. We have worked with our doctor and a physical therapist over the years but I want to make sure we are doing enough.

We were told the muscle was torn and because his growth plate was not completely closed from his last injury it actually now fractured his hip. He is in a lot of pain. This is a kid that never complains - most likely because he was worried we wouldn't let him play. Now he knows why!

He lives for football and is now sidelined for the rest of this season. I am hoping he will be able to play his senior year but more concerned about a lifelong injury. I am not sure how to advocate for him.

Is physical therapy enough?
Is it common for this to become chronic?
Should we be considering surgery?

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Question - Hip Injury (football)

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Sep 30, 2008
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hip injury
by: Bart - SII

I am a little confused about your description - did he have a growth plate fracture when he was 13, or are they saying that his hip is now fractured?

It is hard to deal with a season ending injury. He is going through so much with dealing with a loss of identity, a feeling of not being able to be with the team and contribute, and of course, dissappointment in not being able to do what he enjoys.

I would recommend trying to keep him as involved with the team as possible. He will come to terms with his injury over time. All you can do is be supportive and help him focus on the future and his recovery.

Therapy should help with this injury - surgery is something you should discuss with your doctor, but I would imagine it would only be necessary if the therapy isn't successful.

Bart