joint. The "ball is the top of the upper leg bone. The "socket" is a part of your pelvic bone. Sometimes, the ball part of the upper leg bone dies because of lack of blood flow. This is called aseptic necrosis. This condition is most often caused by very bad breaks in the leg bone and the hip moving out of place. This may affect the blood supply to the bone. It may also be caused by long-term use of steroids, too much alcohol intake, and decompression sickness. If left untreated, this may cause pain, a limp, or loss of movement. ‚
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What care is needed at home?
- Ask your doctor what you need to do when you go home. Make sure you ask questions if you do not understand what the doctor says. This way you will know what you need to do.
- Avoid standing for a long period of time. Use a cane or walker to help you walk around.
- Place an ice pack or a bag of frozen peas wrapped in a towel over the painful part. Never put ice right on the skin. Do not leave the ice on more than 10 to 15 minutes at a time.
- Prop your hip on pillows to help with swelling.
What follow-up care is needed?
- Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits.
- You may need to visit a physical therapist. The physical therapist will help you get back your range of motion and strength.
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Help with pain
- Prevent bone loss
Will physical activity be limited?
You may have to limit your activity. Talk to your doctor about the right amount of activity for you. ‚
What problems could happen?
- Weakened bone
- Disability or loss of movement
What can be done to prevent this health problem?
- Minimize your use of steroid drugs. Ask your doctor if you have other drug options.
- Use proper breathing apparatus when diving underwater.
- Limit or avoid drinking beer, wine, and mixed drinks (alcohol).
- Eat foods with calcium and vitamin D. Good foods to choose are milk, cheese, yogurt, and green leafy veggies.
- Treat other illnesses that may be causing this condition.
When do I need to call the doctor?
- Too much pain when walking or standing
- Numbness or tingling in your leg
- Health problem is not better or you are feeling worse
Teach Back: Helping You Understand
The Teach Back Method helps you understand the information we are giving you. The idea is simple. After talking with the staff, tell them in your own words what you were just told. This helps to make sure the staff has covered each thing clearly. It also helps to explain things that may have been a bit confusing. Before going home, make sure you are able to do these: ‚
- I can tell you about my condition.
- I can tell you what may help ease my pain.
- I can tell you what I will do if I have pain, numbness, or tingling in my leg.
Where can I learn more?
American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons ‚
http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=A00216 ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
Copyright
Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚