Hip Fracture
A hip fracture often occurs in the upper quarter of the femur, or thigh bone, and causes a drilling pain deep in the bone and across the outer-upper thigh and groin. Hip fractures can happen for many reasons, such as a fall or direct blow to the hip area. Stress injuries are also a common cause of fractures in both older individuals, female athletes, or women with eating disorders. Some female athletes develop the female athlete triad—a condition onset by lowered caloric intake, menstrual cycle irregularities, and weakening bones. Other risks factors for weakened bones include steroidal use, smoking, and medical conditions like cancer or osteoporosis.
Keep in mind that stress fractures are not a complete break. Fractures are almost imperceptible. These kinds of fractures cause intermittent pain that gradually increases during weight-bearing exercises. Diagnosis of hip stress fractures can be difficult, because fractures do not show up on traditional x-ray scans. Bone scans and MRIs are often necessary for proper diagnosis.
