Hip pain in children

Overview

Hip pain in children is pain felt in or around the hip joint. It can be caused by many things, from minor injuries to more serious conditions. Most causes are treatable, especially when caught early.

Hip pain is fairly common in children, especially between the ages of 3 and 15. Many children experience a limp or hip discomfort at some point.

Hip pain can affect children of all ages, but some conditions are more common at certain ages. For example, transient synovitis often affects children aged 3 to 8, while slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE) is more common in teenagers.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• Limping or walking differently
• Pain in the hip, groin, thigh, or knee
• Stiffness or trouble moving the hip
• Child may refuse to put weight on the affected leg

Symptoms in children

• Crying or fussiness when the hip is moved
• Not wanting to walk or play
• Pain that appears suddenly or gradually
• Fever (in some cases like infection)

Symptoms in older adults

• This article focuses on children. Hip pain in older adults has different causes and is not covered here.

Causes

Main causes

• Transient synovitis: temporary swelling of the hip joint, often after a viral infection
• Perthes disease: temporary loss of blood flow to the hip bone, more common in boys aged 4-10
• Slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE): the top of the thigh bone slips off due to a weak growth plate, often in overweight teens
• Infection (septic arthritis): a serious bacterial infection in the hip joint
• Juvenile idiopathic arthritis: a type of arthritis that affects children
• Injury or overuse: from sports or falls

Risk factors

• Age: certain conditions happen more at specific ages (e.g., 4-10 for Perthes, 10-16 for SCFE)
• Obesity: increases risk of SCFE and other stress on joints
• Gender: some conditions are more common in boys
• Recent viral illness: can trigger transient synovitis

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• If your child has a fever along with hip pain
• If your child cannot put any weight on the leg
• If the pain is sudden and severe after an injury

Book a routine appointment if:

• If your child has been limping for more than a few days
• If the pain comes and goes for weeks
• If you notice your child is walking differently or favoring one leg

Diagnosis

A doctor will ask about your child’s symptoms and medical history, and do a physical exam. They will watch your child walk, move the hip, and check for pain. Sometimes imaging tests are needed.

Tests that may be done

• X-ray: to look at the bones of the hip
• Ultrasound: to see if there is fluid in the hip joint
• Blood tests: to check for infection or inflammation
• MRI: a detailed scan if other tests are not clear

What to expect at your appointment

The doctor may ask your child to move their leg in different positions to see what hurts. Most tests are quick and painless. If an ultrasound or MRI is needed, your child may need to lie still for a short time.

Treatment

Treatment depends on the cause. Many children get better with rest and simple care. Some conditions need medicine, physical therapy, or rarely surgery.

Self-care at home

• Rest: have your child avoid running or jumping until pain improves
• Apply a cool pack or warm compress to the area (not directly on skin)
• Give pain relief medicine as recommended by a doctor or pharmacist (always follow the instructions for children's doses)
• Encourage your child to use crutches if they have trouble walking

Medical treatments

Doctors may recommend anti-inflammatory medicine to reduce swelling and pain. If there is an infection, treatment will include antibiotics. For conditions like Perthes disease or SCFE, treatment may involve physical therapy, a brace, or surgery to keep the hip stable. The doctor will explain the best plan for your child.

When is surgery considered?

Surgery is sometimes needed for conditions like slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE) or late stages of Perthes disease. The type of surgery depends on your child’s age and the severity of the problem.

Living with this condition

Most children with hip pain can continue with normal activities once the pain improves. Some may need to take breaks from sports or gym class for a few weeks. Follow your doctor’s advice on when it is safe to return to full activity.

Lifestyle tips

• Encourage low-impact activities like swimming or biking that are gentle on the hip
• Help your child maintain a healthy weight to reduce stress on the hip joint
• Make sure your child wears proper shoes and uses safety gear during sports

Diet and exercise

A balanced diet rich in calcium and vitamin D (from milk, yogurt, leafy greens, and sunlight) supports bone health. Gentle stretching and strengthening exercises, as recommended by a physiotherapist, can help recovery.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

Hip pain can affect a child’s mood and social life, especially if they cannot play with friends. Reassure your child that the pain is temporary and offer fun indoor activities. If your child seems sad or worried, talk to your doctor or a child counselor.

Prevention

Not all causes of hip pain can be prevented, but you can reduce some risks. Encouraging a healthy weight, proper sports techniques, and prompt treatment of infections may help. Some conditions like Perthes disease cannot be prevented.

Vaccines

Keeping up with routine vaccinations helps prevent infections that could sometimes spread to the hip joint (like some bacterial infections).

Screening programmes

There is no routine screening for hip pain in children. However, doctors may check the hips during well-child visits, especially in newborns for hip dysplasia. If you have concerns, mention them to your doctor.

Complications

If left untreated

• Long-term hip stiffness or limited movement
• Early arthritis in the hip
• Growth problems in the leg or hip bone
• Persistent limp or leg length difference

Long-term outlook

With prompt and proper treatment, most children with hip pain recover fully and return to normal activities. Even when surgery is needed, outcomes are usually good. The key is to see a doctor early and follow their advice.

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