hip pain with fever

Overview

Hip pain with fever is when you have pain in your hip area and your body temperature is higher than normal. This combination can be a warning sign of an infection in the hip joint or in the bone near the hip. It is a medical emergency that needs quick attention.

Hip pain with fever is not a common everyday complaint. When it does happen, it is taken very seriously because it may be the only obvious clue to a serious infection.

It can affect anyone, but it is more common in children under 5, older adults, people with weakened immune systems, and those who have recently had hip surgery or a joint replacement.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• Pain in the hip, groin, or thigh that may be constant or worse with movement
• Fever or chills
• Difficulty putting weight on the affected leg
• Redness, warmth, or swelling around the hip
• Stiffness or reduced range of motion in the hip

Symptoms in children

• A child who refuses to walk or bear weight on one leg
• Limping or dragging one leg
• Fussiness or crying, especially when the hip is moved
• Fever, poor appetite, or feeling generally unwell
• Reduced movement of the hip, such as when changing a nappy

Symptoms in older adults

• Pain in the hip or groin that may be vague or hard to describe
• Fever, sometimes low-grade, or just a change in mental state
• New difficulty walking or getting up from a chair
• Pain after a recent fall, injury, or hip surgery
• Increased confusion or reduced activity in someone with dementia

Causes

Main causes

• A bacterial infection that spreads into the hip joint — this is called septic arthritis
• An infection in the thigh bone near the hip — this is called osteomyelitis
• Inflammation from an autoimmune condition, where the body's immune system attacks the joints
• A reaction to a previous infection, called reactive arthritis

Risk factors

• Recent hip surgery or joint replacement
• A weakened immune system due to illness or medication
• Diabetes
• Skin or urinary infections that can spread through the blood
• Intravenous drug use
• Rheumatoid arthritis or other long-term joint diseases

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• Seek emergency medical care right away if you have hip pain with a fever and cannot move the leg or bear weight.
• If a child has a fever and a limp or refuses to walk, go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
• If you have hip pain and fever after a recent hip surgery, get urgent medical help.

Book a routine appointment if:

• If you have lingering hip pain with a low-grade fever that has lasted more than a few days, make an appointment with a doctor.
• If you have hip pain that keeps coming back and is accompanied by occasional fever, see a healthcare provider for assessment.

Diagnosis

A doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history, then examine your hip. They will look for signs of tenderness, swelling, warmth, and pain with movement. Because this combination can be serious, they may move quickly to tests.

Tests that may be done

• Blood tests to look for signs of infection and inflammation
• X-rays of the hip to check the bones
• Ultrasound to look for fluid in the joint
• MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) for more detailed pictures
• If fluid is present, a sample may be taken using a needle — this is called joint aspiration — to check for bacteria

What to expect at your appointment

You will likely be seen quickly in an emergency or urgent care setting. The healthcare team may start treatment before all test results are back, because waiting can allow an infection to do permanent damage. You may be admitted to hospital for close monitoring and antibiotics given through a vein (intravenously).

Treatment

Hip pain with fever is treated as an infection until proven otherwise. This means urgent hospital care, antibiotics, and sometimes a procedure to drain infected fluid from the joint. Early treatment is key to preventing long-term damage.

Self-care at home

• Rest the hip and avoid putting weight on it until you have been examined
• Use a supportive position, such as lying down, to reduce strain on the hip
• Keep hydrated and manage fever with over-the-counter remedies as directed by a pharmacist or doctor
• Do not try to stretch or exercise the hip until you know the cause

Medical treatments

Treatment usually involves antibiotics given through a vein (intravenously) in hospital. In some cases, the joint may need to be drained using a needle or during a small operation to remove infected fluid. Pain relief and anti-inflammatory medicines may be used — your care team will choose the right one for you.

When is surgery considered?

Surgery is needed if there is a collection of pus in the joint or bone that cannot be drained with a needle. It is also considered if an infected hip replacement needs to be removed or replaced in a later operation.

Living with this condition

After treatment, you may need to use crutches or a walker for a time. Physiotherapy helps you gradually regain movement and strength. The hip may feel stiff for weeks, and you will need regular check-ups to make sure the infection has cleared.

Lifestyle tips

• Follow your doctor's advice on how much weight you can put on the hip
• Do gentle range-of-motion exercises as directed
• Keep wounds clean after any surgery or injury
• Attend all follow-up appointments so your recovery is properly monitored

Diet and exercise

Eating a balanced diet with plenty of protein and vitamins helps your body fight infection and repair tissue. When your doctor allows, start with gentle exercises like swimming or static cycling, and build up gradually.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

A serious hip infection can be frightening and disruptive. You may feel anxious about losing mobility or worried about recovery. These feelings are normal, and it is important to talk about them with your healthcare team or a trusted person.

Prevention

Not always, but you can lower your risk by treating infections early, keeping wounds clean, and managing long-term conditions like diabetes. If you have a hip replacement, tell your dentist and surgeons about it before any procedure, because bacteria can enter the bloodstream.

Vaccines

Keeping up to date with recommended vaccinations may help prevent certain infections that could spread to the hip. Ask your healthcare provider which vaccines are right for you.

Screening programmes

There is no routine screening test for hip infection. Regular check-ups are important if you have a weakened immune system or a joint replacement.

Complications

If left untreated

• The infection can spread into the bloodstream, causing a dangerous condition called sepsis
• The joint or bone can be permanently damaged, leading to chronic pain and limited movement
• In children, a hip infection can disrupt bone growth and cause a limp that lasts
• An infected hip replacement may need to be removed

Long-term outlook

With prompt treatment, most hip infections heal completely, and people return to their usual activities. Recovery takes time, and you will need patience and follow-up care. If caught early, serious long-term problems are unlikely.

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