Hip pain in children | 5 common causes
Hip pain is a common musculskeletal complaint in children. It’s one of the most frequent reasons children come to see us here at The Physios. There are many different causes. Some of which require urgent medical attention so it’s always worth getting a child reporting hip pain checked.
In this blog we will outline the top 5 most common causes of hip pain in children.
5 common causes of hip pain in kids
1. Transient Synovitis (Irritable hip)
Transient synovitis, also known as irritable hip, is the most common cause of acute hip pain in children aged 2 to 9 years. It is characterised by the sudden onset of hip pain and limping, often following a recent viral infection. The condition is self-limiting (i.e. it gets better without treatment). It typically resolves within one to two weeks with rest and non-steroidal anti-inflammatories.
2. Legg-Calvé-Perthes Disease (Perthes)
More commonly known as ‘Perthes Disease’. This condition involves avascular necrosis of the thigh bone (femur), leading to bone death due to disrupted blood supply. It commonly affects children aged 4 to 10 years. They normally present with hip (often groin) pain, sometimes knee pain, limping, and limited range of motion at the hip. An x-ray is needed to confirm the diagnosis.
3. Slipped Capital Femoral Epiphysis (SCFE)
SCFE occurs when the head of the thigh bone slips off the neck of the thigh bone at the growth plate. It typically occurs during periods of rapid growth in adolescence. SCFE is more common in boys than girls. Obesity is the most significant risk factor for SCFE. Symptoms include hip or knee pain, a restriction to hip rotation and altered gait. A trip to A&E for an urgent x-ray is required for suspected SCFE as prompt surgical intervention is often required to prevent further slippage.
4. Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip (DDH)
DDH encompasses a spectrum of hip abnormalities present at birth, where the hip joint is improperly formed. This leads to instability and potential dislocation. Babies are screened for DDH soon after being born. However some cases don’t get picked up until later in childhood, or sometimes even adulthood.
5. Pelvic avulsion fractures
Pelvic avulsion fractures in adolescents are common sports-related injuries. They occur when a sudden, forceful muscle contraction pulls a tendon and a small piece of bone away from the pelvis at open growth plates (apophyses). They frequently occur during activities like running or kicking and often cause an immediate “pop” sensation, localised pain, and difficulty walking. An x-ray will confirm the diagnosis. Typically these injuries recover well with rest, physiotherapy and a gradual return to sport.
In conclusion
Listed above are some of the most common causes of hip pain in children. This list in by no means exhaustive and we would recommend getting all children reporting hip pain looked at by a physiotherapist who specialises in paediatric conditions. Kids should not be treated like mini adults! Their developing skeleton means that they develop different conditions to those that we develop as adults. An early diagnosis reduces recovery time enabling us to get kids back to doing the things they want and need to do as quickly as possible!
To arrange an assessment, or if you have any questions, call our friendly reception team on 0114 267 8181. They will arrange for your child to be booked in with the most appropriate member of our team. To read more about other paediatric conditions that we treat, click here (link to top 5 conditions when published).
