Hip pain in children can be caused by a variety of conditions, ranging from simple muscle strains to more serious diseases. Common causes of hip pain in children include:
- Transient Synovitis (Irritable Hip): This is a common cause of hip pain and limping in children aged 3 to 10 years. It often follows a viral infection and is characterized by inflammation of the lining of the hip joint.
- Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip (DDH): DDH is a condition where the hip joint has not formed normally, which can lead to pain and limping. It is more common in infants and young children.
- Perthes’ Disease: This is a condition where the blood supply to the head of the femur is disrupted, causing hip pain and limping due to bony degeneration. It typically affects children between 4 and 10 years old.
- Slipped Upper Femoral Epiphysis (SUFE): SUFE is a hip condition that occurs in teenagers where the ball at the head of the femur slips off in a backward direction. It’s more common in overweight children and typically presents as hip or knee pain. Also called Slipped Capital Femoral Epiphysis.
- Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA): JIA is a type of arthritis that causes joint inflammation and stiffness for more than six weeks in a child aged 16 or younger. It can lead to hip pain and limited movement.
- Infections: Infections such as septic arthritis or osteomyelitis can cause hip pain. Septic arthritis involves the hip joint, while osteomyelitis affects the bone.
- Trauma: Injuries such as falls, direct blows to the hip, or overuse from sports can lead to hip pain due to strains, sprains, or fractures.
- Tendonitis and Bursitis: Inflammation or irritation of the tendons or bursae around the hip can cause pain, especially with movement.
- Hip Labral Tear: The labrum is a ring of cartilage that follows the outside rim of the socket of the hip joint. A tear in this cartilage can cause hip pain.
- Snapping Hip Syndrome: This condition is characterized by a snapping sensation felt when the hip is flexed and extended. It can be caused by tendons catching on hip bones.
When evaluating hip pain in a child, it’s important to consider the age of the child, the onset and duration of pain, associated symptoms (like fever or limping), and any recent activities or illnesses. A thorough clinical examination and sometimes imaging tests are essential for accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.