Hip Pain in Kids in Vacaville

It is worrying to see your child limping or complaining of hip pain because you can tell that there is a problem. In children, the most common cause of hip pain in Vacaville is called toxic synovitis, which is a rarely serious condition.

Toxic synovitis in Vacaville

This is a condition where the tissues around the hip joint experiences inflammation and swelling. It is commonly diagnosed in children ages 3 to 10 years old especially when they start feeling hip pain. However, it can also happen to children younger than 3 years old.

Toxic synovitis is four times more common in boys than girls. It could be inflammatory or trauma but there is no definite answer on what may cause it. This can be seen after a child has had a viral illness. In fact, doctors would ask this when making a diagnosis especially if the child has had a virus in the last 7 to 14 days.

This condition is sometimes called transient synovitis and it does not usually happen in both hips at once. For a diagnosis, your doctor will require X-rays, blood tests, and ultrasound images. A child with toxic synovitis will feel pain whenever the hip is moved. In addition, difficulties in walking or standing will be experienced, in which case he may limp.

First-aid essential for kids: Treatment will most likely involve rest and non-steroidal anti-inflammatories (ibuprofen) to help reduce the swelling. If the pain continues to persist after 3 to 4 days, then you should talk to your doctor.

Other causes of hip pain in children

Apart from toxic synovitis, there are also other conditions that can cause hip pain in children. These are the other possible causes of hip pain:

• Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease: This a disease that reduces the proper amount of blood from being delivered to the ball of the thighbone. Children aged 4 and 9, more often boys, can feel hip pain from this. A child who is suffering from this condition may not complain of any pain but will likely show a visible limp. This condition is diagnosed with a physical exam and bone scans, X-rays, or magnetic resonance images (MRI).
• Slipped Capital Femoral Epiphysis (SCFE): This commonly happens during a growth spurt, where the femur head slightly shifts in the growth plate. Children who are overweight or obese are more prone to this condition. They will have a limp and have their foot turned out. Children will also be limping, and their foot turned out. They are also likely to complain of knee pain or pain on the inside of their thigh, right above the knee.
• Juvenile Arthritis: Another cause of hip pain in children is arthritis. It is also a bit unusual for the hip to be the first joint to start hurting. If the diagnosis is correct, the doctor may prescribe the same medication given to adults with arthritis. Children with juvenile arthritis will also do eye exams since they can also get an eye inflammation as well.

Hopefully, these tips are good enough to help get rid of your pain. If ever you feel like your hip pain doesn't go away, then come visit us here at Absolute Integrative Physical Medicine in Vacaville, CA. To set up an appointment, just dial (707) 474-5688 and we will cater to your needs in no time.