The hip joint is one of the most important joints in the body. It allows children to walk, run, play, and perform all their daily activities with ease. But in some children, the hip may not develop normally, or it may be affected by certain conditions that lead to pain, stiffness, or difficulty walking.
Hip disorders in children are often overlooked in the early stages because parents may assume their child’s limp, leg pain, or unusual posture is just a part of “growing up.” However, ignoring these signs can sometimes result in long-term complications, including permanent deformities or mobility issues.
Understanding the symptoms, causes, and treatment options for hip problems in children can help parents take action at the right time.
Common Hip Disorders in Children
Several hip-related conditions can occur in children, each with different causes and severity:
1. Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip (DDH)
- Occurs when the hip joint is not properly formed.
- Can range from a slightly loose joint to a completely dislocated hip.
- More common in girls and in babies born in breech position.
2. Perthes Disease
- A rare condition where blood supply to the hip bone is temporarily reduced, causing the bone to weaken and break down.
- Typically affects children between 4–10 years of age.
3. Slipped Capital Femoral Epiphysis (SCFE)
- A condition where the top part of the thigh bone (femoral head) slips from the hip socket.
- Usually occurs in teenagers during growth spurts.
4. Transient Synovitis (Irritable Hip)
- A temporary inflammation of the hip joint that often follows a viral infection.
- Common in children aged 3–10 years.
Symptoms Parents Should Never Ignore
Not every limp or pain means a serious problem, but certain signs should never be ignored. If your child has one or more of these symptoms, it’s important to consult a pediatric orthopedic specialist:
- Limping: Persistent or unexplained limp without an obvious injury.
- Hip or groin pain: Pain while walking, climbing stairs, or playing.
- Leg length difference: One leg appearing shorter than the other.
- Limited hip movement: Difficulty in spreading legs apart or rotating the hip.
- Stiffness in the morning: Hip feels locked or painful after waking up.
- Refusal to walk or stand: A child suddenly avoids putting weight on one leg.
- Clicking sound in infants: A “click” felt or heard when moving a baby’s hip during diaper change.
- Unusual walking pattern: Waddling, toe-walking, or dragging one leg.
Parent Insight: Hip disorders often show up as pain in the knee or thigh instead of the hip itself. If your child complains of knee pain but the knee looks normal, the problem could actually be in the hip.
Diagnosis of Hip Disorders
Doctors usually recommend:
- Physical examination of the hip and walking pattern.
- X-rays or ultrasound scans to detect abnormalities in babies and older children.
- MRI or CT scans in complex cases.
Early detection is key – the sooner hip disorders are identified, the better the chances of full recovery with minimal treatment.
Treatment Options
Treatment depends on the child’s age, condition, and severity:
- Bracing and harnesses (for infants with DDH) to keep the hip in the correct position.
- Medication and rest for temporary conditions like transient synovitis.
- Physiotherapy and activity modification to restore normal function.
- Surgical procedures in severe cases such as SCFE or advanced Perthes disease.
The good news is that with early treatment, most children recover fully and return to their normal activities.
Conclusion
A child’s hips play a vital role in their overall growth, posture, and movement. As a parent, it is important not to dismiss symptoms like limping, pain, stiffness, or unusual walking patterns as “normal.” Many hip disorders can be successfully treated if diagnosed early.
If you notice any warning signs in your child, don’t delay. Seek expert guidance from a pediatric orthopedic specialist.
For consultation, contact Dr. Nargesh Agrawal – Pediatric Orthopedic Specialist at Child OrthoCare.
Address: C-7, Ground Floor, D- Park, Model Town -3, New Delhi 110009
Mobile: +91 88517 77145
Website: www.childorthocare.online
