Information for Parents

Irritable hip (or transient synovitis) is the most common cause of a limp in children. It is due to inflammation of the lining of the hip joint.

The cause is unknown, although in some cases your child may have had a recent viral infection. Sometimes this condition occurs after a fall or injury.

It is most often seen in children aged between 3 and 10 years old and affects more boys than girls.

Signs and Symptoms

Your child may have a limp or difficulty crawling or standing and may complain of pain in the hip, groin, thigh or knee.

Usually only one side is affected.

A small number of children with irritable hip go on to have further episodes.

Treatment

It is a mild condition that will usually get better on its own. Rest and painkillers are usually all that is needed. It should start to improve in around 3 days and be better in 2 weeks.

If your child is in pain, painkillers such as paracetamol can help to relieve pain and reduced inflammation.

Antibiotics are not required as this is not an infection.

Usually no tests are required as long as the history and examination confirm the diagnosis of irritable hip. Occasionally, children can undergo further tests such as an X-ray, ultrasound or blood tests.

Home Care

• It is important that you encourage your child to rest at home
• Your child should not attend school or nursery until they have recovered
• Your child will naturally adopt the most comfortable position for themselves
• Allow your child to gradually go back to their usual activities as they improve, but they should not play sport or undertake any strenuous activities until completely better

Follow-Up

We may book a follow up appointment in The Children’s Urgent Care Centre to see your child again and check that they are improving, especially if they are not walking on the affected leg.

Otherwise, you should return to The Children’s Urgent Care Centre (0800-2000 Monday-Sunday) or Accident and Emergency (out of hours) if your child:

• Develops a fever
• Develops an obvious swelling or redness to any part of the hip or leg
• Has increasing or persistent pain despite giving them painkillers
• Is not starting to improve within three days or has not fully recovered in two weeks.

Further Information

If you need any more information or advice between the hours of 0800-2000 Monday-Sunday please call The Children’s Urgent Care Centre on 02073906150.

Out of hours please contact NHS 111.

Call NHS 111 if you need medical help fast, but it’s not life threatening- for example, if you:

• Think you need to go to hospital
• Don’t know who to call for medical help
• Don’t have a GP to call
• Need medical advice or reassurance about what to do next.

In case of emergency please call 999 or attend your local Children’s Emergency Department.