Key points about irritable hip
- irritable hip (transient synovitis) is one of the most common causes of limping in tamariki
- you can look after your child at home
- it usually takes 2 weeks until tamariki fully recover
- medicine (ibuprofen) and rest help with healing
What is irritable hip?
Transient synovitis is inflammation (swelling) in the lining of the hip joint. It can cause pain in the hip joint.
Causes of irritable hip
No one knows exactly what causes irritable hip. It can happen in tamariki who have recently had a viral infection, but there is no infection in the hip joint itself.
Who gets irritable hip
Tamariki who get irritable hip are usually between 3 to 8 years old.
Signs and symptoms of irritable hip
Usually only one hip is affected.
Your child may:
- have a limp or difficulty crawling or standing
- complain of pain in the hip, groin, thigh, or knee
- have a low fever up to 38°C, but usually they have a normal temperature
When to get medical help for irritable hip
You can usually look after your child with irritable hip at home. You won't usually need to see a health professional.
Call Healthline on 0800 611 116 for free health advice, or take your child to a health professional urgently if your child:
- develops a fever above 38°C
- has redness or swelling anywhere on the affected leg
- has increasing pain that cannot be controlled with pain relief medicine
- is complaining of pain when sitting or lying still
- has pain or swelling in any other joints
- has been unwell for a week or more
Take your child to a health professional if you:
- are worried your child's pain might have been caused by an injury
- feel concerned that your child is becoming more unwell
Healthline is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week on 0800 611 116. Call Healthline if you need advice about a child of any age who is unwell, hurt, or has any symptoms of sickness. It's free to callers throughout New Zealand, including from a mobile phone.
Possible tests to rule out infections or injuries
Tamariki with irritable hip usually do not need tests. But if you need to see a health professional, they may suggest your child has some of the following to rule out infections or injuries:
- blood tests
- an x-ray
- in some cases, an ultrasound
Treatment for irritable hip
Irritable hip is not a serious condition. You can usually look after your child at home. Things usually start to improve after a few days. Most tamariki are back to normal before 2 weeks.
You don't need antibiotics because irritable hip is not caused by a bacterial infection.
There are some things you can do at home to help.
Giving regular pain relief
Paracetamol
If your child has pain, you can give paracetamol to make them more comfortable. You must follow the dosage instructions on the bottle. It is dangerous to give more than the recommended dose.
Safe Use Of Paracetamol In Children
Other medicine
If your health professional gives your child ibuprofen (such as Nurofen or Fenpaed), or if you buy it at the pharmacy, follow the dosage instructions carefully. It is dangerous to give more than the recommended dose.
Never give aspirin
Never give your child aspirin as this may increase the risk of Reye syndrome, which is a rare and serious illness.
Encouraging your child to rest and to drink plenty of liquid
Encourage your child to rest and to limit their activity. Most tamariki will do this themselves while they are sore.
Encourage your child to drink plenty of fluid.
Are there any long-term problems from irritable hip?
No. Tamariki who have had irritable hip do not develop long-term problems in their hips.
Acknowledgements
Illustration by Dr Greta File. Property of KidsHealth.
References
Kids Health Information | The Royal Children’s Hospital Melbourne: Transient synovitis (irritable hip)
