Hip Pain in Children: Care Instructions

Overview

Hip pain may be caused by many things, including overuse, a fall, or a twisting movement. Other causes include a viral infection or a problem with the bones in the hip.

Your child's pain may increase when standing, walking, or squatting. The pain may come and go or may be constant.

Home treatment can help relieve hip pain, swelling, and stiffness. If your child's pain is ongoing, your child may need more tests and treatment.

Follow-up care is a key part of your child's treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and call your doctor if your child is having problems. It's also a good idea to know your child's test results and keep a list of the medicines your child takes.

How can you care for your child at home?

• Be safe with medicines. Read and follow all instructions on the label.
  • If your child is not taking a prescription pain medicine, ask your doctor if your child can take an over-the-counter medicine.
  • If the doctor gave your child a prescription medicine for pain, give it as prescribed.
  • Store your child’s prescription pain medicines where no one else can get to them. When you are done using them, dispose of them quickly and safely. Your local pharmacy or hospital may have a drop-off site.
• Be sure your child rests and protects the hip. Have your child take breaks from any activities that may cause pain, including standing or walking.
• Put ice or a cold pack against your child's hip for 10 to 20 minutes at a time. Try to do this every 1 to 2 hours for the next 3 days (when your child is awake). Put a thin cloth between the ice and your child's skin.
• After 2 or 3 days, you can try applying heat to your child's hip. Apply heat for 10 to 20 minutes at a time, several times a day. Put a thin cloth between the heat and your child's skin. You might also try switching between ice and heat.
• Tell your child to sleep on their healthy side with a pillow between the knees. Or have your child sleep on their back with pillows under the knees.
• Help your child do any exercises that your child's doctor or physical therapist suggests. These may include gentle stretching exercises to help keep the hip flexible.
• Be sure your child has the proper safety equipment for sports.
• Help your child avoid falls.
  • Have your child's vision checked if you think your child has problems seeing.
  • Tell your child to be careful going up or down stairs.
  • Make sure your child wears slippers or shoes with a nonskid sole.
  • Help your child stay at a weight that's healthy for them.
  • Be sure your child wears comfortable shoes that fit well.

When should you call for help?

Call 911 anytime you think your child may need emergency care. For example, call if:

• Your child tells you their buttocks, legs, or feet feel numb or tingly.
• Your child's leg or foot is cool or pale or changes color.
• Your child has severe pain.

Contact your doctor now or seek immediate medical care if:

• Your child is not able to stand or walk or bear weight.
• Your child has symptoms of infection, such as:
  • Increased pain, swelling, warmth, or redness in the hip area.
  • Red streaks leading from the hip area.
  • Pus draining from the hip area.
  • A fever.
• Your child has symptoms of a blood clot in the leg (called a deep vein thrombosis), such as:
  • Pain in the calf, back of the knee, thigh, or groin.
  • Swelling in the leg or groin.
  • A color change on the leg or groin. The skin may be reddish or purplish.
• Your child is not able to bend, straighten, or move the leg normally.
• Your child has trouble urinating or having bowel movements.

Watch closely for changes in your child's health, and be sure to contact your doctor if:

• Your child does not get better as expected.