Hip Sprain in Children: Care Instructions

Overview

A hip sprain occurs when your child stretches or tears ligaments around the hip. Ligaments are tough tissues that connect one bone to another. Your child can injure a hip in a fall, while running, or during sports that involve twisting or sudden direction changes, such as basketball or soccer.

Most minor hip sprains get better with treatment at home.

How can you care for your child at home?

• If your doctor gave your child crutches or a walker, be sure they are used as directed.
• Be sure your child rests and protects the hip. Try to stop or reduce any actions that cause your child pain.
• Put ice or a cold pack on 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) or until the swelling goes down. Put a thin cloth between the ice and your child's skin.
• Be safe with medicines. Give pain medicines exactly as directed.
  • If the doctor gave your child a prescription medicine for pain, give it as prescribed.
  • If your child is not taking a prescription pain medicine, ask your doctor if your child can take an over-the-counter medicine.
• For the first day or two after an injury, make sure your child avoids things that might increase swelling, such as hot showers, hot tubs, or hot packs.
• After 2 to 3 days, if swelling is gone, put a warm moist cloth on your child's hip before your child does light stretches. The warmth will help your child move the hip.
• Have your child do exercises to make the hip stronger, as directed by your doctor or physical therapist.
• Make sure your child returns to their usual level of activity slowly.