Hip Pain in Children: Causes, When to Worry and What to Do

Hip pain in children is common and has many causes — from a short-lived viral reaction to conditions needing surgery. Most cases are temporary, but some require prompt medical attention. This guide covers the most common causes of child hip pain, serious warning signs to watch for, and when to seek care.

Common Causes of Hip Pain in Children

Transient Synovitis

Transient synovitis is a common cause of hip pain in children, particularly in preschool and elementary-aged boys. Symptoms include limping, hip pain after sitting for extended periods, walking with toes pointed outward, and refusing to walk if the pain is severe. Babies with transient synovitis may cry when their hip joint is moved. This condition often occurs after a recent viral infection and can be treated with anti-inflammatory and pain medications. Most children recover within a few weeks without any long-term issues.

Hip Dysplasia

Hip dysplasia is a condition in which one or both of a baby's hips do not develop properly. It is more common in girls and may be related to hormones in the womb that relax the hips too much. Babies born in a breech position are also at a higher risk. Treatment usually involves wearing a soft brace that keeps the knees bent for several months, although surgery may be necessary in rare cases.

Arthritis

Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) is the most common type of arthritis that causes hip pain in children. Symptoms include stiffness, swelling in multiple joints, fever, and an unusual walk. The exact cause of JIA is unknown, but it may be linked to a viral infection. Treatment often involves anti-inflammatory drugs.

Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease

Legg-Calve-Perthes disease occurs when the rounded top of the thighbone (femoral head) does not receive enough blood supply, making it more susceptible to fractures and poor healing. This can cause limping, sudden pain in the hip, knee, or thigh. Boys under the age of 8 are more commonly affected. Treatment options include crutches, casting, physical therapy, and surgery. Children who develop this condition after age 6 are more likely to experience hip problems as adults.

Slipped Capital Femoral Epiphysis

Slipped capital femoral epiphysis is a fracture along the growth plate under the ball joint in the hip, causing pain in the hip, thigh, or knee. In severe cases, the child may be unable to walk or move their leg. This condition is more common in older children and those who are overweight, with boys being more frequently affected. Surgery is a common treatment, and while many children recover fully, they are at a higher risk of developing hip arthritis as adults.

Infections

Various infections, such as septic arthritis, bacterial infections, and Lyme disease, can cause hip pain and difficulty walking in children. Septic arthritis can lead to painful hip swelling and redness, while Lyme disease is transmitted through the bite of an infected tick. Treatment may involve antibiotics or, in some cases, a procedure to drain the infection from the joint.

When to Seek Medical Attention

If your child has severe hip pain, is unable to bear weight, has a fever alongside joint pain, or the pain came on suddenly after an injury, seek medical attention right away. Septic arthritis and slipped capital femoral epiphysis are emergencies that worsen quickly without treatment. For less acute symptoms — a mild limp, pain after activity, or discomfort lasting more than a few days — a same-day or next-day evaluation is still important. Our AI doctor can help you assess symptoms and decide the right next step before an in-person visit.

For more information on hip pain in children, visit:

• Johns Hopkins Medicine - Hip Pain in Children

• Boston Children's Hospital - Hip Pain

• Orthobullets - Pediatric Hip Pain

Is My Child's Hip Pain Serious? Key Warning Signs by Age

Not every limp is an emergency, but certain patterns of hip pain in children should never be ignored. Knowing what to look for — and when — can make a real difference in outcomes.

Babies and toddlers (under 3): Unexplained irritability when the diaper is changed or the leg is moved, asymmetric leg folds, or one leg that appears shorter than the other may point to developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH). DDH is easiest to treat when caught early — ideally in the first few months of life — so raise any concerns with your pediatrician at the next well-child visit, or sooner if you notice symptoms.

Preschool and early school-age children (3–10): This age group is most likely to develop transient synovitis, a temporary hip inflammation that typically follows a cold or viral illness. The child limps or refuses to walk, but usually has no fever and looks otherwise well. While transient synovitis resolves on its own within one to four weeks, it can be hard to distinguish from septic arthritis — a bacterial joint infection — without blood tests and imaging. Any child in this age range with fever plus hip pain needs same-day evaluation.

Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease most often affects boys between ages 4 and 10. Early signs include a painless limp or mild groin and thigh pain that worsens with activity. Early diagnosis matters because treatment options are better — and outcomes are more favorable — before the femoral head collapses.

Older children and adolescents (10–16): Slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE) is the most common hip disorder in teenagers and is more frequent in children who are overweight. The pain is often felt in the knee or thigh rather than the hip itself, which can delay diagnosis. SCFE is a surgical emergency — weight-bearing on an unstable slip can cause permanent damage to the blood supply of the femoral head.

General red flags at any age:

• Sudden inability to walk or bear weight

• Hip pain accompanied by fever above 38.5°C (101.3°F)

• Redness, warmth, or visible swelling over the hip joint

• Pain following a fall or direct trauma

• Night pain that wakes the child from sleep

• Symptoms that persist beyond two weeks without improvement

If any of these apply, don't wait. Our AI doctor can help you triage symptoms quickly and determine whether an ER visit, urgent care, or scheduled appointment is the right move.

The Bottom Line

Most childhood hip conditions respond well to treatment when caught early, but delays can lead to permanent joint damage and lifelong mobility issues. Any limping lasting more than two days warrants immediate medical attention to distinguish between common transient inflammation and serious conditions requiring urgent intervention. If your child is experiencing persistent hip pain or walking difficulties, Doctronic can help connect you with appropriate pediatric care quickly.