Hip problems in children and young people

What causes hip problems?

Hip problems can happen because of an injury. Sometimes they happen simply because of normal, age-related changes, like a recent growth spurt.

Can hip problems cause pain anywhere else?

Yes. Your child may also feel pain in their:

• bottom cheek
• groin
• back
• thigh
• knee

Most of these hip problems settle down within 6 weeks. If your child's problem lasts longer than this, please speak to your healthcare professional.

What can I do to help my child's hip problem?

There are several things you can do to help. Keeping their body moving is an essential part of their treatment and recovery.

How to get moving

In the first 24 to 48 hours after the hip problem starts, they should try to:

• cut back on activities but still move as much as their symptoms allow
• gently move their hip for a short period every hour while they're awake
• avoid standing for long periods

When using stairs, it may help to:

• lead with the good leg when going upstairs, to reduce strain on the hip
• lead with the problem leg when going downstairs, to reduce strain on the hip
• use a handrail, if one is available, going both up and down

After 48 hours:

• try to slowly return to normal activity by gradually building things back up
• carry on with their usual routine and stay at, or return to, school. This is important and is the best way to recover

It's helpful to do specific exercises that support recovery. These may feel difficult at first, so just let your child do what they can manage and build up gradually over time.

For extra support, speak to your local physiotherapy department about exercises for stretching and strengthening. They can also advise you on adjusting some of your child's activities, if needed. Ask them how to access MSK (musculoskeletal) services in your area.

Benefits of keeping active

Keeping your child active is one of the best things you can do for their overall health. Being physically active can:

• help them maintain their current fitness levels. Even if they need to change their usual activities, some activity is always better than none
• keep their other muscles and joints strong and flexible
• help prevent the problem from coming back
• help them maintain a healthy weight

Avoid sports or heavy lifting until there is less discomfort and movement has improved. They should always warm up fully before exercising.

Pain treatments

Pain medication can help your child manage their symptoms. This can help their recovery.

For advice on pain medication for your child, speak to your local pharmacist.

Using heat or ice on your child’s hip can help reduce symptoms. Use a barrier, like a towel, to protect their skin from a burn. Never place heat or ice directly on their skin. Leave a few hours between treatments.

How to avoid hot water bottle burns and scalds – Care of Burns in Scotland

If your child has a burn or scald

You should stop treating the area with heat or ice if you notice an increase in redness, discolouration or blistering of their skin.

Read more about burns and scalds

If your child has any issues with circulation or sensation, you shouldn’t use heat or ice as a treatment for their hip pain.

School and college

Your child doesn’t need to be pain-free to attend school or college. They may need to reduce activities like PE and playtime until their symptoms improve.

Help and support

Following this advice, you should see gradual improvement in your child’s symptoms over time.

You should see the biggest change in their symptoms within the first couple of weeks. Most problems should have improved within 6 weeks.

Talk to a healthcare professional if your child’s hip problem hasn’t improved within 6 weeks.

While recovering from any health problem it’s important to also look after your child’s mental wellbeing. Young Scot’s Aye Feel campaign have lots of videos and advice for children and young people.

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