Live Life Team
Irritable hip syndrome is medically known as transient synovitis. This is a self-limiting arthritis which has very mild inflammation. It is usually found in children of the age group of three to eight years.
The normal or most common reason for the development of transient synovitis is the presence of very acute pain in the knees as well as hips of children who are below ten years. Boys are normally prone to the development of irritable hip syndrome than girls.
Irritable hip syndrome leads to the restricted movement of the hip joint due to the presence of excessive pain. The pain is felt on the knees, thighs as well as the groin which in turn causes walking and standing of the child very difficult.
In normal cases, the condition occurs for a very temporary and short period of time. Such temporary conditions do not require any treatment except resting completely for almost two weeks. This does not lead to any complications in the future of the child.
Symptoms
The symptoms of irritable hip syndrome develop in a rapid fashion. The initial stage of the condition is characterised by the beginning of very severe pain. This leads to the restricted movement of one of the joints of the hip. But in rare cases, both the hip joints of the child will be affected causing the restriction in movement.
Cases where pain has spread to the knees, thighs as well as groin have also been reported. In such cases of radiating pain, the child will find it difficult to stand as well as walk.
The symptoms of this condition are present generally for one or two weeks. Then they fade off with the same speed as they appeared.
Causes
The cause of a child developing irritable hip syndrome has not yet been identified. But if a child has had some kind or viral infection, then he may develop this condition the next week of the viral infection. The child can develop irritable hip syndrome even if has incurred an injury or a fall.
In certain cases, the irritable hip syndrome may develop in a child due to the presence of severe conditions like Perthe’s disease. Perth’s disease is the condition where the upper part of the femur or the thighbone develops a fracture due to softening and then when it grows again, loses it original shape.
The presence of juvenile arthritis can also lead to the development of irritable hip syndrome.
Diagnosis
The diagnosis for irritable hip syndrome is normally done by explaining the symptoms experienced by the child to the doctor. In certain cases, the child may be asked to under go ultrasounds, X-trays as well as blood tests for the confirmation of the diagnosis. Theses tests are also done to rule out the chances of any other serious conditions.
Treatment
In general cases, the child is put on to a traction in the hospital for three to four days. If hospitalisation is not needed, then the doctor will advise complete rest for about one to two weeks,
If there is excessive pain associated with the condition, the use of NSAIDS is advised.
.
