Hip Injuries, Age 11 And Younger: Check Your Symptoms

Content provided by Healthwise

When to See a Doctor

Does your child have any signs of inflammation or infection?

See significance of signs of inflammation or infection if you need information to help you answer the questions below.

Review health risks that may increase the seriousness of your symptoms.

Call your child's health professional immediately if you answer "Yes" to any of the following questions.

Yes

Does your child have increased swelling, redness, or warmth around the hip?

Yes

Does your child have increased pain with any little movement of the hip?

Yes

Is your child's hip extremely tender to the touch?

Yes

Is your child not able to put weight on the affected leg?

Yes

Do you know or think your child has a fever?

Yes

Does your child have a disease or take medicine that causes problems with your immune system?

Call your child's health professional today if you answer "Yes" to any of the following questions.

Yes

Does your child have mild pain and swelling around the hip?

Yes

Is your child still limping after 24 hours?

Yes

Does your child still have hip or knee pain after 24 hours?

You may wait to see if your child's symptoms improve over the next 24 hours (or specified time period) if you answer "Yes" to the following question.

Yes

Does your child have hip or knee pain or a limp that still comes and goes after 72 hours?

If you have answered "No" to the above questions, go back to Check Your Symptoms and continue to answer the questions to evaluate your symptoms.

Last updated:	September 15, 2008
Author:	Jan Nissl, RN, BS
Reviewed By:	Michael J. Sexton, MD - Pediatrics, H. Michael O'Connor, MD - Emergency Medicine
Editors:	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Tracy Landauer