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Pain in the hip can be caused by a variety of things, one of which is due to toxic synovitis or inflammation of the hip joints. So, why do children get this disease and what are the symptoms it causes? The following is the review.

What is toxic synovitis?

Toxic synovitis is temporary inflammation of the hip joints that usually affects children. This condition is also known as transient synovitis. Usually, toxic synovitis causes pain in the hips and legs which can cause limping and difficulty walking.

Generally this condition occurs in children aged 3-8 years and is much more common in boys than girls. Although quite torturous, this condition generally goes away in 1-2 weeks and does not cause any lasting problems.

Causes of toxic synovitis (hip arthritis)

Quoted from KidsHealth.org, experts do not know for sure the cause of this hip arthritis. However, some children experience it after being infected with the cold virus and also diarrhea.

Therefore, experts conclude that this disease is caused by substances made by the immune system to fight infections that actually cause hip arthritis.

Various symptoms of hip arthritis

If your child has toxic synovitis, the first thing that will usually be felt is pain that appears suddenly and attacks part of the body. In addition, various other symptoms that may arise include:

Mild fever, usually with a temperature that is not too high (about 38 degrees Celsius).
Hips hurt when sitting too long (the child may not be able to sit still as usual).
Knee or thigh pain without pain in the hips.
Walk on tiptoe.
Recently had a viral infection.
Has difficulty walking.
Wobbling with your toes facing out.

Meanwhile, in infants, the signs are such as crying for no apparent reason and crying or whining when the hip is moved, for example when changing a diaper.

How to treat hip arthritis in children?

When children get pelvic arthritis, parents need to pay special attention. Make sure the child has adequate rest and does not move too much or do strenuous activities. The doctor will also prescribe various types of anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen and naproxen to reduce inflammation in the hip joint. Generally, children are asked to take medication for four weeks until the inflammation subsides. To manage pain, doctors also usually prescribe acetaminophen (paracetamol).

Most children will fully recover within 1-2 weeks. However, if the inflammation is severe enough, the healing process will take longer, which can be 4 to 5 weeks. Make sure to limit the child from various strenuous activities that can actually make the condition worse. However, if it turns out that within 5 weeks the symptoms do not go away, consult your doctor again to check the condition.

Although it is temporary and does not cause long-term complications, some children experience this more than once. Quoted from MedicalNewsToday, research shows that the recurrence rate of toxic synovitis reaches 0 to 26 percent.