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Hip Problems in Children
Just as adults can have hip pain, it may be surprising to some, that there are children who have been known to also have pain in the hips. This pain can involve the muscles and connective tissues of the hip, thigh, and buttocks. The difference between children and adults, however, is that when children have pain in these areas, their bones can be affected also, because they are still growing. When the bones are affected, it is important to see a doctor in order to avoid long-term problems.
It is advised by health professionals that if a parent sees his/her child or teenager walking with a limp, question the child about it. Also, If the child states that he or she is having pain, call a doctor about this situation. The following is a condition of the hip that can effect these young people:
Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease is a breakdown of the ball (femoral head) of the femur. To be more exact, this is the long thigh bone with something that feels like a ball that fits into the hip joint. You can feel this femoral head with your hands when you go to your own hips and search for it.
Loss of blood to the hip causes part of the femoral head to die and deteriorate. Symptoms of Legg-Calve-Perthes can be limping, pain in the groin area or inner thigh, knee pain, and the hip may also be stiff As common sense will tell us, this is the time to rest.
In a normal situation, as the child grows, the old bone in this area, is absorbed by the body, and new bone grows in its place. The hip socket provides a natural mold for the new bone to grow. On the other hand, if the femoral head is not held in proper position, the new bone may grow in too large, too flat, or in the wrong shape. This is what causes the hip problems.
In some cases, in this situation, a child with this problem may need to wear a cast or brace. There are other situations, where surgery may be necessary, in order to make certain the new bone on the femoral head grows properly. If only a small area is affected, or in children four years or younger, carefully watching it by a doctor may be all that is needed.
The deterioration of the ball of the femur caused by this disease usually heals completely, and the disease does not recur once healed.
Source: A Practical Guide to Everyday Health Decisions
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- Harriet
- I'm a substitute teacher. I like learning new things, I like meeting new people. I like traveling.