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Is It Just Growing Pains? Or a Sign of Hip Problems in Active Children?
From playground tumbles to weekend soccer matches, active kids put their bodies through a lot. Most aches go away with a little rest—but sometimes, those nagging symptoms point to hip problems in active children that need medical attention.
This parent-friendly checklist will help you recognize when hip pain is more than just a bruise—and when to consider consulting a hip preservation specialist.
✅ Checklist: Warning Signs of Hip Problems in Active Children
1. Persistent or Recurrent Hip Pain
Occasional soreness is normal —but frequent pain that returns after activity could signal structural issues like:
Hip dysplasia
Femoroacetabular impingement (FAI)
Labral tears
👉 Learn more about labral tears in young athletes.
2. Limping or Favoring One Side
Notice your child limping after sports or avoiding weight on one leg? These compensations often indicate underlying joint instability or injury.
3. Limited Range of Motion
Difficulty sitting cross-legged, putting on socks, or performing stretches may mean hip impingement or tightness in the joint capsule.
4. Clicking, Catching, or Popping in the Hip
Audible sensations with movement may point to labral damage or instability. These are not normal in growing children—especially if accompanied by pain.
5. Pain After Activity—Not Just During
Pain that shows up hours after sports, or in the evening after a busy day, may reflect structural stress on the hip that builds up over time.
6. Stiffness After Rest or Sleep
If your child wakes up stiff or has trouble moving after sitting, it could mean inflammation, joint irritation, or overuse-related issues.
If your child struggles with tightness or stiffness, these hip stretches may help.
⚠️ Don’t Ignore These Red Flags
Children are often slow to report pain—especially if they love sports. But untreated hip issues can worsen over time and lead to long-term damage.
If your child has any of the following, it’s time to get them evaluated:
Hip pain lasting more than 1–2 weeks
Increasing limping or mobility changes
Sudden onset of pain with no clear injury
Known history of hip dysplasia in the family
🏥 Why Early Diagnosis Matters
Conditions like hip dysplasia and FAI can often be managed non-surgically—if caught early. Delayed treatment increases the risk of:
Labral damage
Cartilage wear
Need for more invasive surgery later on
👉 See how early diagnosis can change outcomes.
👨⚕️ When to See a Specialist
If you’re concerned, don’t wait. A pediatric hip specialist can:
Perform a full evaluation
Order appropriate imaging (X-rays or MRI)
Guide next steps—whether that’s rehab, rest, or a surgical consult
👉 Meet our hip preservation team or book a consultation.
Final Takeaway for Parents
Active kids will get sore—but pain that lingers, returns, or affects movement is a red flag. Use this checklist to track symptoms, ask questions, and get your child the right care at the right time.
