Help! 4 Year Old Has Hip Pain!

Updated on December 04, 2013
J.A. asks from Fort Totten, ND
19 answers

My 4 year old nephew has been suffering from hip pain for almost 2 weeks now, also limps. My sister has visited the doctor's office and the emergency room almost everyday. He was admitted into the hospital for 2 days where they ran test on him which included numerous x-rays,MRI, and a bonescan, but they all came back normal. The doctor said he had a type of arthritis in his hip that was caused from stress...What ever does that mean? Doctors told her to keep him on bedrest and take motrin for pain. But he still has constant PAIN, still wakes up in the middle of the night from the pain, and motrin seems to help for a little bit. He can walk but has a limp. Any advice or help would be great.

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J.R.

answers from Minneapolis on

I would highly recommend bringing him to a chiropractor who is certified in pediatrics. I have had GREAT results with taking my sons to a chiropractor a number of times when other docs didn't seem to have an answer (I often go right to the chiro now.) If you would like the name of the place where I take my kids, send me a private message and I will fill you in.
Good Luck!
J.

2 moms found this helpful
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H.J.

answers from Minneapolis on

Get him to a chiropractor, do a little research and get referrals in the area. Don't just take him to any one you find. A chiropractor can do WAY more then a doctor when it comes to pain like that. Doctors just prescribe medicine, chiropractors heal the issue at hand.

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C.N.

answers from Minneapolis on

I agree with Rachel- get another opinion. What about a chiropractor? I have had some pretty amazing results from a chiropractor.

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L.R.

answers from Milwaukee on

I would take him to a chiropractor. Maybe even a chiropractor that specializes in pediatrics. Try to get the reports from the CT scan, bone scan and xrays to take to any doctor appt that you go to. I am a pediatric chiropractor in Franklin, WI and really appreciate those reports....so then I don't have to take more images and expose the child to more radiation if possible. You can check out my website, maybe it will help with some questions you have. www.chiropracticfranklin.com
Good luck!

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R.L.

answers from New York on

I would seek a 2nd and 3rd opinion. Try seeking a specialist because that is not normal. What kind of stress can a 4yr old possibly be experiencing?? That is ridiculous for that doctor to say that! Seek another doctor or specialist!!!!! Good Luck..keep us posted!!

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D.G.

answers from Minneapolis on

J. - Great question! I really hate their answer. How do you keep a 4 year old in bed and then just give him pills. You have to wonder how long he'll have to be in bed.

If your sister is located anywhere near Eagan, one of my favorite people is an amazing chiropractor who does more than just "crack backs." When my father was suffering from PTSD from his stroke, I brought him there and they made a huge difference for him. I know people fly in to Minneapolis from all over the world to meet with him.

Let me know if you are interested in seeing this fabulous doctor.

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S.B.

answers from Bismarck on

Is he walking correctly, sometimes if you aren't walking right, such as walking correctly on one foot and maybe towards the side of the foot on the other, hip pain will result. Does he have good shoes, maybe one shoe fits him better than the other...check that out. Let him go barefoot if you can and see if it gets better.

1 mom found this helpful
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A.C.

answers from Madison on

I know he's already 4 years old, but has he been sent to a Pediatric Orthopedic and checked for any type of hip dysplasia? It's possible he might have had a very mild form that was never caught, and now that he's grown, the hips/hip sockets and such haven't grown together like they should, thus causing him pain. Most cases are caught when a baby is young, but not all, especially milder cases.

I would have a hard time believing that it was "stress" related--he's not old enough for his bones to be that stressed.

Have they looked into juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis? That can start that early.

I would also visit a naturopathic doctor and have him tested for nutrient (vitamin, minerals, amino acids, enzymes) deficiencies and also food intolerances, which can manifest as joint pain.

Clearly, something is wrong with his body, otherwise, he wouldn't be complaining of pain and in tears. When allopathic doctors can't find something wrong, they'll dismiss him as a complainer and the parent as a hypochondriac or an over zealous parent. However, a child, just like an adult, knows when their body hurts or doesn't feel right. I would listen to him and do all I could until it's determined just what is wrong.

I have a second cousin removed who was very active in hockey. When he got to be about 10 or 11 years old, he started complaining of hip pain. The doctors said nothing was wrong, and he continued playing hockey. Finally, the pain got so bad, he couldn't get out of bed and/or walk. After a lot of persistence on his parents' part, they finally discovered that he had a mild hip dysplasia that didn't heal/form quite like it should have. He would have been okay--if he hadn't been so competitive in hockey (or any sport, I think). He had to have surgery and crutches and casts and...well, it ended his hockey and he was on the mend for a very long time.

I guess it could just be very bad growing pains, but, well, it's hard to say. I'd rather be safe than sorry.

Good luck.

1 mom found this helpful
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T.W.

answers from Minneapolis on

I have an awesome pediatric chiropractor in Edina. I would also suggest giving him fish oils. Fish oil is a natural anti-inflamatory and it can also help lubricate the joint.

1 mom found this helpful
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S.B.

answers from St. Cloud on

definetely chiropractor! could be as easy as a pinched nerve, but check it out.

1 mom found this helpful
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J.O.

answers from Lincoln on

J.,

You may look into Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease. This is a disorder in the hip that usually affects younger children. Slipped capital femoral epiphysis may also be a cause but this usually only affects 9-14 year olds. As a Physical Therapist I would also recommend seeing a specialist that works in pediatric orthopedics. To help with the pain you can also try a manual physical therapist that specializes in myofascial release. Pool therapy, massage and chiropractic may also help but an accurate diagnosis is the most important thing right now. Good luck.

1 mom found this helpful
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H.P.

answers from Milwaukee on

I'm assuming he's had blood work, but if not, maybe that would reveal something like a vitamin D deficiency. My daughter complained of ankle pain (then other joints) and we discovered she was seriously deficient in Vitamin D.

1 mom found this helpful
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M.R.

answers from Madison on

Has your nephew seen an orthopedic specialist? If not, I would suggest a second opinion.

1 mom found this helpful
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A.C.

answers from Minneapolis on

I don't want to sound alarmist but I co-worker of mine (age 34) had horrendous hip pain that confounded doctors for weeks. He hadn't injuried himself and wasn't an athlete. His blood cell count was off so there was an indication of something wrong. Turns out that he had leukemia. He has since been treated and is doing great. The cancer is gone. Again, I know this sounds very dramatic but I thought you should know. The two could be completely unrelated. Has your nephew had blood work done? If not, it would be good to do this as well.

1 mom found this helpful
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J.L.

answers from Duluth on

Well I have read all the posts and yes a Chiro. may help if not take him to a Childrens Hospital, they know how to work with children the best. Good luck!

1 mom found this helpful
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M.W.

answers from St. Cloud on

DEFINITELY try a CHIRPORACTOR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Can't hurt and will HELP more often than not.

1 mom found this helpful
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S.L.

answers from Minneapolis on

If you/she lives in the Twin Cities, I would call Gillette Children's Specialty Healthcare in St. Paul and ask their opinion. They are wonderful.

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M.K.

answers from Sheboygan on

Has he had an MRI of his spine or knee x-ray? There is a chance the hip pain could be referred from the spine or knee. Prolonged joint pain in a 4-year old is not normal--keep pushing for answers!

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R.P.

answers from Los Angeles on

Scfe,..Slipped capital femoral epiphysis,....please take him to an orthopedic specialist,...its not going to improve until he gets a specialist to perform surgery on his hip...my daughter has it and believe you me,..its not a great adventure. the limping is not great especially because it can worsen things around the injury,..I wish and hope and pray that you have found an answer or someone that diagnosed this correctly by now,...bless you and God bless him,..i hope that you find the help he needs,....

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