I am just 14 years old and I experience extreme pain in my hip. What could it be?

Question

Hello doctor,

I am a 14-year-old female. My height is 5 feet and 5 inches, and I weigh about 140 pounds. I experience extreme pain in my hip. It is difficult for me to walk or climb stairs. Also, it keeps me awake at night. Please help.

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

My worry here is that you may have a slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE), and you need an urgent orthopedic opinion to help rule this out. I say so because the pain and limp from the hip in an adolescent has only a few causes, one of which is SCFE. The other reason is an infection, and it is equally important.

I hope you ask your parents to arrange a visit to an orthopaedician for a physical examination at the earliest. This will certainly help, as a complete examination of the hip and x-rays and blood reports will help clear any doubts.

Answer 2

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

The condition Slipped Capital Femoral Epiphysis (SCFE) is an adolescent hip disorder. SCFE happens in children approaching puberty, especially when overweight (obese). There is a slowing down of bony growth at the hip. Subsequently, a weak spot occurs in the growth cartilage. Then slips due to overweight leading to a painful limp and difficulty in movement.

Not always surgery is required. But, if a painful limp is present, then surgery is needed. Get the physical examination and tests done. Once the diagnosis is confirmed, the treatment may be decided accordingly.