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

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.

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.