Toxic synovitis is a brief condition that results to hip pain among children. It usually affects children between 3-8 years old and common among boys than girls. Even though it is disturbing for parents, this condition typically clears up on its own within 1-2 weeks and does not cause any lasting damage.
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Possible causes of toxic synovitis
Toxic synovitis develops once there is inflammation in the hip joint. The exact cause is unknown but it often occurs after a viral infection. Remember that it typically affects one hip but it is likely for the inflammation and swelling to spread to other joints.
What are the indications?
The characteristic symptom of toxic synovitis is hip pain. It is important to note that this pain can occur on and off in one or both hips. It can even flare up once the child gets up after being seated or lying down for some time.
Other symptoms that might manifest include the following:
- Pain in the knee or thigh and absence of hip pain
- Walking on tiptoe or limping due to discomfort
- Low-grade fever below 101 degrees F
- Crying and irritability among young children
- Refusal to walk if the pain is intense
The characteristic symptom of toxic synovitis is hip pain. It is important to note that this pain can occur on and off in one or both hips.
Among infants, the usual indications of toxic synovitis include crying particularly when moving the hip joints and unusual crawling movements or unwilling or unable to crawl.
Management
The treatment for toxic synovitis is aimed on controlling or alleviating the symptoms. The inflammation triggered by the viral infection usually subsides on its own.
Rest
The child should rest so that the affected hip can heal. Walking is considered safe but it is vital to avoid any strenuous activities such as contact sports. In addition, the child should not place too much weight on the affected hip.
Medications
Over-the-counter medications such as naproxen and ibuprofen can reduce the inflammation briefly for short-term relief from the pain. In some cases, the doctor might prescribe a potent pain medication if the over-the-counter variants are not effective.
What is the long-term outlook?
Toxic synovitis usually clears up in approximately 1-2 weeks in most cases, but it can last up to 5 weeks. The condition can manifest recurrently in some children once they acquire viral infections such as common cold.