Toxic Synovitis

Toxic synovitis, also known as transient synovitis of the hip, is a temporary inflammation of the hip joint that occurs mostly in children, often after a viral illness. It is usually short-lived.

How it shows up: The child has pain in the hip, thigh, or knee and a limp, sometimes with discomfort when putting weight on the leg, usually without a high fever.

When to see a doctor? When a child begins to limp or complains of hip pain, an evaluation is advisable to rule out other causes.

Which specialist treats it? The pediatrician is the professional suited to assessing this type of joint complaint in childhood. If your child limps or avoids putting weight on a leg, seeking a checkup helps guide the condition appropriately.