Hip Synovitis

Inflammation of the synovium, the smooth, lubricated lining of the hip joint.The synovium's lubricating fluid allows the hip to move freely and prevents bone surfaces from rubbing against each other. Synovitis is often a complication of an injury, such as a fracture, or of collagen diseases, such as gout or rheumatoid arthritis.

BODY PARTS INVOLVED

• Lining of the hip joint.
• Bones of the hip, including the thigh bone and pelvis

Causes

• Any direct blow to the hip or other hip injury that damages the synovium of the hip joint. Most hip synovitis can be traced back to an injury, even though the athlete cannot remember the injury.
• Bacterial infection in the hip, usually from gonorrhea or as a complication of an open hip fracture.
• Inflammatory joint disease, such as gout or rheumatoid arthritis.

Signs & Symptoms

• Pain in the hip joint with movement.
• Swelling in the hip.
• Holding the hip flexed and rotated
• Tenderness and redness in the hip area, if inflammation is caused from infection or a disease rather than from athletic injury.
• Fever

How is it diagnosed?

Your doctor will look at your child's hip to find out what kind of movement makes the pain worse. Your doctor may order blood tests and x-rays. These tests will help your doctor make sure that the cause of hip pain isn't something more serious than hip synovitis.

Treatment

Follow your doctor's instructions. Instructions are supplemental.

• Follow your doctor's instructions for treatment of any underlying condition.
• Apply heat frequently. Use heat lamps, hot soaks , hot showers, heating pads, or heat liniments and ointments.
• Take whirlpool treatments,if available.
• Massage gently and often to provide comfort and decrease swelling.

MEDICATION

• Your doctor may prescribe:Antibiotics if infection is present. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or anti-gout medicine. Injection of a long-acting local anesthetic mixed with a corticosteroid to help reduce pain and inflammation.
• You may take aspirin or ibuprofen for minor discomfort.

Home Diet

During recovery ,eat a well-balanced diet that includes extra protein, such as meat, fish, poultry, cheese, milk and eggs. Increase fiber and fluid intake to prevent constipation that may result from decreased activity.

Prevention Tips

• Engage in a vigorous muscle strengthening and conditioning program prior to beginning regular participation in sports. Overall strength and muscle tone makes injury less likely. Also, warm up adequately before competition or workouts.
• When appropriate, wear hip pads to protect the hip area during participation in contact sports.