Toxic SynovitisSymptoms, Doctors, Treatments, Advances & More
Learn About Toxic Synovitis
Toxic synovitis is a condition affecting children that causes hip pain and limping.
Synovitis - toxic; Transient synovitis
Toxic synovitis occurs in children before puberty. It usually affects children from 2 to 12 years old. It is a type of inflammation of the hip. Its cause is not known. Boys are affected more often than girls. It can also occur after a common cold or viral infection.
Symptoms may include:
- Hip pain (on one side only)
- Limp
- Thigh pain, in front and toward the middle of the thigh
- Knee pain
- Low-grade fever, less than 101°F (38.3°C)
- Child only walking on toes and refusing to walk normally
Aside from the hip discomfort, the child does not usually appear ill.
Treatment often includes limiting activity to make the child more comfortable. But, there is no danger with normal activities. Your child's health care provider may prescribe nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to reduce pain.
Indian River Hospital Rosner Family Health And Wellness Center
George Nichols is a Sports Medicine provider in Vero Beach, Florida. Dr. Nichols is rated as a Distinguished provider by MediFind in the treatment of Toxic Synovitis. His top areas of expertise are Osteoarthritis, Bursitis, Toxic Synovitis, Knee Replacement, and Hip Replacement.
Integrated Medical Group PC
. Dr. Tiedeken is rated as an Advanced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Toxic Synovitis. His top areas of expertise are Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Contracture Deformity, Toxic Synovitis, Osteotomy, and Fasciotomy.
Galloping Hill Orthopedics
Dr. Robin Innella has more than 25 years' experience as an orthopedic surgeon. Specializing in shoulder, arm, & wrist reconstructive surgery while also focusing on diabetic foot care has earned him several awards including NY/NJ Top Doctor & 3-time winner of the Castle Connolly Top Doctor. Soon after founding Galloping Hill Orthopedics, Dr. Innella also worked as the Clinical Assistant Professor of Surgery at New York College of Osteopathic Medicine.In Dr. Innella’s free time he enjoys sharing special moments with his wife & kids. He also has a great love for fishing & boating with his friends & family. Dr. Innella is rated as a Distinguished provider by MediFind in the treatment of Toxic Synovitis. His top areas of expertise are Toxic Synovitis, Osteoarthritis, Bursitis, Tendinitis, and Knee Replacement.
The hip pain goes away within 7 to 10 days.
Toxic synovitis goes away on its own. There are no expected long-term complications.
Contact your child's provider for an appointment if:
- Your child has unexplained hip pain or a limp, with or without a fever
- Your child has been diagnosed with toxic synovitis and the hip pain lasts for longer than 10 days, the pain gets worse, or a high fever develops
Published Date: July 01, 2025
Published By: Charles I. Schwartz, MD, FAAP, Clinical Assistant Professor of Pediatrics, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, General Pediatrician at PennCare for Kids, Phoenixville, PA. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
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Sankar WN, Winell JJ, Horn BD, Wells L. The hip. In: Kliegman RM, St. Geme JW, Blum NJ, et al, eds. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 22nd ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2025:chap 719.
Singer NG, Onel KB. Evaluation of children with rheumatologic complaints. In: Hochberg MC, Gravallese EM, Smolen JS, van der Heijde D, Weinblatt ME, Weisman MH, eds. Rheumatology. 8th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2023:chap 103.
Takundwa P, Chen L, Malik RN. Evaluation of hip pain and management of toxic synovitis in the ultrasound era. Pediatr Emerg Care. 2021;37(1):34-38. PMID: 33394943 pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33394943/.