Last reviewed: September 29, 2026

It can. Most knee pain in teens comes from the knee itself. But a problem in the hip can be felt only in the knee or thigh.

The hip problem to know about happens during the growth spurt, usually between ages 10 and 16. The ball at the top of the thighbone slips at its growth plate, the softer area where the bone is still growing (slipped capital femoral epiphysis, or SCFE). It is more common in boys, in children who are overweight, and in Black children. Children of normal weight can get it too.

Warning signs are a limp that comes and goes, pain that is worse with activity, a foot that turns outward when walking, and trouble climbing stairs or getting into a car.

When the pain is only in the knee, the hip is often not checked at first. The diagnosis can then be delayed by about three months. During that time the hip can slip further, which raises the chance of hip arthritis and more surgery later. An X-ray of both hips shows the slip, even when a knee X-ray is normal.

If a slip is suspected, the teen should stop sports, stay off the leg with crutches, and see an orthopedic surgeon right away. Treatment is surgery to hold the ball in place so it cannot slip further. When it is caught early, most teens do well. The other hip can slip later, usually within about a year and a half, so it is watched with X-rays.

Less often, the slip happens suddenly and the teen cannot put any weight on the leg. This needs emergency care.

In general:

  • If your teen has a limp or knee or thigh pain that does not go away, ask whether the hips should be X-rayed.
  • If a slip is suspected, keep your teen off the leg and out of sports, and have your teen seen by an orthopedic surgeon right away.
  • If your teen suddenly cannot stand on the leg, get emergency care.

Drafted with AI assistance from published sources, reviewed and edited by Babak Sheikh, MD.

Sources:

This is general information about what published research shows. It is not medical advice and it is not about your situation. Reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship with me. I am a retired orthopedic surgeon and I do not see patients. Talk with your own doctor before changing anything about your care. If something feels suddenly or seriously wrong, get medical care promptly rather than waiting.

This page is provided as is. I make no guarantee that it is accurate, complete or current, and medical evidence changes. Use of it is at your own risk.

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