Teenager Complaining of Hip Pain? Why It Might Not Be "Growing Pains"

Medically Reviewed By: Dr. Vaibhav Mittal, MS Orthopaedics (Paediatric Orthopaedic & Hip Preservation Surgeon)

Last Updated: June 2026

When a teenager complains of pain in their hip or groin, it is often quickly dismissed by parents, coaches, and even some general practitioners as a simple "sports strain," a pulled groin muscle, or classic "growing pains."

While muscle strains are common in active adolescents, persistent hip pain is a red flag that should never be ignored. As a specialist in paediatric orthopaedics and adolescent hip preservation, I frequently see young adults whose underlying structural hip issues went undiagnosed for years.

Catching these conditions early is the key to saving the native hip joint and keeping young athletes active for decades to come.

The Myth of "Growing Pains" in the Hip

True "growing pains" typically occur in younger children (ages 3 to 12), usually happen at night, affect both legs, and do not involve the joints themselves.

If your teenager is experiencing isolated pain in the hip joint—especially pain that gets worse with sports, prolonged sitting, or pivoting movements—it is highly unlikely to be related to growing. It is often a sign of a mechanical mismatch between the "ball" (femoral head) and the "socket" (acetabulum) of the hip joint.

2 Common Causes of Teenage Hip Pain

When the ball and socket do not fit together perfectly, it creates abnormal wear and tear. The two most common structural causes we see in the clinic are:

1. Femoroacetabular Impingement (FAI)

Also known as "hip impingement," this occurs when extra bone grows along either the ball or the socket of the hip joint. Because they do not fit perfectly, the bones rub and grind against each other during movement. Over time, this friction can pinch and tear the labrum (the protective cartilage ring around the socket).

• The Signs: A deep aching pain in the groin area, often described using the "C-Sign" (the teen will grip their hip with their hand forming a 'C' shape). Pain often flares up after playing sports, running, or sitting in deep chairs.

2. Mild Hip Dysplasia (Acetabular Dysplasia)

Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip (DDH) is often checked for in infancy, but mild cases can go completely unnoticed until the teenage years when the child becomes heavier and more active. In dysplasia, the hip socket is too shallow, meaning it does not fully cover the ball. This puts immense, concentrated pressure on a small area of the joint cartilage.

• The Signs: A feeling of instability or "catching" in the hip, fatigue while walking, and an aching pain in the side or front of the hip.

Why "Wait and Watch" is the Wrong Approach

The biggest mistake in treating adolescent hip pain is assuming they will simply "grow out of it."

If conditions like FAI or dysplasia are left untreated, the constant abnormal mechanics will rapidly break down the smooth cartilage inside the joint. What starts as a simple ache in a 15-year-old can progress to severe, irreversible osteoarthritis by the time they are 25 or 30, ultimately requiring a total hip replacement at a very young age.

The Modern Solution: Advanced Hip Preservation

The goal of treating adolescent hip issues is joint preservation—fixing the mechanics of the joint to save the native hip and delay or entirely prevent the need for artificial joint replacement.

Depending on the exact diagnosis, treatments range from specialized physical therapy to advanced surgical techniques:

• Hip Arthroscopy: For FAI, we can often use minimally invasive cameras and tiny instruments to shave down the extra bone and repair a torn labrum, restoring smooth, friction-free movement.

• Periacetabular Osteotomy (PAO): For teenagers and young adults with hip dysplasia, a PAO is the gold-standard preservation procedure. As a specialist in this complex technique, I carefully cut the bone around the shallow socket and reorient it into the correct position. This creates a stable, deeply covered joint using the patient's own native anatomy, drastically altering the course of their hip health for the better.

When to See a Specialist

If your teenager exhibits any of the following signs, it is time to schedule a clinical evaluation:

• Hip or groin pain that lasts longer than 2 to 3 weeks.

• Pain that forces them to stop playing their sport or limping after practice.

• A noticeable clicking, snapping, or catching sensation in the joint.

• Pain that wakes them up at night.

A Note to Parents: Early diagnosis changes everything. With a proper clinical examination and precise imaging, we can identify these mechanical issues before permanent damage occurs.