Perthes disease, which is more formally referred to as Legg-Calve-Perthes disease, is a childhood condition in which blood supply to the hip bone is temporarily lost. This disease is most frequently diagnosed in boys between the ages of 4 and 10, according to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. A child who develops symptoms of Perthes disease should receive further evaluation and care from a medical professional.
Hip or Groin Pain
The most common symptom associated with Perthes disease is hip or groin pain. Children with this condition can experience mild to moderate sensations of pain that arise sporadically over a few weeks or months, explain medical experts with AAOS. Physical activities, such as running or playing sports, can exacerbate hip pain in affected children. Painful sensations in the hip because of Perthes disease can radiate down the affected leg into the thigh or knee, report health officials with the Children's Hospital Boston. When a child rests, these painful symptoms may subside, but will recur with future movement of the hip.
Hip Stiffness
A child with Perthes disease can experience significant hip stiffness because of inflammation caused by this condition, according to MayoClinic.com. Hip stiffness can limit a child's ability to move the affected hip region normally.
Limp
Sensations of pain or stiffness within the affected leg because of Perthes disease can alter the way in which a child normally walks. Children with this disease can develop a limp, which may become worse over time, warns Patient UK, a medical information website supported by general practitioners within the United Kingdom. A child may drag the affected leg while walking or may have difficulty physically keeping up with healthy children. Limited use of the affected leg can lead to muscle wasting. As a result, the affected leg may appear thinner than the healthy leg. A child who begins to limp for any reason should be seen by a doctor as soon as possible.
Shortened Leg or Asymmetry
Perthes disease can result in the shortening of the affected leg, which can cause the legs to appear asymmetrical or uneven, warn medical experts with the University of California San Francisco Benioff Children's Hospital. This symptom of Perthes disease in a child can exacerbate limp symptoms in certain children.
