Toxic Synovitis

Just when you think you have a handle on parenting, and have seen, heard of, or experienced most of the childhood illnesses that preschoolers so generously share with one and other, you are struck with something so bizarre that it knocks you off your feet.
This past Thursday I picked Isaac up from school. He came running over to me joyfully knowing that he was going to spend the afternoon at Bubie and Papu's house. He went down for his nap, and woke up two hours later unable to put any pressure on his right hip, and unable to walk. I called the doctor immediately who said to bring him in, and low and behold... Toxic Synovitis.

"Toxic synovitis also known as acute transient synovitis of the hip is a condition in which there is inflammation and fluid within the hip joint. It is this swelling and fluid accumulation which causes joint pain. It is a rather common problem with up to 3 percent of children having an episode at some time during their life and may occur in children anywhere from the early toddler to the teenager. However, it usually happens to kids between 3-6 years of age. The exact cause of toxic synovitis is still unknown. The only thing that seems to be consistently associated with toxic synovitis is that many of these children have had an upper respiratory illness shortly before the onset of hip pain. This has led to speculation that the virus which is causing the cold also causes the synovitis. No matter what the cause, almost all children recover within two weeks and without long-lasting effects. Between 4-17 percent of children may have a second episode of toxic synovitis, but this usually occurs within 6 months of the first episode"

And there we have it. The remedy: rest and anti inflammatories. Dr. Shulman thought he would be walking again within 48 hours. He rested, took motirn, and was walking late the next day. It (pardon my language) scared the crap out of David and I, but the entire time Isaac was calm, in great spirits, and enjoyed the couch time to watch movies and eat popcorn. He is back at school today, I am sure running like a maniac with a slight limp, and we are thrilled to have braved yet another viral storm.