To prepare for your appointment, see the topic Making the Most of Your Appointment.

You can help your health professional diagnose and treat your child's condition by being prepared to answer the following questions:

• What are your child's main symptoms? How long has your child had symptoms?
• How and when did an injury occur?
• Has your child had any injuries in the past to the same area? Does your child have any continuing problems because of the previous injury?
• Does your child limp or complain about pain when he or she walks? Where is the pain felt? How far can your child walk without discomfort? Does the pain get better or worse as he or she continues to walk?
• What activities make your child's symptoms better or worse?
• What activities is your child involved with? Has your child recently started a new activity?
• What home treatment measures have you tried? Did they help?
• What prescription or nonprescription medicines has the child taken? Did they help?
• Does your child have any health risks that may increase the seriousness of his or her hip symptoms?