Be aware of Development Dysplasia of the Hip in your child warns charity

National charity STEPS, will be holding their Baby Hip Health Week on the 13 – 19 March 2010.

They are aiming to help raise awareness with parents and health professionals about the vital need to check babies’ hips after birth and during the first month of life.

Around 2000 children in the UK are diagnosed every year with Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip (DDH) which can lead to the total dislocation of the hip.

If diagnosed early, DDH can be treated but if missed it can lead to pain and disability later in life.

Even when a baby’s hips look normal it is possible they may still have DDH, which is why STEPS are keen to raise awareness about the symptoms of the condition.

If a child has one leg appearing shorter than the other, an extra deep crease on the inside of the thigh, crawling but dragging one leg or walking with a limp or waddle the child should be checked out for DDH.

Founder of STEPS, Sue Banton MBE said: “In 2009 STEPS Baby Hip Screening Report revealed that the current screening policy, despite being in place for 40 years, is simply not working throughout the majority of the country.
Due to late or missed diagnosis, valuable time is being lost, and we are increasingly supporting the victims of a failing system.”

During Baby Hip Health Week, STEPS are asking people to Put the Kettle On and hold an event to raise money to support the charity.

STEPS Marketing & Community Fundraiser, Julie Charlton said: “Whether you host a ‘Put the Kettle On’ event for two or two hundred people, we are very grateful for your donations. Without this support, our work, including campaigning, a helpline, information centre and website could not happen, and many parents would be alone during a very difficult time. Ultimately we want all babies to be checked as early as possible and not have to endure unnecessary pain and suffering.”

for more information, visit: www.steps-charity.org.uk