Consult Super-Specialist Doctors at CARE Hospitals
Updated on 16 October 2023
Parents may be concerned when their child limps, as it may indicate an underlying medical condition or injury. Generally, paediatric limping is caused by physical injuries; however, if a child is limping for an extended period of time without a physical injury, it may be a sign of something more serious.
If the limping is accompanied by pain, it should not be dismissed as a growing pain, as such pains are never the cause of limping. The appropriate treatment for a limping child depends on the underlying medical condition. Rest and monitoring may be sufficient in certain situations, while medical intervention may be required in others.
Limping can be a sign of injury or a medical condition; however, it may be difficult to identify in young children. There are certain signs that can be present in conjunction with the limping:
Age Group |
Possible Conditions |
Infants (0-1 year) |
Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip (DDH), Septic Arthritis, Osteomyelitis, Cerebral Palsy |
Toddlers (1-3 years) |
Transient Synovitis , Toddler's Fracture, Septic Arthritis, Osteomyelitis, Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease (hip) |
Children (4-10 years) |
Transient Synovitis, Growth Plate Injuries, Osgood-Schlatter Disease (knee), Sever's Disease (heel), Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease (hip), Juvenile Arthritis |
Adolescents (11-18 years) |
Sports Injuries (sprains, strains, fractures), Osgood-Schlatter Disease (knee) , Sever's Disease (heel), Slipped Femoral Epiphysis (hip) , Juvenile Arthritis, Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease (hip) |
The reasons for limping in children can vary, ranging from minor physical injuries to serious medical problems. Some of these reasons include:
The doctor may prescribe the following tests to identify the cause of the limping based on the other symptoms. If a leg fracture or sprain is suspected as the cause, a physical examination, X-rays, and ultrasounds may be used for diagnosis. Two tests may be performed by the doctor to establish the underlying reason.
Simulated prone internal rotation of the hip - The child is tested while their hips are completely extended, and they are held chest to chest by their parents. By accurately measuring hip internal rotation in this posture, Perthes disease, synovitis, and arthritis can be diagnosed.
The best person to assess the situation and recommend the best course of action is the doctor.
A slight physical injury, hip joint inflammation, or other illnesses may cause children to limp. Due to their physical activity, kids often sustain minor injuries. Rest and cold compresses are frequently used as treatments for mild sprains and fractures that are the cause of limping. The severity of the infection, however, may affect the prognosis for limb pain brought on by other illnesses. Consult a physician if you observe the child limping regularly or if the limping is accompanied by other symptoms, such as an inability to sit for extended periods of time, hip pain, or difficulty walking.
Most of the time, a child's limping is the result of minor injuries and is not a cause for concern. If the child's symptoms worsen or if they begin to hobble while experiencing severe hip, thigh, or knee pain, it is advisable to consult a doctor.
If your child is limping due to a minor injury like a blister or splinter, administer first aid. Another option is to apply warm or cold compresses for 10 to 20 minutes. If the child complains of discomfort, you can also give them a pain reliever. However, if the pain persists and is accompanied by a fever, redness, and swelling, it is important to consult a doctor to determine the underlying cause.
Limping in a child can be caused by various factors, including minor injuries (such as sprains or strains), more serious injuries (like fractures), infections, inflammatory conditions, or underlying health issues affecting the bones, joints, or muscles. It's essential to assess the specific circumstances and consider consulting a healthcare provider for proper evaluation and diagnosis.
If a child has a fever along with limping, it could indicate an underlying infection or inflammatory condition affecting the joints or bones. Infections like septic arthritis or osteomyelitis can sometimes present with fever and limping.
Limping accompanied by turning the foot inward (in-toeing) could be due to various reasons, such as hip or leg alignment issues, muscle tightness, or structural abnormalities in the foot or leg bones. A thorough evaluation by a healthcare provider, including physical examination and possibly imaging studies, may be needed to determine the cause.
You should consider seeking medical attention if your child's limp is persistent, severe, or associated with other concerning symptoms such as fever, swelling, or limited mobility. Additionally, if the limp follows an injury or trauma, or if your child experiences pain with weight-bearing, it's advisable to consult a healthcare professional for evaluation.
Growing pains typically cause generalized discomfort or mild aches in the legs, often in the evening or at night, but they do not typically cause limping. If your child is experiencing significant limping or localized pain, it's important to consider other potential causes and seek medical evaluation.
Some viral infections can lead to inflammation in the joints or muscles, which may result in limping. For example, viral infections like coxsackievirus (hand, foot, and mouth disease) or influenza (flu) can sometimes cause myositis (muscle inflammation) or reactive arthritis, which may present with joint pain and difficulty walking. If your child has a viral illness and develops limping, it's advisable to consult a doctor for assessment and appropriate management.
10 Common Foot Problems in Adults: Causes and Treatment
Knee Joint Instability: Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, Risks, Treatment and Recovery
1 October 2024
30 September 2024
30 September 2024
26 September 2024
26 September 2024
25 September 2024
25 September 2024
25 September 2024
If you cannot find answers to your queries, please fill out the enquiry form or call the number below. We will contact you shortly.