A child may limp or be unable or unwilling to bear weight on a leg
because of pain or another problem in the hip, leg, knee, or foot. Even a shoe
that does not fit well or has a rock in it may cause a child to limp or refuse
to walk.
A child with a hip or leg problem may:
- Stand with one hip raised higher than the other
because one leg is shorter than the other. The shorter leg is on the affected
side.
- Walk on the toes of one foot with the heel up off the floor,
attempting to accommodate the difference in leg length.
-
Limp.
- Be unable or unwilling to bear weight on a leg.
A minor injury or overuse of the hip may cause only mild pain and
stiffness, and often home treatment is all that is needed to relieve symptoms.
If a child's hip joint feels loose or unstable after an injury, this can mean
one or more ligaments have partially or completely torn. Torn ligaments may
occur at the same time as another injury, such as a dislocation or a broken
bone (fracture). If an injury causes severe hip pain or the hip or leg looks
abnormal, immediate medical care is needed.
When a child has not had an injury and limps or is unable or
unwilling to bear weight, a more serious bone or joint problem may be present.
When a child persistently limps or is unable or unwilling to bear weight, a
visit to a health professional to evaluate his or her symptoms is needed.
Treatment will depend on the location, type, and severity of the problem and
the child's age, health condition, and activities.
