Illness name: limp in children

  • Original languages: English

Description:

Limping in children

Limping in children is not usually serious and could be caused by something minor like a sprain or strain. But you should see a GP if it's not obvious what's causing it.

Causes of limping in children

Limping in children is often caused by an obvious injury to the leg or foot, such as:

  • a sprain or strain
  • a blister , cut or bruise
  • a broken bone

Sometimes it may not be clear what's causing your child to limp. The symptoms might give you an idea of what the cause might be.

But do not self-diagnose – a limp with no obvious cause should always be checked by a GP as it could be a sign of something serious.

Other causes of limping in children
Other symptoms Possible cause
Sudden pain in the hip, knee or thigh, sometimes after a viral infection Irritable hip
Pain in the groin, hip or knee, stiff hip, foot or leg turns inward Slipped upper femoral epiphysis
Painful, swollen joints that lasts for longer than 6 weeks Different types of juvenile arthritis
Pain in the groin, thigh or knee after exercise, stiff hip Perthes' disease
A lump on your child's leg, weight loss, pain at night A cancer, such as leukaemia, sarcoma or lymphoma

Non-urgent advice: See a GP if:

  • your child has a limp and you're not sure what's causing it

Immediate action required: Call 999 or go to A&E if:

  • your child gets sudden pain in their hip, knee or thigh (hip problems can sometimes be felt in the thigh or knee)
  • your child cannot put any weight on their leg
  • the leg has changed shape or is pointing at an odd angle
  • your child feels generally unwell and has a high temperature or feels hot and shivery
  • your child also has severe pain in the lower part of their tummy
  • your child's symptoms get worse
Find your nearest A&E
What we mean by severe pain
Severe pain:
  • always there and so bad it's hard to think or talk
  • you cannot sleep
  • it's very hard to move, get out of bed, go to the bathroom, wash or dress
Moderate pain:
  • always there
  • makes it hard to concentrate or sleep
  • you can manage to get up, wash or dress
Mild pain:
  • comes and goes
  • is annoying but does not stop you doing daily activities

Treatment from a GP

Treatment will depend on what's causing your child to limp. Sometimes it may get better on its own.

A GP will examine your child and may arrange for more tests to find out what's causing your child to limp.

They might:

  • give you advice on how to treat a sprain or strain at home, such as rest and taking paracetamol or ibuprofen
  • refer you to hospital for an X-ray or to a specialist (for example, a paediatric orthopaedic surgeon) to help find the cause

Page last reviewed: 06 January 2022
Next review due: 06 January 2025