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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.
Limping in children is often caused by an obvious injury to the leg or foot, such as:
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 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, stiff hip | Perthes' disease |
| A lump on your child's leg, weight loss, pain at night | A cancer, such as leukaemia, sarcoma or lymphoma |
Do not drive to A&E. Ask someone to drive you or call 999 and ask for an ambulance.
Bring any medicines you take with you.
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:
