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Limp in a child (needs checking)

Also called: Limp in a child, child limping, child won't walk

A child who starts limping or refuses to walk needs to be checked. Most causes are minor, like a bruise or a viral hip irritation, but a broken bone or an infected joint or bone needs fast treatment.

CheckSame day if fever, swelling, or won't bear weight
Common causesMinor injury, toddler's fracture, transient synovitis
Serious causesJoint or bone infection, slipped hip in teens

Overview

Toddlers can break the shin bone from a simple twist (toddler's fracture) without anyone seeing it.

Teens, especially heavier ones, with knee or hip pain may have a slipped growth plate in the hip (SCFE).

Symptoms

Common signs:

  • Child limping or won't walk
  • Child limping or refusing to walk

Less common

  • Leg or hip pain
  • Fever

Look up a symptom: Child limping or refusing to walk

When to get medical care

Call 911A child who won't bear any weight with high fever, or looks very ill.
Get care todayLimp with fever, a hot or swollen joint, or knee or hip pain in a teen.
See a doctor soonA limp lasting more than a couple of days.

Causes

Injury, infection, inflammation, growth problems.

Does it spread or run in families?

  • It isn't contagious. You can't catch it from someone else.

Who is more likely to get it

  • Toddlers
  • Active kids

Possible complications

Diagnosis

A clinician examines the whole leg, hip, and back.

Questions you may be asked

  • Injury, fever, recent illness

The exam

Watching the child walk.

Tests

Tests, if needed:

  • X-ray:
  • Blood tests: For infection.
  • Ultrasound: For hip fluid.

Treatment

Rest the leg until checked.

Self-care

  • Note when it started and any injury
  • Check for fever, swelling, or a splinter

Medicines

Medicines that may help:

MedicineHelps withGood to know
Pain and fever relievers
PainNo ibuprofen under 6 months; dose by weight.

OwieClear doesn't give doses: follow the label or your healthcare professional. Medicine names here are examples, not a full list.

Which doctor treats this

  • Start with your child's pediatrician.
  • They may send you to a pediatric specialist: an orthopedist (bone and joint doctor).

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

  • If you're pregnant or planning to be, tell your prenatal provider about this condition.
  • Don't start or stop any medicine on your own. Some are safe in pregnancy and some need to be changed.
  • Ask before taking any pain reliever. The FDA advises avoiding ibuprofen and naproxen after 20 weeks unless your doctor says to.
  • Breastfeeding: Most medicines are fine, but ask. The NIH LactMed database lists what's known about each one.

For caregivers

  • Learn the warning signs and when to call the doctor or 911.
  • Keep a list of your child's medicines, doses, and doctors on your phone.
  • Tell teachers, coaches, and sitters what to watch for and what to do.
  • Take breaks and ask for help. Caregivers need care too.

Outlook

Most causes heal well.

Getting ready for your visit

Bring a list of your symptoms and medicines.

Questions to ask

  • Does my child need an X-ray?

Research studies

Research studies test new ways to find and treat health problems. Some are looking for volunteers. Talk with your doctor before joining one.

Search ClinicalTrials.gov for studies on Limp in a child (needs checking)

Sources

Last updated 2026-11-12.