Limping or difficulty bearing weight in children

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.