Orthopedics Pediatric Orthopedics Problems in Babies and Toddlers That Cause a Limp By Jonathan Cluett, MD Updated on January 26, 2020 Medically reviewed by Stuart Hershman, MD Print If your child is limping, a prompt medical evaluation is important. While some causes of a limp may resolve with time, it is important to ensure there is not a serious underlying problem that could require urgent treatment. Limping children, especially young toddlers might not be able to communicate verbally, and they can be frightened by the medical setting. Your child may want to sit on your lap or hold your hand while being examined, especially if they are in pain. 1 Broken Bones ERproductions Ltd / Getty Images One of the most common causes of a limp is a broken bone. Children are notoriously very active, and the symptoms of a fracture (pain, bruising, limping) usually develop shortly after a fall or a traumatic injury. If you don't recall seeing your child fall or cry, your healthcare provider may discuss the possibility that someone may have hurt your toddler—such as an adult or another child. It is important that you don't allow questions about possible abuse to put you on the defensive, as the purpose is to try to protect your young child from further harm. These concerns may be raised when there are multiple broken bones or evidence of multiple healed broken bones. 2 Infection IAN HOOTON / Getty Images Infections are among the most worrisome causes of limping in young children. Because they have more blood supply to their bones, children are more susceptible to non-traumatic joint infections than adults. Infections within a joint are serious medical issues, and if left untreated, a bone or joint infection may cause permanent damage, potentially leading to complications such as early arthritis of the joint. Treatment of joint infections may require urgent surgery and intravenous antibiotics. Bone or joint infections may be considered when there is rapidly worsening joint pain accompanied by a fever. Tests can be done to identify fluid accumulation in the joint, and often a sample of fluid will be obtained to look for the infection. 3 Inflammation SCIEPRO / Getty Images Inflammatory conditions, such as dermatomyositis and juvenile rheumatoid arthritis can cause a limp and may produce signs and symptoms similar to those of an infection. Fluid samples from the affected joint can be examined as a way to differentiate between an infection and an inflammatory disorder. The most common type of limp-inducing inflammation is called transient synovitis, a condition that affects the hip joint, most commonly in boys. The symptoms mimic infection and are treated with anti-inflammatory medications. 4 Tumors Yellow Dog Productions / Getty Images Tumors are an uncommon cause of a limp in a child. Benign (noncancerous) and malignant (cancerous) bone tumors can be affect young children. Symptoms of bone tumors often begin gradually, with gradually worsening pain and a limp. Pain at night (awakening the child from sleep) is sometimes characteristic of tumors. Imaging tests including x-rays, CT scans, and MRIs can be helpful in identifying a bone tumor and a biopsy may be necessary. 5 Childhood Hip Disorders Westend61 / Getty Images Several childhood hip disorders can lead to limping when walking. In very young children, hip dislocations can lead to gait abnormalities. Perthes disease is a condition that occurs when the blood supply to the bone of the ball-and-socket hip joint is impaired. Slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE) is a problem in older children (10-14) when the growth plate of the hip slides into an abnormal position. All of these hip conditions can lead to the development of a limp in a child. 6 Sources Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. Alqarni N, Goldman RD. Management of toddler's fractures. Can Fam Physician. 2018;64(10):740-741. Naranje S, Kelly DM, Sawyer JR. A systematic approach to the evaluation of a limping child. Am Fam Physician. 2015;92(10):908-16. Branson J, Vallejo JG, Flores AR, et al. The contemporary microbiology and rates of concomitant osteomyelitis in acute septic arthritis. Pediatr Infect Dis J. 2017;36(3):267-273. doi:10.1097/INF.0000000000001417 Lázaro carreño MI, Fraile currius R, García clemente A. Non-traumatic limping in paediatric emergencies: Epidemiology, evaluation and results. Rev Esp Cir Ortop Traumatol. 2018;62(2):127-133. doi:10.1016/j.recot.2017.10.004 Leroux J, Abu amara S, Lechevallier J. Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease. Orthop Traumatol Surg Res. 2018;104(1S):S107-S112. doi:10.1016/j.otsr.2017.04.012 Hesper T, Bixby SD, Maranho DA, Miller P, Kim YJ, Novais EN. Morphologic features of the contralateral femur in patients with unilateral slipped capital femoral epiphysis resembles mild slip deformity: A matched cohort study. Clin Orthop Relat Res. 2018;476(4):890-899. doi:10.1007/s11999.0000000000000127 By Jonathan Cluett, MD Dr. Cluett is board-certified in orthopedic surgery. He served as assistant team physician to Chivas USA (Major League Soccer) and the U.S. national soccer teams. See Our Editorial Process Meet Our Medical Expert Board Share Feedback Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! What is your feedback? Other Helpful Report an Error Submit