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 symptoms

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

See a GP if:

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

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

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