Common Causes
Tight shoes, a nail or a stone in the shoe, painful
glands in the groin, injury to the foot or lower limb with a cut,
splinter, sprain or a fracture, growing pains, and a flu-like
illness with pain in the limbs.
Uncommon Causes
Early polio, rheumatic fever, scurvy (due to Vitamin C deficiency), hip dislocation, slipped
femoral epiphysis, transient synovitis of the hip, Perthes’ disease,
infection of a joint with a viral or bacterial infection, and cerebral
palsy.
Growing Pains (Leg Aches)
This is quite common. One out of 4 normal children
complain of pain in the legs that lasts for months or years. The
child feels better if the legs are pressed.
The pain is more marked at night while the child is
lying in bed. He runs about normally during the day. It does not interfere with his normal activities. He has no limp.
There is no localised swelling, warmth, or tenderness. The pain
is rather diffused. The movements at the joints are normal.
We do not know the exact cause of this symptom. It may
be a subconscious way for the child to demand more
attention and more body contact from the parents.
The pain usually disappears by the time the child leaves school, though several mothers
report that such aches continue even in adulthood.
Transient Synovitis Of The Hip
This is preceded by a minor viral cold or a minor
injury. After a few days of rest, the limp disappears. It is usually
seen between 2 and 7 years of age.
Perthes’ Disease
This presents as in the above condition. An X-ray of the
hip joint points to the diagnosis.
TREATMENT OF A LIMP: This will depend upon the cause. Most children with a limp
attributed to the
common causes listed before settle down without any treatment.
In case of any doubt, it is important to show the child to
your doctor for ruling out any condition that may need urgent attention.
