The Limping Child

The  child who presents with a limp should always be thoroughly assessed and treated.

Some conditions that present with a limping child include Perthes' Disease and Kohler's Disease.

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Perthes' Disease occurs in children between the ages of 4 and 10 years. It is caused by reduced blood flow to the femoral head. As well as the limp, the child may also complain of thigh, groin or knee pain.

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The concerns with undiagnosed cases of Perthes' disease is the femoral can become flattened and result in osteoarthritis in later years.

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Kohler's Disease also presents as a limping child or a child who refuses to weight-bear. It occurs in children between the ages of 2 and 8 years of age and typically presents with a painful midfoot with swelling, warmth and tenderness to touch. The foot is commonly pronated.

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The navicular bone which is the last bone of the foot to ossify becomes traumatised  and reduced blood flow to the bone occurs.

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Appropriate treatment includes rest and foot support to hasten healing time.

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These are just two conditions of the foot and leg that may present as a limp in children. We encourage prompt assessment for rapid recovery.