Finding the cause of a child’s limp can be very challenging. Common causes differ by age groups. Younger children may have synovitis of the hip joint, hip infection, discitis, Perthes disease, or simple injuries. Slipped capital femoral epiphysis, on the other hand, occurs in older children. Injuries are the major cause of limping in all age groups.

Synovitis is a benign inflammation of the hip joint. It resolves within a week by limiting activities and using ibuprofen. Hip infection, on the other hand, is a serious problem, causing severe hip pain, inability to walk, and fever. Surgery is needed to wash the infected fluid out of the hip. Antibiotics are also necessary.

Discitis is an infection of a disc in the lower back. The child will have back pain and a limp, or stop walking all together. Treatment consists of antibiotics and a plastic spinal brace. The outcome is usually good, without any long-term problems.

Perthes disease is common between the ages of four and eight. In this condition the blood supply to the head of the thighbone (the femur), is decreased. The blood supply recovers over a few years and the bone heals. During this period, the femoral head must be protected with therapy, braces, or surgery.

Slipped capital femoral epiphysis is an adolescent disease where the growth cartilage of the head of the femur is weak and deforms with minor trauma. Pain in the groin or the knee along with limping are the most common symptoms. It is treated surgically by screw fixation of the slipping head of the femur.