Hip Problems, Age 11 And Younger: Check Your Symptoms

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When to See a Doctor

Is your child limping or unable or unwilling to put weight on one leg?

See significance of limping or the inability or unwillingness to put weight on one leg if you need information to help you answer the questions below.

Review health risks that may increase the seriousness of your child's hip symptoms.

Call your child's health professional immediately if you answer "Yes" to any of the following questions.

Yes

Is your child unable or unwilling to walk?

Yes

Is your child unable or unwilling to put weight on one leg?

Call your child's health professional today if you answer "Yes" to any of the following questions.

Yes

Is your child walking with a new limp?

Yes

Did your child begin limping following a cold or other upper respiratory infection (URI)?

Yes

Does your child's leg look different than the other leg?

Yes

Do you think your baby has a hip or leg problem, such as hip dysplasia?

You may wait to see if your child's symptoms improve over the next 24 hours (or specified time period) if you answer "Yes" to the following question.

Yes

Has your child's limp become worse since being seen by a doctor 48 hours ago?

Your child needs an appointment within the next 1 to 2 weeks if you answer "Yes" to any of the following questions.

Yes

Has your child been limping off and on for more than a week?

Yes

Does one of your child's legs look shorter than the other one?

If you have answered "No" to the above questions, go back to Check Your Symptoms and continue to answer the questions to evaluate your symptoms.

Last updated:	September 15, 2008
Author:	Jan Nissl, RN, BS
Reviewed By:	Michael J. Sexton, MD - Pediatrics, H. Michael O'Connor, MD - Emergency Medicine
Editors:	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Tracy Landauer