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What Causes Limping In An 18 Month Old Infant?

Posted on Tue, 16 Aug 2016

Question: Hi, my 18 month old son started limping since 3 days.. 2 weeks back he has cold and mild fever for which we consulted homeopathy doctor and took medicines. Around that time, one day he woke up and suddenly started crying holding one leg. And he wasn't keeping his leg down. This continued for 10 mins and then he was fine after that . Again next day and the day after he had the same issue, crying holding a leg then fine after 10 mins. Thn after that now he has started limping since 3 days. He doesn't seem to have any pain since we tried pressing on his legs knees and hip.. He dint show any pain. He is otherwise running and jumping , however while walking shows a limp. We showed a pediatrician and he said the problem is the Cold virus is in his hips so he is limping. Doctor has given ibuprofen syrup 2 times for 2 days. I have messaged here for a second opinion.

Answered by Dr. Archana Verma (58 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
No need to worry

Detailed Answer:
Hi
I have gone through your question and understand your concerns but don't worry. The symptoms are most likely due to post viral illness as suggested by your pediatrician and is known as toxic synovitis.
It's due to hip joint inflammation after viral infection such as common cold or diarrhea. It usually improve spontaneously over a period of few days. Ibuprofen will be useful.

Hopefully it will be of help. I would be happy to help you in any further questions.
Take care

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Archana Verma (13 minutes later)

We have given him 3 doses of ibuprofen and no improvement till now. Instead it has increased. Doctor suggested to give 4 doses of ibuprofen only.

Answered by Dr. Archana Verma (12 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
you may give it for 3-4 days

Detailed Answer:
Hi
The condition is self limiting and improves without treatment gradually. Ibuprofen help in relieving excess pain in kids. You may give extra doses of required.
Some kids may take up to 4-5 weeks to improve completely. It needs evaluation if the child shows pain and swelling at joints other than hips or high grade fever spikes. Ultrasound and aspiration cytology is of help in such cases.
Take care

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Archana Verma (2 days later)

Hi,
The Limping has slightly lessened. We had gone to doctor again. He had checked his legs and given him cefadur 250 for 3 days. If it doesn't cure by 3 days then doctor has asked to consult orthopedic paediatric for further analysis.

Answered by Dr. Archana Verma (19 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
No need for antibiotics

Detailed Answer:
Hi
If the child is behaving normal and afebrile with slight improvement in limping, then I would recommend you to just wait and watch without any medications for a week. Antibiotics won't help.
You may consult an orthopedic surgeon if needed thereafter. Hopefully it will not be required.
Take care

Note: For further queries related to your child health, Talk to a Pediatrician. Click here to Book a Consultation.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad