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What Causes Right Leg Weakness In A 18 Month Old Infant?

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Posted on Wed, 15 Jun 2016
Question: Hi,

My son is 18 months old and even though he walks great with assistance, he doesn't do more than 4-5 steps on his own. We go to physical therapy and the specialist say that the problem is baring weight on his right leg. The treatment does help and he now has more courage.

Other than that his development is right on track and even though he has fluids and ear infections he talks and plays and does everything he is supposed to do.

While pregnant he had a little high nuchal translucency and we did every test possible- amniocentesis, microarray and even a brain scan at 31 weeks, all was clear and other than walking independently he did everything on track.

How much should I worry?

Thanks
doctor
Answered by Dr. Muhammad Hanif (5 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Nothing need to worry much in this regard!!!

Detailed Answer:
I have no words to appreciate your consultation here and to welcome you at the best online health portal.

It is my pleasure to assist you today with answering the health query regarding an issue related to your loved one, little cute toddler.

You actually don't need to worry too much at this point in time as this is a milestone that is pretty much variable in different kids. Other such variability is in "Speaking". Some babies get to walking and speaking much earlier, others may have delayed ones. To me it's all natural and normal variability of developmental milestones unless there isn't any brain maturation defect.

You did really best taking him to the Physical therapist as this is the best step at the moment. I want to add here, you need to massage his legs with any available oil, for 15minutes right before a shower with warm water. It will help a lot and you will see the positive results in days. Don't stop Physical therapy meanwhile.

Actually he is doing good in assisted walking and this is needed right away. Assist him as much as you can and meanwhile give spells of unassisted walking to give his muscles more strength.

Give him more of protein diets. I am sure he is on solid foods upto now and keep going with different foods rich in proteins (choose the ones he likes).

Increased Nuchal Translucency is assessed to rule out Cystic Hygroma and other diseases like Down Syndrome and trisomy 18. I don't think he has had or have anyone of these diseases. He had the normal last trimester scans and assays including diagnostic amniocentesis, microassays, and brain scans (so no major defects including neural tube defects).

Please don't worry much and keep on trying with him. In the couple of months ahead, he will hopefully be on the track at his own.

Hope it helps. Please Feel free to ask me further queries if you have, related to anyone at home. For future reference simply click on my direct link: tinyurl.com/drhanifmd for a fast and detailed medical help.

Regards!
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Muhammad Hanif (7 hours later)
Thank you very much,

I will try the oil.

He is doing very well at other aspects of development, he is very smart and friendly, the only problem is walking
doctor
Answered by Dr. Muhammad Hanif (4 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Not to worry much regarding his temporary walking issue !!!

Detailed Answer:
Welcome again with this follow up query for which I am thankful to you. I appreciate your trust in HCM.

As aforementioned, if your kid is doing well in development and growth, then there isn't a big issue with his less independent walking.

I feel happy to hear that you are considering the massage therapy. Also keep going with his Physical Therapy as it will help gain endurance and muscular strength in his lower limbs. With passage of time his Neurons will develop completely and independent reflex and motor activities including walking will improve a lot.

Hope it reinforces the solutions to your toddler's good health. I feel happy that I was of some help for you today.

Regards!
tinyurl.com/drhanifmd
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Deepak
doctor
Answered by
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Dr. Muhammad Hanif

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2009

Answered : 2369 Questions

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What Causes Right Leg Weakness In A 18 Month Old Infant?

Brief Answer: Nothing need to worry much in this regard!!! Detailed Answer: I have no words to appreciate your consultation here and to welcome you at the best online health portal. It is my pleasure to assist you today with answering the health query regarding an issue related to your loved one, little cute toddler. You actually don't need to worry too much at this point in time as this is a milestone that is pretty much variable in different kids. Other such variability is in "Speaking". Some babies get to walking and speaking much earlier, others may have delayed ones. To me it's all natural and normal variability of developmental milestones unless there isn't any brain maturation defect. You did really best taking him to the Physical therapist as this is the best step at the moment. I want to add here, you need to massage his legs with any available oil, for 15minutes right before a shower with warm water. It will help a lot and you will see the positive results in days. Don't stop Physical therapy meanwhile. Actually he is doing good in assisted walking and this is needed right away. Assist him as much as you can and meanwhile give spells of unassisted walking to give his muscles more strength. Give him more of protein diets. I am sure he is on solid foods upto now and keep going with different foods rich in proteins (choose the ones he likes). Increased Nuchal Translucency is assessed to rule out Cystic Hygroma and other diseases like Down Syndrome and trisomy 18. I don't think he has had or have anyone of these diseases. He had the normal last trimester scans and assays including diagnostic amniocentesis, microassays, and brain scans (so no major defects including neural tube defects). Please don't worry much and keep on trying with him. In the couple of months ahead, he will hopefully be on the track at his own. Hope it helps. Please Feel free to ask me further queries if you have, related to anyone at home. For future reference simply click on my direct link: tinyurl.com/drhanifmd for a fast and detailed medical help. Regards!