Hip Problems, Age 11 and Younger
When To See a Doctor
You have answered Yes to:
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?
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 2 days 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.
| Author: | Jan Nissl, RN, BS | Last Updated: December 15, 2006 |
| Medical Review: | Michael J. Sexton, MD - Pediatrics Thomas Emmett Francoeur, MDCM, CSPQ, FRCPC - Pediatrics | |
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