Limp

If your child has any of the following:

Go to the nearest Hospital Emergency (A&E) Department or phone 999

If your child has any of the following:

Please ring your GP surgery or call NHS 111 - dial 111

If your child:

continues to have pain/limp that is slowly improving but he/she is otherwise well.

Continue providing your child’s care at home. If you are still concerned about your child, call NHS 111 – dial 111

How can I help my child?

Use painkillers such as ibuprofen and paracetamol to keep your child comfortable - please read and follow the instructions on the medicine container

If your child starts limping, it's usually the sign of a minor injury such as a sprain. However, if they haven't had any obvious injury, they may need to be seen by a healthcare professional to look for other possible causes.
Irritable hip (also known as Transient Synovitis) is a common childhood condition that causes symptoms of hip pain and limping.
However, irritable hip shares some of the symptoms of more serious hip conditions, such as septic arthritis (an infection inside the hip).

If your child develops a temperature above 38.5°C, their pain is no better after 48 hours or they are unable to put any weight on their leg, they need to be seen urgently by your GP.

Give your child ibuprofen for a few days. You can also give paracetamol to help with the pain.
Your child should rest as much as possible until the symptoms have resolved. You can then allow your child to gradually return to their usual activities.

Your child should start getting better within a couple of days.
If they are not better within 48 hours, or not back to normal within 7 days, you should arrange for them to be seen by your GP.

This guidance is written by healthcare professionals from across Hampshire, Dorset and the Isle of Wight.