3 year old woke up with a limp

[Movingonuppppp]

No fever, no cold nothing but she can't walk on her leg and says her knee hurts. I'm so scared. What should I do?

[Snap8TheCat]

What are you scared about?

At not even 7am I would give it a while, she may have slept funny or something. Often my kids will be right as rain by lunchtime if they wake with something aching.

[Snap8TheCat]

Oh and give her some pain relief if you haven't already.

[LittleBird74]

This happened to my son on a couple of occasions, give calpol and see how it goes.
It is worth getting checked at the doctor if it doesn't ease.
Don't panic! She has most likely slept funny or hurt it yesterday.

[Hunkle]

Pins & needles?

Get her to lay on bed/sofa, Give it a massage and get all the blood flowing.

Did she fall on it/jump/run/bike/scooter.

Any swelling.

Does it hurt when you press it.

Anything on the bottom of the foot? Splinter?

[bonzo77]

If not gone once she's up and about she needs an urgent gp appt today. Possible septic arthritis. Friends daughter had it aged 2 and needed IV antibiotics.

[Ifailed]

could be growing pains www.nhs.uk/conditions/growing-pains/Pages/Introduction.aspx , but best to get her to the GP.

[Movingonuppppp]

I'm worried about things like septic arthritis.
I have put a warm compress on it. She is fine in herself, eating, drinking etc but an hour on and she still can't walk on it.

[MrsKCastle]

My DD had septic arthritis as a toddler. I would get her a GP appointment for today. They will be very happy to take a look. Is the knee swollen, red or hot at all? Even if not, a sudden unexplained limp should be checked out.

[Movingonuppppp]

No swelling. I'm so worried

[Falconhoof1]

Definitely take to GP. But my DS also woke up with a limp one day about that age. GP took it v seriously and he was given hospital referral etc. It then just went away after a few weeks!

[ScarlettDarling]

Ok, as an anxiety sufferer, I know this is easier said than done but take a deep breath and try to calm down!

This could be a million things, mostly very minor. Most probable would be that she's twisted or sprained something yesterday which is hurting today. It could be a cramp, growing pains or something like irritable hip.

If she's still complaining when your gp surgery opens, ring them and explain that you need to be seen today. If they won't see you, go to a walk in centre. But honestly, try to relax. If your daughter is happy and otherwise wel, that's a great sign.

Let us know how you get on.

[Fitzsimmons]

My son had irritable hip at that age, it's quite common. When he had it he complained of leg pain and limped, but when he lay down flat on his back and we tried to move his leg from his hip joint it was clear that the pain was there.

It's worth giving the doctor a ring, mine gave me an action plan in case it turned into something more nasty.

[Movingonuppppp]

Thanks girls. I'm on the verge of an anxiety breakdown. Time is going slow and I'm willing it on so I can call the doctors. I find it so hard to cope in these situations especially as I have to get other kids to school and maintain normality when I'm a nervous wreck

[Herechickychicky]

OP it's great you're getting her checked but your anxiety around this seems disproportionate.

Are you more anxious than usual generally at the moment?

[Hunkle]

Is there a minor injuries unit near you? Or a walk in centre? Ours open at 8.00.

[Movingonuppppp]

I suffer from health anxiety. And any single ache or pain sends me off the scale. This has sent me into the stratosphere

[MrsKCastle]

Try not to worry, most likely scenario is that it's slightly twisted or something as Scarlett says. If the GP isn't worried, ask them how/why they ruled out septic arthritis, just to put your mind at rest.

Do prepare for a possible referral to A&E and long wait though- pack plenty of snacks, tablet, toys etc just in case. And try not to google.

[Spottyparrot99]

Hi- my boy had a limp when he was about 18 months. Gp sent us to a and e to have a quick blood test as there was a tiny tiny possibility it might have been some kind of infection in the hip socket. It wasn't and he was fine. Worth checking out though! He just was limping. Stopped after that!

[cestlavielife]

Probably she twisted it
Really don't panic it s most likely simple explanation

[ScarlettDarling]

Did you get through to the gp?

[ImSorryAuntLydia]

I had this with dd1 at about the same age. Couldn't bear weight, crying and couldn't walk. I got an emergency appt at GPS within a couple of hours. Had to carry her in from the car. We were in the waiting room and she walked over to the toys. Got into the drs office and she showed off her best hopping .

I hope it resolves as easily for you OP.

[NeilTheSloth]

It’s always the way ImSorry - my dad likes to tell the story about how my DSis was so ill when she was about 2.5, fever, lethargic, barely responsive. My DPs were so freaked out they actually got the Dr to do a home visit, upon which he was treated to my DSis jumping about showing off her toys. They still look mortified when they talk about it now

Definitely get it checked out OP, but hopefully these 2 stories ease your anxiety a little!

[Movingonuppppp]

The GP wasn't concerned after checking her over. She is completely well in herself and didn't show any major response when he twisted and bent her knee. He said to give her calpol and nurofen and then see how she is later. He said sometimes when kids experience pain in there knees they are then scared to walk or use their knee for fear of the pain more than having actual pain. So we'll see. I will see how she is at the end of the day.

You gorgeous lot are always so helpful. Thank you. Will let you know how she is later.

[ScarlettDarling]

Glad the gp wasn't too concerned. Give it a day or two and if she's still complaining maybe go back.

[kittytom]

Hope she is ok OP. Just wanted to add that the same thing happened to my DS over the summer, he woke up and couldn't put weight on it. We went to the GP who sent us to a&e to rule out an infection. But it was a sprain - weirdly, as he had been walking on hours the day before, which is when we eventually figured out he must have done it. Anyway it went fairly soon after that although I think he has a bit of a weak ankle now.