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Original poster

My son is wonky

172 replies

PlayingSolitaire · 29/09/2015 18:45

My 8 year old developed a limp at the beginning of term. It came on quite badly and he complained his thigh hurt, but the pain and the limp gradually got better over a week and half. However, he is still limping - it looks like his left leg is shorter than his right one or that he is wonky over to the left side and I have noticed his left foot is slightly turned inwards sometimes. His gait has never been the smoothest, but looks worse now (or am I paranoid and noticing it more now?)

I took him to the doctor after he had been limping for a couple of weeks and she manipulated his legs a bit but couldn't find anything wrong. She said to come back in a couple of weeks if he is still limping and he might have to have an x-Ray. She mentioned there was something that could affect short children (which my son is). The two weeks ar nearly up, so looks like I will be taking my son back to see the doctor again.

Anyone's child had a long term limp/ turned in foot? Anyone know what the doctor was talking about that affects short children and causes a limp?

I think it might still be hurting him, but he doesn't want to admit to it as he thinks that he's going to have to have his legs chopped off...

OP posts:
Witchend · 30/09/2015 13:53

There is a virus that can cause hip pain in young children, I've sat in A&E next to various children that were waiting tests for this. It's particularly common in boys aged 5-10yo.

Ds did some damage to his foot/ankle when he was a toddler. Initially couldn't put any weight on it, then when he started walking his foot was totally turned in. One day he put his foot down and walked properly and was fine. I assume it initially hurt and the he got into the habit of walking that way.

Original poster
PlayingSolitaire · 03/10/2015 18:16

Thanks for your reply. I don't think it's a virus as he hasn't been ill at all (no temperature or anything). Also he hasn't had an accident as far as he remembers or I am aware.

We saw the doctor again and now have been referred to have a femer x-ray to check there is nothing wrong with his bones (hip?).

OP posts:
AnyFucker · 03/10/2015 18:21

He needs an X ray

It could be Perthes disease

AnyFucker · 03/10/2015 18:22

Or slipped upper femoral epiphysis (SUFE)

Original poster
PlayingSolitaire · 03/10/2015 18:29

Thanks AF. I had googled and read about Perthes. I hope not Sad, although it certainly fits (including his shortness). I am off to google SUFE now.

The GP mentioned a (very very slim) possibility he might be sent to A&E after his x Ray if something showed up. Any idea what might warrant that? It was a very scarey suggestion.

OP posts:
AnyFucker · 03/10/2015 18:54

if they felt there was an active infection in the joint he might need to be admitted for IV antibiotics

all these things are treatable, lovey (but worrying until you know what it is, of course)

Original poster
PlayingSolitaire · 03/10/2015 20:04

Ah ok, that's quite reassuring. The GP didn't think that would happen, but when she mentioned it I was left a bit worried about what she thought could be wrong with him, especially as we can't have the X-ray until Monday!

OP posts:
AnyFucker · 03/10/2015 20:05

if it is Perthes or SUFE it is ok to wait until Monday for the Xray

if he becomes unwell or the pain becomes much worse before then though, take him to A+E yourself

Original poster
PlayingSolitaire · 03/10/2015 20:22

Thank you. I am so glad I posted, so reassuring!

He isn't in pain, more discomfort I think and only really when walking. Not unwell at all at the moment.

OP posts:
AnyFucker · 03/10/2015 20:23

Good luck

Original poster
PlayingSolitaire · 12/10/2015 14:44

The x Ray results are back at the doctors and they have referred him for an MRI scan. From what the receptionist read out to me, it sounds like they saw something on his femur.

What could they have seen which would lead to an MRI scan needing to be done? Could it still be pointing at Perthes? Or does an MRI scan mean something else?

I am a bit worried and freaked out now.

OP posts:
ImperialBlether · 12/10/2015 14:47

Sorry I can't help you, Solitaire, but I really hope you get good news. It must be very worrying.

Flowers
Original poster
PlayingSolitaire · 12/10/2015 15:59

Thank you!

OP posts:
villainousbroodmare · 12/10/2015 16:04

I'm sure you are reassuring him that everything will be sorted out and that he must tell you when something is sore.

Smile
goldglittershitter · 12/10/2015 16:13

Sorry I've no advice but hope all goes well. I kno how scary things like this r , Flowers for u.

madmotherof2 · 12/10/2015 16:21

No pearls of wisdom here but wanted to wish you and your son good luck!

Original poster
PlayingSolitaire · 12/10/2015 18:12

Thanks all.

I have been reassuring him a bit, but he's not very interested (and I don't want to make a big thing of it if he's not too worried). He isn't really in pain at the moment as far as I am aware, just saying his knees are a bit sore sometimes, and actually isn't limping as much but he is crooked.

OP posts:
Mrsmorton · 12/10/2015 18:30

I always get a warm fuzzy feeling when AF is around.

When I was at school there were a number of people with something wrong with their knees, osgood schlatters or some such?

Glad DS in't too worried playing hope you get it sorted soon.

didireallysaythat · 12/10/2015 18:41

DS was diagnosed with Perthes. Three years later they changed their minds. We happened upon a physiotherapist who manipulated his legs (in much the same way that four consultants at Addenbrookes had) and declared he'd never had Perthes. Just very very short ham strings resulting in pain and a limp. If you have a walk-in Physio maybe worth checking while you wait for hospital apt ?

Wizzysmum1 · 12/10/2015 18:47

My son who is 8 woke up last year with awful hip/ leg pain and as he does a lot of sport we thought he had overdone it. However he said he couldn't walk and seemed genus so my husband took up to a &e who ?x rayed him and it turned out he had fluid on his hip. He was booked in and they wanted to do an mri. They thought it was possible perthes as it is happens in Boyd aged 5-10 but in thr end after 3 check ups and follow up scans it was irritable hip which is very common in boys - please try not to worry as hard as it is x

Original poster
PlayingSolitaire · 14/10/2015 18:49

Just to update the thread, in case people are interested. I spoke to the doctors again. Apparently he has an urgent referral in to see a specialist who can then refer him for an MRI. The urgent referral is because of the (apparently very small) chance of cancer as they saw a periosteal reaction on his femur.

I am in denial at the moment- I cannot, cannot accept the possibility.

OP posts:
iwantavuvezela · 14/10/2015 18:55

I can imagine how worried you must be, some virtual handholding for you. heres hoping you get the answers soon

Trumpetmum101 · 14/10/2015 19:12

I am so sorry for you and you're son. I hope the news isn't as such

AnyFucker · 14/10/2015 19:15

Just seen your last couple of updates. I hope your son gets the MR scan very soon and that your mind is put at rest. You poor thing. Flowers

SolsburyHell · 14/10/2015 19:18

Try and focus on the fact that it is only a tiny chance. I hope that all turns out well for you and your boy.

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