Toddler in lots of pain /won't bear weight on leg

[gomez]

Okay, DS (almost 15 month) injured this afternoon, I didn't see what happened but lots of wailing and when I reached him he was on hands and knees attempting to stand-up. Couldn't - cue hysterical crying etc. Calmed him down, gave some Nurofen and got him to sleep for about 15 mins, lots of whimpering etc. whenever he moved. Woke up, more wailing called GP then took to A & E for x-ray. Hip was x-rayed, inconclusive bring back in a week.

He is fairly okay (but doped on Ibuprofen, was given a bumper dose at A&E) when not moving but can't bear any weight on his leg at all - like he moves and screams.

I am not confident in the Doctor who saw us at A&E - she couldn't explain what could be causing such pain if x-ray clear.

Can anyone here tell me what could be causing him such problems. Also I am not prepared to wait a week if he continues in the same way, so how long would you leave it if he was still in significant pain? Honest it is heartbreaking and he is my third so no PFB here honest? Can I go back to A& E do you think?

Any advise/experience welcome - even to tell me to stop being a silly mare!

I'd have him back to A&E as soon as you can, to be honest. He shouldn't have to be in that kind of pain for a week.

Definately take him back for a 2nd opinion.
Poor little thing

I would go back to A&E if I were you tbh. Better to be safe than sorry as they say.
If the nurofen isn't taking the pain away I would seriously consider talking him back now.

It might be something that an 2nd x-ray would show or even a scan. Imo get him back to A&E in the morning if you can get him through the night. You don't want the pain-relief to mask pain and make an injury worse (my mother had an undiagnosed broken hip for 10 days!)

He could have ligament and soft tissue damage which is extremely painful and wouldn't show up on the traditional xray. Take him back to A and E or you G.P's he shouldnt be in pain like that and not be able to weight bear.

Gomez - my dd did something similar in August although she was a little older (2.3) She stumbled down a few steps and was in similar pain and unable to walk.

A&E x-rayed her leg but it came back clear and we were told to watch her, give pain relief as needed and to attend the clinic later that week.

Within a few days it was showing signs of improving (although still not able to stand at all) so we didn't bother with the clinic. It was at least 2 weeks before she was walking again. I am convinced now that it was her heel not her leg that was damaged. She could put weight on her toes long before she could put her foot down.

hope your ds is better soon.

Thank you - he is now asleep and has been for about 30 mins. So not unreasonable to return to A & E in the morning if he is still in such pain? I am slightly concerened that they only x-rayed his hip/groin area - what about the rest of his leg?

Was curious if anyone had experience of similar and could perhaps suggest what else could be causing it.

Heated your poor mother, my goodness 10 days, I can understand a broken toe/foot type thing but her hip.

Thanks again - might have a wee Google know although I SO know I shouldn't

Just to add, I've popped a knee socket a few times which is incredibly painful for a few days, which your lo may have done, but I'd still go back tomorrow if your lo is no better.

x-post Tiggerish fairly similar scenario then. Intresting, thanks.

Since you are fairly confident he was injured I would take him back. Ds1 jumped off the sofa and fractured his arm but it took 3 trips to A&E before they discovered this.

It would certainly not be the first time I'd heard of someone being sent home from A&E with the 'all clear' only to back and find a break or fracture.

Your poor little ds.

He came down the stairs Elphaba hence no doubt on the injury aspect - in fact I think his rather shady looking big sister might have been carrying him downstairs but I didn't persue that line of enquiry as if she was the lesson has been well and truely drilled home.

I will I think go back to A & E in the morning if he is still in such pain.

Thanks again.

Something similar happened with my DD last year and the hospital said that although they couldn't see a break, she probably had a fracture, come back in a few days to the fracture clinic blah blah blah. It turned out that she had septic arthritis (an infection in the joint which is treatable, but which needs treating quickly), but as she had no fever the day we first took her to hospital they missed it. I'm not saying this is the issue here, but your son is in pain and so needs looking at again. I think you should take him back in the morning and ask to see the orthapaedic registrar who is on call.

Ah - didn't see your last post about likely stair-related clause. Prob not infection then but still worth getting him seen by a specialist IMO.

Cause, not clause.

Update - thanks for all your opinions last night. Took him back this morning to much huffing and puffing in A & E. Soft tissue injury blah blah. Eventually they x-rayed his lower leg to discover a very obvious buckle fracture of his tibia. In a temp. cast and back to ortho clinic tomorrow.

I was/am furious that a whole leg x-ray wasn't done last night. Anyhoo, the Boy is much more comfortable and big sister is very contrite and helpful.

Message withdrawn

That makes me very angry for you. I am glad he is now on the right track for recovery x

Thanks. I veer between feeling sick at the wee scone suffering last night and this morning, absolute fury at the Hospital and myself for being placated by them and relief that he is now sorted.

I will have my say to the Ortho Consultant tomorrow and will follow up with a formal letter of complaint - if only to assauge my guilt.

Feel for you especially when I think of initial response "wait one week and come back"
DISGUSTING

Pleased he is now sorted and more comfortable.

gomez

Poor little guy ,glad you got him sorted eventually although he shouldn't have had to suffer .

Have you complained?

You need to contact pals dept and ask for a discussion with consultant. Tell them that you would like this investigated as to why the doctor didn't examine the whole leg.

mistakes happen but when your lo can't weight bear then there is usually a pretty good reason.

Angry for you

Haven't complained as yet but will begin the procedure tomorrow when I see the ortho consultant. I am thinking they should have a protocol for dealing with different types of injury etc. - i.e. toddler can't stand - x-ray whole leg not just bloody half of it so am hoping to request a copy of this and compare to treatment DS received and go from there.

What is PALS? I am in Scotland if that makes any difference?

I am so angry with myself too thou' I knew something was not right and should have fought DS corner better .

Do not blame yourself gomez you did the right thing by taking him in the first place.

Oh gomez don't be hard on yourself. When a medical "professional" tells me something I believe them. You went back quickly and fought for him. Glad it's getting sorted.