Limping

Limping is a pattern of altered gait in which a person favors one leg or takes shorter steps on one side, resulting in a slower or irregular walking pace. It can arise from pain, weakness, stiffness, or balance problems, and may be acute or chronic.

Common causes include injuries to the lower limb such as ankle sprains, foot fractures, or muscle strains; infections of joints or bones; inflammatory or degenerative joint diseases; and conditions affecting nerve or muscle control. In children, specific conditions such as hip or knee problems, intoeing, or transient synovitis can cause limping, while adults more often experience limping from arthritis, tendinopathies, or injuries. Neurological disorders, leg length discrepancies, and referred pain from the back or pelvis can also contribute.

Evaluation typically involves a focused history and physical examination, with attention to which leg is affected, onset and duration, activities that worsen or improve symptoms, fever, swelling, deformity, and weight-bearing ability. Diagnostic tests may include X-rays, ultrasound, or MRI, guided by suspected causes. Blood tests are considered when infection or inflammatory disease is suspected.

Management aims to treat the underlying cause and relieve symptoms. This may involve rest or immobilization for injuries, analgesics or anti-inflammatories, physical therapy, and targeted treatment for infections or inflammatory conditions. Acute red flags prompting urgent care include severe pain, inability to bear weight, fever, significant swelling, deformity, or suspected fracture.

Most limp episodes improve with appropriate care, though persistent or recurrent limping may require further evaluation by a clinician or specialist.