The limping child

• Red flags:

  • Pain waking child at night - malignancy
  • Redness, swelling or stiffness - infection or inflammation
  • Weight loss, anorexia, fever, night sweats or fatigue - malignancy, infection or inflammation
  • Unexplained rash or bruising - haematological or inflammatory joint disease, or maltreatment
  • Worse in morning - inflammation
  • Unable to bear weight or painful limitation of motion - trauma or infection
  • Severe pain, anxiety and agitation after traumatic injury - compartment syndrome
  • Palpable mass - malignancy or infection