Does slipped capital femoral epiphysis cause limping?

Slipped Capital Femoral Epiphysis happens when the head of the thigh bone shifts through the growth plate near the hip. Pain may be felt in the hip, groin, thigh, or knee, and the child may turn the leg outward or have reduced hip movement. The limp can be mild at first or become more obvious with walking. Because pain may be felt at the knee rather than the hip, an apparently isolated knee complaint should still be assessed when walking changes.

Stop running, jumping, and sports until a clinician has assessed the child. Arrange prompt medical review rather than waiting for the limp to settle. The examination may compare both hips and assess walking, while imaging helps evaluate the growth plate. If this condition is suspected, keeping weight off the affected leg may be advised while awaiting specialist care. Do not force hip stretches or allow the child to test the leg through pain.

Seek urgent assessment for a child or teenager who suddenly cannot bear weight, has severe hip or thigh pain, or develops a rapidly worsening limp. Urgent care is also appropriate with fever, marked swelling, significant pain after an injury, or a leg that appears shortened or turned outward. These features can have several causes, so they require examination rather than a conclusion based on limping alone.

Ask whether the hip or knee needs imaging, whether weight should be avoided, whether the other hip needs evaluation, and which activities are safe while awaiting specialist advice.