20 month old son suddenly walks with a limp without pain or swelling, what could the cause be?

Hello Anonymous,

Welcome to EmpowHER. Thank you for reaching out to our community with your concern about your son.

Is your pediatrician aware of this? When did you first notice he walked with a limp? Did he fall prior to the development of the limp? Does he have any other health conditions?

Usually a limp is caused by minor injury and will get better by itself. Limping that lasts longer than a week and is not getting better on its own presents several challenges to parents and doctors.

According to the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons,
"The most common cause of limping is a minor injury. Injuries in children are usually obvious, but persistent limping after an injury can be a sign that there is an underlying fracture (broken bone).

After injury, infections and inflammatory conditions are the next most common causes of limping in children.

Viral or bacterial infections can settle in growing bones and adjacent joints, and often will cause pain and limping in younger children.

Many types of inflammatory disease, such as juvenile arthritis, can affect joints and cause pain, swelling, and limping.

Transient synovitis/toxic synovitis. Some illnesses cause increased inflammation throughout the body, and joints may temporarily swell and become painful."

Please speak with your pediatrician. Do let us know what the doctor thinks is the cause.

Regards,
Maryann