Causes and risk factors
Limping is caused due to a disease or injury of the lower extremity. Any affection of the bones, muscles, nerves, or blood vessels can contribute to the same. It can be caused either due to some acute or chronic causes. Simple pain or weakness of the lower extremity; sprain, strain, injury, or fracture to the lower extremity are the major acute factors which can cause limping. Chronically, a variety of diseases of the bone or of the nerves can result in limping. Some of the common bone diseases involved are arthritis, scoliosis, Perthes disease, and developmental dysplasia of hip. Damage or injury to the nerves or diseases of the central nervous system are other contributing causes. Cerebral palsy is one of the common diseases. An unexplained limping can occur in children due to certain conditions like juvenile arthritis, irritable hip, or severe viral infection.
Clinical presentation:
As the name suggests, asymmetrical abnormality in the gait is seen. The person walks with one leg over another. A bend at the knee joint or at the level of waist is seen. Limping caused due to acute causes are often associated with pain, swelling or muscular weakness, etc. In most of the chronic cases, no other associated complaints can be seen. However, irrespective of the cause, limping often leads to social embarrassment and in most of the cases a physical dependency on others for some of the movements.
Investigations:
Diagnosis is done on the basis of the symptoms narrated by the patient. A local examination is carried out by the orthopedic doctor. Various investigations can be advised as per the individual case in order to find out the underlying cause. It comprises of an x-ray, CT scan, or MRI of the lower extremity. Routine and specialized blood tests along with certain other investigations can also be advised.
Treatment:
The treatment plan depends upon the causation. Treating the underlying cause will help resolve the symptom. In cases of acute causes like sprain, strains, or simple trauma, appropriate medications are administered. It comprises of pain relieving medications. In severe cases like fractures, cast application or surgical intervention is done. In some cases, use of crutches or a stick for support is advised in order to distribute the weight and help walking with ease. In chronic cases where limping is caused due to some nerve affection, a neurological consultation is needed.
Other Modes of treatment:
Certain yoga exercises or physical exercises under a trained physiotherapist will help to strengthen the muscles and improve the flexibility.
When to contact a doctor:
Seek an advice from an orthopedic doctor if one experiences any abnormality or difficulty while walking.
System Involved: Musculoskeletal system, nervous system, circulatory system
Organ involved: bones, muscles, and nerves, joint.
