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Symptom Checker

Leg Injuries in Children

A leg injury is damage to the bones, joints, muscles, tendons or other tissues of the leg. It can cause pain, swelling, bruising, limping or difficulty bearing weight.

Falls, sports, twisting injuries and direct blows are common causes. Fractures, sprains, strains, dislocations and soft-tissue injuries can all affect the leg.

Call a nurse All symptoms

AAP Guide to Leg Injuries in Children

The AAP guide below explains first aid and which leg injuries need medical evaluation.

AAP Symptom CheckerLeg injury

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Symptom CheckerLeg injury New tab

When to see a doctor

Contact your pediatrician or another healthcare professional if:

  • Your child cannot stand or walk normally.
  • The leg looks crooked or develops significant swelling.
  • Pain is severe or continues to worsen.
  • Your child has numbness, tingling or weakness.
  • The foot becomes pale, blue or unusually cold.

Call 911 or get emergency care if:

  • The injury caused severe deformity, major bleeding or loss of circulation.
  • Your child has a severe trauma or another life-threatening emergency.

Talk to a nurse now, at any hour

When can my child be seen

Be seen today.

Every office keeps same-day appointments for illness and injury.

This evening or at the weekend.

Most offices run After Hours Care, by appointment rather than walk-in.

If you are worried, call. We would rather answer a question that turns out to be nothing.

More on knocks, pain and injuries

See the rest of this group and all 164 symptoms