My sixteen month old woke up several days ago unable to stand. After several minutes of fussing and attempting to stand, he was able to regain his balance. However, he was was walking with a limp and not putting his weight on his right leg. This is a baby who took his first steps at 9 months and has never had ANY issues with walking or movement of any kind.
We immediately took him to the pediatrician who thought it was most likely toxic synovitis and was inflammation of the hip joint. She recommended we watch it for a few days. There were no changes. Today we went for x-rays of the hip, foot and ankle, and all results were negative. His condition has not changed or improved in 4 days.
Everything I have read indicates he has unilateral tiptoe gait - but WHY? And, why would it have happened so suddenly? Currently, the doctors just want us to keep waiting to see what happens, but I am so worried that this is something neurological. My main concerned is that it literally happened overnight. My baby seems completely oblivious to the change in his walking - he shows NO pain and it has not slowed him down one bit. Anyone have advice or similar experience? Thanks!