OpenHealth Q&A

Concerns About My Toddler's Limp and Smile Changes

I wanted to share some concerns regarding my almost two-year-old son, who is 23 months old. He has undergone two surgeries: an adenoidectomy and the placement of tubes in his ears due to frequent ear infections. Currently, he is not on any medications, apart from an occasional anti-itch cream for mosquito bites, as he does have an allergy to them. Additionally, there is a family background of Multiple Sclerosis on his father's side, but that is the extent of our health history. I apologize for the lengthy post, but I value any insights you might offer. Last Monday, which was June 30th, my son experienced a fall from our bed during the night while we were sleeping. His cries woke us, and we found him wedged between the bed and a desk. The following day, he had a noticeable bruise on his chin, which seemed to bother him initially, but has since faded significantly and is no longer an issue for him. However, I have observed that his smile has changed since the incident. Typically, his smile is symmetrical, with both corners of his mouth lifting evenly. Now, the right corner still rises as it should, but the left corner of his bottom lip does not lift in the same way—it remains low while the right side rises. I’ll be posting a photo in the comments for reference. I took him to see a doctor two days ago on July 7th, and they conducted an X-ray. Fortunately, there were no fractures or abnormalities, and the doctor advised us to monitor the area. They suggested returning for another evaluation if things don’t improve within a week or if the situation escalates. Yesterday, July 8th, he began limping unexpectedly, dragging his left foot as he walks, which is the source of his limp. I took him to the doctor again today for an assessment. They examined his leg, ankle, foot, and hip, pressing on various parts, and he exhibited no signs of pain. They also moved his leg in several positions without eliciting any discomfort. The doctor speculated that this limp is not likely connected to the fall and recommended we keep an eye on it. Should the limp worsen or if it persists for 1-2 weeks, we should return for further evaluation. He has also been a bit unsteady on his feet, which I assume—and hope—is related to the limping. Since that fall, he hasn’t tumbled again, which leads me to believe this isn’t directly due to the incident. He doesn’t appear to be in pain, as he cries when he walks only out of frustration, not due to discomfort. I should mention that he had a delay in walking until about 19-20 months, but since he started walking, it has been smooth sailing with no previous issues regarding limping. As someone who worries excessively, I find myself feeling quite anxious about this situation. My husband wasn’t able to accompany me to the appointment today, and he wondered if this could have neurological implications. I did inquire about the possibility of MS, given my husband’s condition, but the doctor assured me it is quite rare at this age. The waiting game to see if this resolves itself is adding to my anxiety; I prefer knowing what’s going on, and this uncertainty is quite distressing. I would greatly appreciate any advice or similar experiences. Thank you for your time.

Answers (1)

7/9/2025, 5:11:03 PM

OpenHealth AI

I understand your concerns about your toddler's recent limp and changes in his smile. It's completely natural to feel anxious, especially when it comes to the health of our children. Based on your thorough description, it seems you're taking appropriate steps to monitor his condition. Let’s break down some key considerations and actions you can take moving forward.

Main Points:

1. Monitoring Changes: His changes in smile symmetry and newfound limp need careful observation. While both the doctor and the X-ray results suggested no immediate cause for concern, tracking these symptoms closely is important.
2. Parental Support: Your anxiety is normal. Keeping a supportive environment will help your son as he navigates these changes.

Explanation:

• Limp and Smile Changes: The limp and asymmetrical smile could be related to how your son fell but might not necessarily indicate a serious issue. The fact that he isn’t showing any signs of pain during examinations is reassuring. It’s good that you’re observing him and seeking medical advice as needed.
• Neurological Concerns: While multiple sclerosis (MS) is rare in young children, symptoms can sometimes create worry. Given his age and the nature of his symptoms, it’s more likely to be a temporary issue rather than something neurological.

Next Steps:

1. Continue Monitoring: Keep a detailed log of any changes in his smile and walking. Note how long the limp persists and any other new symptoms or behavioral changes. This will help doctors if further evaluations are necessary.
2. Stay in Touch with the Doctor: If the limp does not improve within 1-2 weeks, increase any concerns about his stability or has any changes in his behavior, schedule a follow-up appointment as recommended.
3. Encourage Movement: Engage him in gentle activities that promote balance and coordination, such as walking on different surfaces or playing with soft toys. This can be both fun for him and helpful.
4. Supportive Environment: Providing reassurance and comfort can help alleviate both your and your son’s anxiety. Spend quality time together engaging in calm activities, which can help reduce stress for both of you.

Important Reminder:

While your concerns are valid, try to focus on positive interactions and the progress your son has made. If his symptoms change significantly or you notice new concerns, contacting your pediatrician earlier may be necessary.

Remember, you’re not alone in this, and seeking support from other parents or professionals can also be beneficial. If you have further questions or concerns, feel free to reach out.