Could COVID-19 cause a sudden inability to walk in children?

Reviewed by Yoshinori Abe, MD

Internal Medicine

COVID-19 can, in rare cases, cause sudden difficulty walking in children. This typically occurs when the virus affects muscle strength, nerve function, or coordination, and may present alongside other symptoms such as fatigue, muscle pain, or weakness. While uncommon, post-viral complications like myositis or neurological inflammation have been reported in pediatric patients following COVID-19 infection.

Because sudden walking difficulty in a child can signal several possible conditions—ranging from mild post-viral effects to more serious neurological concerns—early evaluation is important. Taking a free, instant, online symptom check can help you identify likely causes, understand urgency, and decide on the right next steps for your child's care.

Reviewed for medical accuracy: 07/15/2026

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COVID-19, like other viruses, can affect children's muscles and joints, causing pain, weakness, and difficulty walking. Research shows that COVID-19 may also impact the nervous system, leading to coordination and movement problems in children (Singer et al.). In some cases, hospitalized children who develop long COVID experience persistent motor skill difficulties (Asadi-Pooya et al.). These COVID-19 complications are uncommon but possible. Nonetheless, many other conditions can also cause sudden walking difficulties and should be considered. If your child is experiencing trouble walking or other concerning symptoms, you can check their symptoms with our free AI-powered tool and see a healthcare provider for proper evaluation and treatment.

(References)

Giraudo C, Fichera G, Pilati L, Cortinovis AL, Cavallin C, Bertin S, Zuliani M, Cecchin D. COVID-19 musculoskeletal involvement in children. Front Pediatr. 2023 May 19;11:1200877. doi: 10.3389/fped.2023.1200877. PMID: 37274814; PMCID: PMC10235627.
Singer TG, Evankovich KD, Fisher K, Demmler-Harrison GJ, Risen SR. Coronavirus Infections in the Nervous System of Children: A Scoping Review Making the Case for Long-Term Neurodevelopmental Surveillance. Pediatr Neurol. 2021 Apr;117:47-63. doi: 10.1016/j.pediatrneurol.2021.01.007. Epub 2021 Jan 29. PMID: 33676141; PMCID: PMC7988307.
Asadi-Pooya AA, Nemati M, Nemati H. 'Long COVID': Symptom persistence in children hospitalised for COVID-19. J Paediatr Child Health. 2022 Oct;58(10):1836-1840. doi: 10.1111/jpc.16120. Epub 2022 Jul 19. PMID: 35851732; PMCID: PMC9349535.

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