A 14-Year-Old Boy Who Is Overweight Develops a Unilateral Limp

A 14-year-old boy who is overweight develops a unilateral limp with pain in the hip and knee on the affected side. An exam reveals external rotation of the hip when flexed and pain associated with attempts to internally rotate the hip. What is most important initially when managing this child's condition?

A) Place the child on crutches or in a wheelchair to prevent weight-bearing.
B) Provide information about weight loss to minimize further injury.
C) Recommend seeing an orthopedic specialist as soon as possible.
D) Refer the child to physical therapy to improve range of motion.