What can cause joint pains in children?

When a child complains of joint or leg pains, parents or caregivers may be concerned. Usually, the discomfort will simply be growing pains that will go away on their own. However, people should be aware of the signs and symptoms that may indicate something more serious.

The common childhood leg pain occurs due to muscle pains which are also known as growing pains. The muscles of the legs that grow and enlarge to support the weight can cause leg pain in children.

Leg pain in children can have several causes, so getting it checked out right away is essential. Other possible causes of leg pain that may be more serious can include juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA), lupus, Lyme disease, and leukemia. Below are some specific age-related symptoms.

Children are supposed to grow, but sometimes that growth comes with pain. In this article, we look at what we commonly refer to as ‘growing pains,’ what they are, and how people can treat them at home. We also cover other possible causes of joint pains in children and when to see a doctor.

What are growing pains?

More than 30 percent of school children experience chronic musculoskeletal pain. In around half of these children, the pain is due to growing pains, also known as benign growth pains. Growing pains are one of the most common health conditions treated by pediatric chiropractors in physical therapy emerson.

Growing pains are common among children between the ages of 3 and 15. They happen when a child’s growth spurts cause painful muscle spasms. The pain may be felt in the thighs, calves, arms, or shoulders.

Growing pains typically occur in the thigh and calf muscles or behind the knees, but sometimes can also happen in the arms. Though most often seen in children ages 3-11, they may also affect teens and adults. Such pains may be caused by various medical conditions, and if you suspect that your child's discomfort is more serious than a case of growing pains, contact your doctor.

Characteristics of growing pains may include:

  • they occur in the evening or night and typically resolving by morning
  • they are severe enough to wake a child from sleep
  • they usually affect both legs rather than one
  • they happen intermittently or several nights in a row
  • they are often accompanied by headaches or abdominal pain

Growing pains are defined as pains occurring in the legs, arms, back, hips or abdominal wall in growing children. The pain appears to be caused by bursts of unexplained

Physical activity is important for children's health and development. Excessive physical activity and overuse injuries in early childhood can also negatively impact growth and development. Growing pains occur in children as a result of their age-appropriate active lifestyle and overuse injuries.

If your child experiences hip pain, you realize that it can be very upsetting. We all want our child to be able to run around and play with no pain, right? Here are some things to consider when growing pains are affecting your son or daughter.

Growing pains are a common condition that affect the lower limbs of children from the age of 1 to 8 years old. Individuals suffer from a mild pain in the legs, usually after an intense physical exercise. Often, the child’s legs will be warm and red in color.

They should also consult a doctor if the joint pains occur alongside any of the following symptoms:

  • swollen, red, or tender joints
  • recent injury
  • limping or trouble walking
  • fever
  • weight loss
  • rash
  • loss of appetite
  • fatigue or weakness

The doctor will conduct a physical exam and may need to run tests to find the underlying cause.


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