It is very concerning when your child complains about joint or leg pains. Sometimes, joint pain goes away on its own, but it can stay for a long period. Some different signs and symptoms indicate some serious conditions.
The best child specialists in Rawalpindi share that growing pains in kids are very common as it occurs in different areas of the body, such as calves, behind the knees, and in the thighs. There could be any serious reason for the joint pain, such as lupus, Lyme disease, leukemia, juvenile idiopathic arthritis, etc.
Here are some tips about how you can treat joint pain at home, but you will also learn about the important details of growing pains.
Growing pains- What is it?
Growing pain occurs in the arms, calf muscles, thigh, behind the knees, etc. When I had the analysis of school children, it revealed that more than 30% of students experience chronic musculoskeletal pain. The cause of half of these children is growing pains. It is common in preschool or preteen years. During the teenage years, growing pain disappears with time. Experts say that it is not that harmful as it is a part of the growing age.
Factors of growing pain:
- It occurs several nights in a row
- Your child may experience this pain along with headaches
- It affects both legs at the same time
- Usually, it will wake your child up with severe pain
What are the risk factors of the growing pain?
Growing pains can be a result of running, climbing, playing, jumping, etc. Growing pains are also common if your child has fatigue, low pain tolerance, vitamin D deficiency, restless leg syndrome, etc.
5 Tips to Ease Growing Pains At Home
If you have read some possible treatments for growing pain, you should debunk such statements because they will go away on their own. But parents can help in easing the discomfort of the child. Here are some tips that can help to relieve the pain.
Go for the warm bath: if your child is experiencing growing pains, a warm bath is the best way to reduce aches and pain. A warm bath is also beneficial for promoting sleep.
Give Massage to your child: Massage is an ancient trick to relieve pain or muscle stiffness. If your child is sensitive enough, you can hold the affected area or cuddle with your kid.
Warmth: A heating pad or hot water bottle is the best way to relieve the pain instantly. Adjust the water bottle temperature that will not burn your child’s skin. Make sure that your child is awake when you apply a heating pad.
Stretching: If your child complains about joint pain, gently stretch the calves and thighs during the day as it helps to ease the pain and prevent symptoms. You should consult with your doctor before going for stretching exercises for your kid.
Over-the-Counter medication: Painkillers are also the best way to relieve the pain. Ask your doctor before you give OTC medicines to your child.
Serious Conditions That Cause Joints Pain
Joint pains can be a sign of any serious health problem, such as:
Lupus: An autoimmune disorder that can affect almost every organ. It is rarely found in younger children but common in the teenage years. It shows different signs, including pain, swelling, fever, hair loss, etc.
Lyme disease: A bacterial infection that is spread by an insect is known as Lyme disease. Symptoms are different, such as fever, chills, facial paralysis, fatigue, a circular rash, joint pain, etc.
Juvenile idiopathic arthritis: frequent joint pain can be a sign of JIA as it is a serious condition that affects a child’s movement. It can also affect bone growth or cause permanent complications.
Leukemia: It is a blood cancer that begins inside the bone marrow. It shows different signs, such as bleeding, infections, swollen lymph nodes, breathing difficulties, etc.
Final Thought
Pediatricians explain that joint pain can be a sign of a serious health condition that requires instant medical help. Parents must consult with a doctor if they notice weight loss, fever, and loss of appetite along with joint pain in kids.
