Why do Kids Complain of Pain in Legs
By: SudbyTotal Views: 434, Word Count: 640,
Pain in leg in kids is a common symptom and in most of the cases it is not even any serious cause. However, severe pain should not be avoided as there can be some underlying pathology that requires medical attention. As with most children’s complaints, leg pain must be monitored to know if it is just to get attention or whether there are actual signs to indicate a more serious cause. For this you must have an idea about why do kids complain of pain in legs.
Why do Kids Complain of Pain in Legs?
During childhood, the human goes through series of changes. When babies are born their hands, heads and feet are proportionally larger compared to their bodies than at any other time in life. All these things make babies adorable and distinct. During the growing process, the human body changes proportions most of the times. Sometimes, gangly and long arms and legs seem to shoot out over night. During this time growth, children usually complain of nighttime leg pain, which is the most common label of growing pains.
Most often, growing pain feels like a sharp throbbing pain. It can be sometimes even strong enough to wake the child up from sleep. Around 25-40% of children of the age of 3 to 5 and again between the ages of 8 and 12 experience growing pains.
Things you must do when Kids Complain about Child Pain
- Make them clear of what's going on
- Keep them physically active in sports that don't have a lot of sitting-around time.
- Teach them simple stretches. With the back straight, use your hands to push the chest of the kids forward until they feel a stretch. Hold these 30 seconds. Repeat 3 times.
- Make sure that your kid’s feet are straight and they bend knees just a little as they walk and stand.
You Need to Contact Doctor if:
- Pain in leg happens every night, may be due to restless legs syndrome (RLS). It is a situation where legs become extremely uncomfortable while you're sitting or lying down.
- Joints are swollen and the affected area becomes hot when touched or red
- Pain is only in one leg
- If touch increases the pain
- Fever or weakness
- Uncharacteristic behavior or tiredness
For initial children's pain in leg, a gentle massage on the affected area can help out. If the pain varies every day or night, then you can give products that contain ibuprofen to get rid of the pain. For growing pains or simple injuries, it can be enough treatment. If the pain is constant or comes repeatedly for many days with fever or is painful to the touch, consulting a pediatrician is advised.
If your children get repeated leg pain, make sure that you take them seriously and do your best do give your child relief. To understand and give proper treatment can be the best course of action only when you realize why kids complain of pain in legs. Make sure your child is getting enough calcium, iron and potassium and drink lots of fluids.
About the Author
Robert Sudby has practiced as a General Physician in Cleveland for a number of years. He is retired but still likes to share fitness secrets and tips with people. You can benefit from his articles on fitness and general well being
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