Son Complaining of Leg Pain

Updated on March 17, 2013
C.P. asks from Bloomfield, NJ
51 answers

HELP! My middle son, David (3 1/2) has been complaining of leg pain. It wakes him up at night and he cries saying "Mommy it hurts" I ask where it hurts and he said "all over". I get into bed with him and rub his legs and he does go back to sleep. Its been only the one episode per night but he was at my moms for the weekend and he had her up every hour or so. I haven't had that experience yet. Can anyone tell me if this is just "growing pains" or I should I contact the doctor asap. I don't know if it matters but my mom recently got diagonosed with fibromyalga (sorry not sure if spelled right). Can children get that or it it something I could have given him throught my blood line? Any advise would help!!

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So What Happened?

Ok so I took David to the doctor today. The doctor said he feels that everything is ok and that David is a very active, physical and typical little boy and he is likely just over doing it when he plays and those are the evenings when we have the issue. Also, David told the doctor that the pain was in the calf area of the leg not in the knee or ankle which if it was could have been Lymes. I do have to watch him if it gets worse at all I have to bring him back in and he may run some tests to be safe. Thank you to all of you for all of the great advise I got, I truly appreciate it. Its so nice to have a place to go where people understand where your coming from. Thanks again.

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A.K.

answers from New York on

Hi C.,
I had the same issue when i was younger and my mom used to tell me it was in my head. Finally she took me to a podiatrist and they found out that I had flat feet. The leg pain was due to falling arches. The rubbing of the legs does help, so does a little tylenol. I thankfully grew out of it. you just need to find shoes with good arches in them to help the support.
My daughter has leg pains and I took her to the same Dr. Her hips are uneven and they suggested inserts for her shoes. She wore them when she was younger but then started to say they were uncomfortable. She still gets the leg pains especally when she wears junky shoes.
These aren't major things, but take the leg pain seriously. I have been told by many people including Dr's that there is no such thing as growing pains.

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K.L.

answers from New York on

My son who is also 3 1/2 started complaining about leg/foot pain about a year ago. I noticed when he
wore new shoes this would happen the most. The pediatrican told me it is growing pains and not to worry about them.
I do the same thing rub his leg/foot with "special" cream
and it seem to dissipate. I also offer him water.
If he is not eating enough of fruit, veggies or water
this can also cause leg cramps. Bananas, potatoes(sweet or
white) anything with potassium, magnesium or calcium helps
alleviate leg cramps/pain.
I hope I helped.
K.

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G.S.

answers from New York on

My sister had the same problem with her son and the doctor said he was growing in height very fast and it was causing the leg pain. She would use an old home remedy of rubbing alcohol and massage the leg then wrap it with a towel or cloth diaper to help ease the pain. A heating pad on a low setting seemed to work as well if he will let you put it on and hold it for 10-15 minutes. She was also told that bananas or high potassium foods helped as well. Hope this helps. Good luck.

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R.C.

answers from New York on

Dear C. P:

I am a mother of two teenagers, and a licensed massage therapist with 17 years experience.

First of all, no it has not been found as of yet that children
especially at that tender age were to be diagnosed with
(the correct spelling) fibromyalgia.

You can do a very thorough search through the internet besides getting information from your mom and your pediatrician.

However, it is always better to be safe than sorry, and if he continues to complain then by all means you should definitely
get him checked out first, by your pediatrician and also ask him to referr you to a pediatric bone specialist.

Also keep in mind that he maybe having some fears or nightmares and perhaps just wants to have moms' warmth to comfort any difficulty or uncertainty falling asleep in his room at night. Also take into consideration the fact that the every hour episode happened when he was away from being with you (at your moms' home). So you definitely want to cover all possibilities in terms of fear and any apprehension he may be experiencing as well as the possibility of any bone or joint condition.

Keep an eye for any inflamation of the joints, if he is unable to run or walk normally (especially if he's in the park
or at a play date with some friends). If this only happens at night and does not complain when he's having fun, especially if there is no swelling or redness and his range of motion is fine, then its' more of an attention getter, but still you need to find out whats' really bothering him and put his fears and anxieties to rest.

I hope as a mother and a therapist, I've been able to shed some light to your concern.

Please keep me posted.

May God bless you and keep you and your family in His perfect
peace,

Respectfully yours,

R. C.

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T.L.

answers from Rochester on

sounds like leg cramps. i had them when I was little. also known as growing pains, my docs called it. rubbing helps, supposedly banana's too. i found a dose of advil with heat works best.

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E.B.

answers from New York on

It may be nothing, but why risk missing something that could be dangerous if ignored? Call your doctor!! If only because it's waking him (and you) at night, and your doctor could give you advice to soothing the pain.

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S.K.

answers from Albany on

Hi C.,
I go through the same thing with my daughter and it started about the same age your son is. I took her to the dr to get checked and in our case evrything was fine. The Dr told me to try to keep track of when it happens. My daughter seems to have the problem after she has been playing hard all day running around. I think some of it has been growing pains we do give her tylenol or motrin as needed and I rub her legs in the middle of the night when she wakes up. It has gotten better and doesnt seem to happen as often. It wouldnt be a bad thing to talk to your doctor. Good Luck feel free to email me .
Sherri

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M.B.

answers from New York on

hi. my son will be 4 in july & he wakes up sometimes numerous times a night screaming that his legs hurt him. doctor says its probably growing pain. i am checking into it further. sounds like it is growing pains, but i would get it checked by a dr or xray.. thats my next step

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S.R.

answers from New York on

My son complains of leg pains occationally too. I think it is just growing pains, but if it seen excessive (like he's crying uncontrollably every night when he wakes up) I'd take him to the doctor and have him checked out. Also, I'd take a critical look at what he has been eating, and the nutrient value of the food...he may need some changes in his diet to keep up with his growing body, or a vitamin supplement. There are several deficiencies that come to mind that can cause leg pain, including vitamin C, Calcium, Vitamin D, potassium, and iron...

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L.S.

answers from New York on

When my son was younger he had the same issue. I chalked it up to "growing pains". My knowledgeable chiropracter informed me if the body has everything it needs - there will be no growing pains.

He advised we add Calcium-Magnesium supplement. Growing pains gone.

Contact me if you want more specific info.

L.

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J.B.

answers from New York on

I think that it can never hurt to take him to the doctor. It may have nothing to do with the other diagnosis, but if he is in pain, your doctor may be able to help him. Best of luck!

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R.L.

answers from New York on

My friend's daughter went through something that sounded exactly like that. In her case it was growing pains. I'd always check with the doc to be sure.

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S.M.

answers from Rochester on

Thoguh it is probably growing pains, my son had the same thing. I would still contact a doctor. Childhood leukemia can start out with bone pain.

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E.S.

answers from Richmond on

Hello C.,
I have experienced leg pains with my almost 10 year old, we have found that having her eat extra bananas for the potassium helps. We were told by her ped. that low potassium causes leg cramps that can also be related to "growing pains". My daughter has also found that the heating packs that you warm up in the microwave seem to help as well, we dont make them hot, just warm. We have also given her motrin if they are really bad as well as rubbing her legs with aspercreme (this may not be spelled right!), if I remember correctly this can be used on children as young as 2. There are also natural pain creams that may be better for your little guy.
My younger children have complained of leg pain as well but not as much as my very active almost 10 yead old.

Good luck, it is no fun waking up to a child in pain.

E.

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K.P.

answers from Albany on

I have a very wild 4 year old boy who has also complained off and and on for 2 years about leg pain at night. I talked to my pediatrian -- who confirmed that they were likely growing pains. Plus since they ONLY happen at night time - I was less concerned. Here is what I observed about my son: He bounces like tigger wherever he goes. So of course - his legs hurt as he is relaxing to go to asleep. Talk to your doctor though -- and good luck!

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M.V.

answers from New York on

I have a friend that recently was experiencing the same thing with her daughter. She also thought it was growing pains, it turned out to be strep throat. I know how weird that sounds but apparently leg pain is a symptom of strep even when there is no complaint of throat pain. Unfortunatley, children can get fibromyalgia too. Either way I think a call to the pediatrician would not hurt. I tend to take my children complaining of pain seriously. Maybe it could turn out to be nothing but at least you checked it out. Good lUck and I hope your son feels better soon.

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M.K.

answers from New York on

sounds like growing pains NOT Fibro myalgia

I want to suggest a Rub and a bath before bed, it could help him relax

Sort of like what swimmers and athletes do to wind down after an event

it could help him

M
mother of 3 boys

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M.N.

answers from New York on

I would call your pediatrician and perhaps test him for Lyme Disease if the pain continues. It could be growing pains - both my boys have complained of this for a night or so - but if it lasts longer than a couple of days I would check with his Dr. He also could have a virus that is causing some deferred discomfort. Hope he is feeling better soon.

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S.S.

answers from Albany on

You have your hands full with those three darling boys! Fibromyalgia is rarely diagnosed in children so don't let that drive you crazy. But if it's a nightly occurrence rather than an occasional, it might be worth a call to the pediatrician. I think I would if it became nightly. My third child has leg, ankle, knee pains at night occasionally and has since she was very little but it wasn't nightly. I did check with the doctor who said that it's not abnormal and if it's not stopping her from regular activity or hasn't worsened, she may grow out of it. It is less now at 11 years old.

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J.O.

answers from New York on

Hi C.,

I see you already have a lot of responses, but I just wanted to add. I would definitely take him to the doctor. My cousin's son was experiencing the exact same thing, he's 5. They went for an x-ray and found that he had tumors in the bone of his leg. The tumors actually caused a hairline fracture which was causing the pain. The tumors were benign, but they still had to scrape the bone to get rid of the tumors. I'm not saying this is the case with your son, but it wouldn't hurt to get it checked out until you are satisfied, because you just never know. Hopefully it's nothing.

Good luck,
J.

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D.D.

answers from New York on

HI, I have a four year old son, who has been complaining of the same thing. He says "his whole body hurts", or " my legs hurt". I asked my pediatrician, and he checked him out and said that he was very flexible, so, from being active throughout the day he may be overextending his joints therefore causing soreness at night. You may want to ask your pediatrician if that may be the same for your son. Hope this helps!

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A.T.

answers from New York on

C., I have found the following in past research, my daughter complains about leg pain as well and it comes every couple of months or so. Dr's always say it's growing pains but I think that's baloney. read below and perhaps it will help you decide on what to do. Also, you may google fibromalgia in children and do further research. My girlfriends nephew was diagnosed with ADD and his pediatrician said symptoms of ADD can include constant limb pain, either a leg or arm. hope this helps, good luck!

Chapter 7: Fibromyalgia in Children

Excerpted from Fibromyalgia: A Comprehensive Approach by Miryam Williamson Copyright 1996. Permission is granted to download, print, copy, and distribute, but not to sell. Support group leaders: I don't consider accepting donations to cover copying costs to be the same as selling.

Until recently, fibromyalgia was considered an adult disorder; children were thought not to get it. Then, in a study published in the Journal of Rheumatology in 1993, a team of doctors in Israel reported that 6.2 percent of 338 healthy schoolchildren between the ages of nine and 15 met the criteria for the fibromyalgia syndrome. At nearly the same time, a rheumatologist in the US asserted that 45% of the children referred to him had FM. Of these 15 children, nine had been diagnosed incorrectly with juvenile chronic arthritis, three had been told they had growing pains, and two had been given a psychiatric diagnosis. Since then, doctors have been paying more attention to children's complaints of pain and are diagnosing FM with increasing frequency. [...]

Children's complaints of pain must be taken seriously, lest they grow up with untreated FM. Growing pains are a particularly pernicious myth. It should not hurt to grow, and the child whose pain is brushed off that way is a very unfortunate little person. FM is often a family affair [...]That is not to say that your children are sure to have FM if you do, but I hope it will motivate you to be extra vigilant. Children need us to take their complaints of pain seriously. Fibromyalgia can make a child's life miserable at school and on the playground. The child with FM needs a great deal of special help and understanding.

Many adults think of childhood as a carefree time, full of fun and excitement. Some find it hard to comprehend the depth to which children can feel pain, both emotional and physical. Small children want nothing so much as to please the adults around them, and to gain their respect and affection. If parents place a high value on stoicism, then their child will believe that the way to gain approval is to grin and bear it, and is likely to miss badly needed medical attention.

Detecting FM in Children

FM in children often starts with a flu-like illness from which the child seems never to have fully recovered. Sometimes, particularly in children before puberty, the ailment simply comes on gradually, without any obvious precipitating event. Very young children may not remember a time without pain, and thus may not complain at all. [...]

You should suspect fibromyalgia in a child who sleeps restlessly, kicks or twitches during sleep, and has a difficult time getting out of bed in the morning. [...] Insomnia coupled with pains or aches is a trouble signal and should not be ignored, particularly if one of the child's parents has FM.. Sometimes an alert teacher is the first to notice a problem. [...]Children with fibromyalgia often have trouble in school. A considerable amount of schoolwork requires memorization. The cognitive difficulties that often accompany FM may make this difficult, if not impossible.

FM for me as a child consisted of intermittent severe diarrhea, difficulty controlling my bladder, shooting pains in my legs, deep aches in my calf muscles that felt as though my marrow was burning, frequent severe headaches, lack of stamina, and insomnia. Some of my earliest school memories are of teachers joining in with my classmates to taunt me because I wasn't always sure where my feet were. Needless to say, I was never the first chosen for any team game. [...]

Children who squirm and fidget in class may be trying to keep themselves from falling asleep. They may also find it painful to sit in one place for long periods of time. Some symptoms of FM may manifest themselves in the classroom as Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD). Not all children with ADD are hyperactive, as was once thought. There is a form known as "quiet-ADD." Some pediatricians say this may be an early symptom of fibromyalgia in some children. A sharp pediatrician can tell the difference between ADD and FM by performing a tender point examination.

[...]Another characteristic of children with fibromyalgia is that many of them have hypermobile joints — that is, they are "double-jointed." [...] Being double-jointed is not a sure sign of FM, but it should make a parent suspicious.

All parents, particularly those with FM, should see to it that their children are examined for fibromyalgia as soon as they are old enough to say if they feel pain during a tender point examination. Early intervention is important; proper treatment may save the child from a lifetime of suffering.

Tips for dealing with FM in children

Some doctors put children with FM on a very small dose of a tricyclic agent or muscle relaxant. Others prescribe Benadryl at bedtime for sleep. A child who learns good nutritional habits early in life, grows accustomed to going to bed at the same time every night, and is encouraged to take part in a suitable exercise program will be well equipped to avoid FM flareups throughout life.

If your child is diagnosed with FM, you will need to do some explaining. What you say and how you say it will have a profound effect on the child's reaction. Children are particularly vulnerable to thinking that anything that goes wrong is their fault. You must stress that FM is nobody's fault and that nothing anyone could have done would have prevented it. How much you explain about fibromyalgia will depend, of course, on the child's age and intellectual development. Above all, the child must understand that FM can be controlled. [...]

Raising a child who has fibromyalgia is a real challenge. You will need to remember that some days are worse than others, and allow the child to set the pace. Household chores should be adjusted to fit the situation, and flexibility should be the overriding principle. Teachers and school administrators should be informed about your child's FM. They must understand that the child can feel well one day and terribly the next, and that people with fibromyalgia almost always look better than they feel.

Any condition that interferes with a child's learning ability entitles the child to a special needs assessment and education plan, according to US Public Law 94-142, which provides for the education of children with special needs. If your child is having trouble with schoolwork, you may have to be persistent in getting the school to agree to this assessment, but it is your right and you will eventually prevail if you keep at it. Among the accommodations that have been granted to children with FM are two sets of school books so that the child need not carry books to and from school; a tape recorder to eliminate the need to take notes; and a flexible class schedule that allows the child to take her most difficult classes at the time of day when she is feeling her best.

If your child's classmates are making his or her life miserable with teasing, a word with the teacher is in order. Children generally take their behavior cues from their teachers. If the teacher makes an offhand remark about the FM child's clumsiness, or chides the child for being lazy when fatigue strikes, the teacher's attitude will surely lead to teasing by the other children. It is up to you to cultivate the kind of relationship in which your child can confide in you about such problems. An appointment with the school's guidance counselor can often set things right. Proper treatment can make a world of difference. [...]

There is evidence that fibromyalgia in children may not be a lifetime sentence. One study found that 30 months after diagnosis, 11 of 15 children with FM (73%) were no longer fibromyalgic. "We suggest that the outcome of FM in children is more favorable than in adults," the doctors who conducted the study wrote. Guaifenesen has been found to bring some children to a pain-free state, according to their parents. Early intervention seems to be the key in children with fibromyalgia.

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K.G.

answers from New York on

I would have him thoroughly tested for Lyme Disease. It could very possibly be growing pains, but why not check it out. Don't know where you live, but where I do, Lyme is a big concern. Be safe, not sorry. Good luck!

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B.R.

answers from New York on

My younger one had this, it was growing pains for her, it lasted what seemed like forever, she is fine now, shes 21, and has no adverse effects. You can always go to your pediatrician to confirm, but I don't believe it is anything to worry about. Good luck. I know it's heartbreaking.

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A.K.

answers from New York on

Hi C.,
My daughter often wakes up in the middle of the night with leg pain. Most frequently in the knee/shin area. I asked the pediatrician and he's pretty sure these are just growing pains. Most of our growing happens when we are sleeping.He said I should make sure she is hydrated and getting plenty of potassium as these things can also cause leg cramping.
A.^-^
(mother of 7-year-old girl & 2-year-old boy)

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N.L.

answers from New York on

hi!
i have three kids and my two older girls 6 and 4 have both been complaining from age 3-5 about leg and foot pains mostly at evening or night times "mommy my leg hurts in the inside!"
my husband is quite tall and the girls are very tall for their age and our doctor said it was growing pains! so if your kid is tall for his age or is having a growing spurt it is probably just growing pains. i give my kids homeopathic medicine by byron from the health food store for kids growing pains. they are tiny little sweet tasting pallets. they seem to help, physically and psychologically. but if you worry see your doctor!
best
N.

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R.W.

answers from New York on

I'm just guessing with this one....leg cramps because of low levels of calcium??? I know that's what I get, but for a young boy, I don't know! Have you searched the internet about leg cramps or calcium levels? Might be worth a try!

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R.C.

answers from New York on

I think the best thing to do would be to take David to the doctor.

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D.R.

answers from Syracuse on

Hi! My daughter (now 7) had and occasionally still has the same thing. I used to have the same pains as a child myself and my mom always put Bengay on it! LOL. It did help. With my daughter, I tried to be sure she wasnt dehydrated and tried to get her to eat a banana every other day or so because I thought maybe it might be from low potassium. Here is a link to a health board that talks about it-if you cut and paste it to your browser it should come up: http://www.healthboards.com/boards/archive/index.php/t-27.... If it doesnt, they mention low dose tylenol, leg massage, bananas and growing pains. Maybe your doctor could tell you more!

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L.D.

answers from Albany on

C.,

How long has the pain been going on? My 4 1/2 year old has had it twice now and both times the doctor said he had a virus in his joints. I just had to give him Children's Motrin but you should call your doctor and have him seen to be sure.

L.

http://APerfectMoment.MyArbonne.com

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M.B.

answers from Syracuse on

Hi C.,
Although your son's leg pain could very well be growing pains I do suggest you take him to the Dr. to have him get and check up. It could be synovitis, an infection that does pass but can be very painful or it could be something out of alignment in hip or long bone.
M. - nurse

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M.C.

answers from New York on

O my God C. I thought I was going crazy, my son too has been getting leg pain for a while now, and I thought he's just to young for growing pains. I did take him to the doctor and he said they were growing pains, and they told me to put bangay but I was not to content with that so i began to research info regarding this, big mistake, this just makes you even more worried. I did look up info on Soy milk I'm not sure if your son drinks this or not, but there are plenty of reasons including not enough calcium and this effects there growth. If I can give you one advice it would to call the doctor so they can document. I didn't do it so when I took him recently to the doctors it was the first time they heard about it, and this is why they didn't treat the problem more seriously. The advice they gave me was if it happen again then they would do blood work, Luckly he's been okay. Hopefully this was alittle helpful. Best of Luck

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M.D.

answers from New York on

Do u know if your son was tested for MCADD (medium chain acyl-coA dehydrogenase deficiency)at birth on the newborn screening? My daughter has it & it causes leg pain. Its a simple blood test for acylcarnitine. You never know...

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D.D.

answers from New York on

If you are concerned, I believe you should always see a doctor first. Leg cramps at night are fairly common in kids. My daughter got them at a young age, especially after a very physically active day. Running, jumping rope, etc..Try a warm bath and have him eat a banana at bedtime (the potassium is supposed to help with cramping). After the bath, you can gently stretch the muscles in his calf by flexing the foot up towards his knee (keeping the knee straight) and holdong that position for about 30 seconds. Repeat 3-4 times on each leg. We have an outdoor hot tub that she would go in before bed and she never had any problems on the nights that we did that. Good luck!

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A.G.

answers from New York on

HI! My oldest daughter is now 7 years old and we have gone through the growing pains. If it is both legs, in the same place, at the same time most likely it is growing pains. I had to give her some Childrens Tylenol when it was real bad. There were times when she hurt just laying around and she is a hyper child who rarely "lays around". We had her tested for arthritis too because she had a rare sickness when she was 3 that can cause arthritis in children and she had so much pain. It most likely is not artritis but ask you doctor. I would ask your doctor about the fibromyalga and tell them why you are concerned. I have no idea what it is but asking won't hurt! A.

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B.A.

answers from New York on

My oldest son is 7 and still complains of leg pains...my Dr. said it's just growing pains...but you should ask yours at his next check up to make yourself feel better

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C.R.

answers from Syracuse on

my guess would be that it is growing pains and they come and go...another thought though...what kind of shoes does he wear? My first son has flat feet and he would complain of leg(shin and calve)pain...once we put him in shoes with a better archs he stopped complaining...I had best luck with striderite, new balance, lands end and ll bean...all seemed to fit wide feet as well as have great archs and for the summer we do the trekers not sandles for more support.

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G.C.

answers from Rochester on

A calcium-mag supplement could possibly help. I also used to experience an extreme leg cramping at night when I was young. Almost daily, I would awaken w/ extreme cramping going up and down my one leg. It would last maybe a couple minutes, but felt like forever. It helps to flex and point your feet while going through it. Let me tell you, I was told time after time that I needed to eat more bananas, even though I already ate them on a daily basis. It's when I stopped consuming bananas that my nightly leg cramping came to an end. And if I decided to eat one, that very night I would once again wake up with a horrible leg cramp. So if he's already eating bananas everyday, you should maybe try a couple days without them.

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A.S.

answers from New York on

My son who is 4 has experienced this as well. After months of periodic night spasms. He would cry and cry it was heart wrenching. My older 2 sons never experienced this. Last night my son complained before bed his legs hurt so I rub them and put him on a heating pad. Other times I have put him in a warm bath and massaged. I did take him to his pedi and we did xrays just to be sure, he was fine.

If it persists it does not hurt to ask his dr but most likely he is fine.

HTH

A.

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A.R.

answers from New York on

Hi C.,

It is likely that he is having growing pains - but you show definitely talk with your pediatrician about it just to rule out any other prolems. Don't distress, but do reach out. Heat packs (not too hot :) ) can also be helpful to him. Good luck!
AMR

C.V.

answers from New York on

Hi,

My brother when he was younger' between 5 and 9 had the same exact thing. He would wake up and cry because his legs thobbed with pain. He was a very active boy though, is he really active? He was taken to the doctor but nothing was ever found wrong. I would take him to his doc just in case.

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A.C.

answers from New York on

Hi C.,

I am a chiropractor who specializes in working with moms and kids and also a mother of three. That said, my experience is that "growing pains" are very common in young children as their little bodies go through rapid growth periods. Often times kids will experience them at night after an exceptionally busy day of play and will relate that "ache" into their thigh or upper leg. What I find in practice is that it is often a misaligned sacroiliac joint (the bony part of their lower back between their hip bone and tail bone) that need to be adjusted. Adults with the same problem will also have leg pains at times too... It usually responds right away but occasionally will need follow up visits just because kids will be kids and will continue to grow and play hard. Call around to find a chiropractor who works with children...many do. Good luck.

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M.L.

answers from Richland on

I'm going through the same thing right now with my son he's 2 1/2 and its very stressful do not know what to do .

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D.S.

answers from New York on

Hi C.,
I would say what your son has is growing pains.
I had them as a child and my daughter did and now her son has them. They were worse when he was a little younger but have gotten better. My daughter's Dr suggested that she give her son a pain medication when he gets the pain. If it's earlier (not in the middle of the night) you could give him a bath to relax his legs. I would talk to the Dr though. My dauther's Dr said it was growing pains but could also have something to do with the growthe plates in his legs and her Dr watches him. He is now 9 and rarely ever complains of pain. I guess (as far as my family goes) that it could be passed down from generation to generation but in most cases it's just growing pains. Fibromyalgia is a very common thing now a days. I have it, my daughter has it and so does my sister. Her Fibromyalgia is very bad. Many can have very bad cases of it.
They say that diet and exercise it the best for it. Mild exercising...even just walking is good.
Yoga is great. Good luck with David. I hope I was helpful in some way. Have a good weekend.
D.

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J.D.

answers from Buffalo on

The best advice for you and your little guy is to see a Doctor. Keep a diary of how often this occurs, how long, and what his activities were for the day.( might help, when visiting the Dr.) Keep us posted on what you decide to do. Good Luck!

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L.L.

answers from New York on

Hi C.,
The leg pain can be muscular skeletal. That is a fancy term for nothing serious. He could be strainig his musculs from play time. Is there a favorite move he enjoys...jumping off the couch, hanging from the monkey bars by his knees? These things wouldn't cause immediate injury just stress and strain in that area.
Now just for a precaution. I stress precaution! It is always wise to mention this to your doctor. Why? Different autoimmune diseases, cancers..leukemia ...would in the very early stages cause weakness and aching in musculs. In time though, just getting up from sleep would prove difficult. He would be tired alot etc. In short..you would know.
The first time it happened, did he get so much "Mommy attention" he felt wonderful?
One last thing, sometimes pain can come from growing too fast. My son had pain behind the knees at 3 yrs. and again older. I believe he did in fact have growing pains. He is 5 feet tall and not yet 10. It was a ache he felt, not out and out pain.
I hope this helps and I didn't scare you too much! I just wanted to give you every scenario.

~Lee~

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C.H.

answers from New York on

C.,
I would definately talk to your doctor. I know it is common in childhood to have growing pains, my brother had them. It is also possible for him to be getting Charlie Horses, if that is the case try increasing the potassium in his diet. I suffere from them during my pregnancies and the doctor told me to try to eat one banana a day because they are high in potassium. I would try having him stretch his legs when he gets up in pain. I have been relieved by them by pointing my toes up to the ceiling and flexing them to point to my nose. I have also been told that standing on something cold like a tile floor or wet towel help.
I am sure that it is just something kids go through, but I would be sure to check with your doctor. Not to scare you, but a friend of my sister-in-law had a son who woke up screaming in pain multiple times every night and the doctor just kept telling the parents it is nothing to worry about. After more that 6 months of severe pain and many sleepless nights. They faught with the doctor to do a MRI to make sure nothing is wrong and they found a tumor on him spinal cord. Unfortunately it was inoperable and he had to go through chemo and radiation, but it had spread too far and it was taking over most of his major organs. I am not telling you this to scare you, I just want to make sure that if your doctor brushes it off as growing pains and he continues with the pain or the pain gets worse please get a second opinion and make sure that they do tests to find out the cause of the problem. Good Luck

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E.G.

answers from New York on

My son actually for a bit complained that his leg hurt, granted he didn't wake up in the middle of the night either. I'd get it checked out it probably is nothing and just growning pains like you say. As far as fibromyalgia, I hardly doubt he has that, seems a bit young. My mother in law has it and it's not an easy thing to diagnos. The really only have I believe it's a 7 point trigger test to determine if someone has it and it's still hard to detect and they don't even know what the cause is. But it can be handed down thru DNA as well. They also say that fibro is or can be caused by a stressful time in your life, example: a tramatic car accident. I hope that I didn't stress you out more. Hope this helps in some way.

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Y.R.

answers from New York on

I would tell the pediatrician ASAP. Just call him and tell him your situation and whether or not blood work would be necessary. My husband was diagnosed with rheumetoid arthritis as a child and by the time the doctors were told he had slipped into complete paralysis. He was in that state for several years. Luckily, his little body grew stronger and was able to battle it (now its under remission but his bones sufferred a lot) and now he is being told by specialists that he has to undergo a hip replacement at 42!!!Of course he is not jumping on that just yet. Back to your little boy,PLEASE do not wait and just tell your doctor and don't forget to tell him about your mom and her recent diagnosis. Good luck!

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A.D.

answers from New York on

Hi C., I would say it is most likely growing pains. You should check with your Dr. to ease your mind. One of my sons complained of the same (boo boo knees) and he grew to be the tallest of my 4 sons. I also don't think a child can get fibromyalgia but I am not a Doctor. good wishes,Grandma Mary

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J.M.

answers from Syracuse on

most likely its growing pains. my oldest son has been getting them for years. he suffers terribly with them. I have found that sometimes a heating pad on low works well. You may want to try some tylenol. I would keep an eye on how often this happens and for how long. My son gets them about every four to six months and generaly last a couple of days. Calling the doctor never is a bad thing, you are a mom and you know your child better than anyone.

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