Why do my teenage duaughter gets frequent leg pain?

Question

Hi doctor,

I have a 16-year-old daughter who gets leg pains regularly but not so frequently. It occurs let us say every three months. This started in childhood and she still gets it. She told me she cannot sleep at night when she gets these leg pains. Do you have any advice on home remedies and medication to help her get rid of the pain?

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

Growing pain is a common cause of leg pain in children. These pains are muscle aches that can occur in the thighs, behind the knees, or the calves. Other possible causes of leg pain that may be more serious can include juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA), lupus, Lyme disease, and leukemia.

If the pain is prolonged, fever, severe pain, rashes, sluggish or inactive then it is to worry about. But not in your daughter's case. Here are some tips which surely will help to treat the pain. Treatment of growing pains depends on how much pain your child has. The following things may ease discomfort and help your child feel better.

1. Massaging the legs.

2. Stretching the leg muscles, though it is difficult for younger kids, needs to do it slowly.

3. Place a warm cloth or heating pad on the sore leg. Be careful not to burn the skin and do not use it during sleep.

The pain should be reduced in two to three weeks, if it continues and she gets a fever and the above-mentioned symptoms, then you can take her to the children's specialist so that any Ibrufen or other medicines can be given by diagnosing it.