What Causes Pinching Leg Pain In A Child?

Posted on Wed, 9 Dec 2015

Question: my 5yo is waking up sporadically with complaint of her legs/feet hurting. when asking what they feel like she says like its pinching her. i rub em.i gave her tylenol tonight because she was waking up in pain and claiming they hurt so bad she couldnt walk on them. i beleive something is going on as this wakes her in a dead sleep and she is screaming. what else do i do, should i be concerned? its not every night...its off and on.

Answered by Dr. Sumanth Amperayani (53 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Please answer the questions below - I will be glad to quide you further

Detailed Answer:
Hi...By what you quote I feel that it could be growth pain. But before making it certain I would like have some information from you -

Please answer the questions below -

1. Since how long is she complaining of pain in legs like this?
2. Is it only in the night or in the morning time also?
3. Is the joints swollen and red during the episode?
4. Is there any finger or toe joint pain?
5. Are the episodes always associated with fever?
6. Have you checked her vitamin D status in the recent past?
7. Is there any family history of rheumatoid arthritis or any other connective tissue disorder?
8. How is her physical activity when there is no pain?
9. Doe she get adequate sun exposure?

Regards - Dr. Sumanth

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Sumanth Amperayani (6 hours later)

1. 1-2 yrs 2.mostly at night occasional in the morning. 3. unsure. 4.unsure. 5. no fevers 6 no vit d level checked,ever. pediatrician did not seem concerned 7. not to my knowledge 8. she is a normal active 5 yo. 9. she is outside as much as she can weathet permitting. loves outside

Answered by Dr. Sumanth Amperayani (5 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Could be growth pains - but get a vitamin D level checked

Detailed Answer:
Hi....by what you quote I feel that it could be growth pains. But I also suggest you to get a vitamin D level checked. Sometimes hypovitaminosis D or vitamin D deficiency can cause these symptoms.

If possible get back to me with the vitamin D level and laboratory specific normal ranges so that I can suggest you the appropriate management.

Regards - Dr. Sumanth

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj