Table of contents:
- Various causes of joint pain in children
- 1. Juvenile idiopathic arthritis
- 2. Lupus
- 3. Lyme disease
- 4. Leukemia
- What should parents do if your little one complains of joint pain?
Joint pain is not only a complaint of adults, but also of children. Especially children who are actively moving, so they often fall and experience injuries to their joints or muscles. However, symptoms of pain in the joints and muscles can also be a sign of a more serious health problem. What are the causes of joint pain in children and how to treat it? Find out the answer below.
Various causes of joint pain in children
Joint or muscle pain due to fatigue, activities generally will recover quickly. This condition is not dangerous and is very common in children. However, children with certain health problems experience these symptoms more frequently and even more severely than regular joint pain. They usually complain of pain in the area around the knee, elbow, and calf.
The pain tends to appear at night or in the morning and is accompanied by other symptoms such as headaches or abdominal pain. If you find your baby has this condition, don't underestimate the symptoms. These conditions can be a sign that your little one has diseases such as the following:
1. Juvenile idiopathic arthritis
Perhaps many people do not know that rheumatic disease can also affect children under 17 years of age. Children with this condition often complain of pain in their body, which makes them weak and doesn't move freely.
Inflammation that occurs in a child's joints can cause a variety of symptoms. So, not all children experience the same symptoms. Most likely the inflamed joint will be red, swollen, and painful to the touch.
It is important to immediately check the child's health as soon as possible to the doctor. Apart from relieving symptoms, early treatment can also prevent further damage to the joints and bones of the growing child.
2. Lupus
Lupus or systemic lupus erythematosus is an autoimmune disorder that affects almost all organs of the body. This condition causes the immune system, which is supposed to fight infection, to attack healthy cells in the body.
Children with this condition usually feel painful, stiff, and swollen hands or feet in the morning. In addition, the body also feels tired even though it has been well rested. These symptoms may almost resemble the symptoms of rheumatism in children.
The difference is, lupus will cause a fever accompanied by a rash around the nose. The rash will also get worse if the child is exposed to sunlight.
3. Lyme disease
Lyme disease is a bacterial infection Borrelia burgdorferi as a result of a tick bite. If the child is infected with this tick bite, there will be a red, circular rash. In addition, the child will experience fever, body fatigue, joint or muscle pain and facial paralysis.
A rash on the skin, usually appearing within three weeks of being bitten by a tick. Although the symptoms vary, sometimes joint pain is the earliest symptom a child feels. In fact, it could be the only symptom they feel.
4. Leukemia
The presence of cancer cells in the spinal cord can also be a cause of joint pain in children. Cancer cells that develop in the marrow can attack and damage the production of blood cells. This condition is common in children, among other cancers.
Apart from pain in the body, leukemia can cause other symptoms, such as bruising and bleeding easily. Children become infected easily and have fever constantly. This condition is accompanied by body fatigue, difficulty breathing, swollen lymph nodes, and abdominal pain.
What should parents do if your little one complains of joint pain?
Complaints of pain in the child's joints, you should not underestimate. You can relieve the child's condition in various ways, for example:
- Compressing the painful area with a towel soaked in warm water.
- Gently massage and caress the sore area.
- Take him to a warm bath or shower.
- Give him pain relievers, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen. Do not give aspirin to children because of the risk of developing Reye's syndrome.
- Accompany and give him a hug so he feels comfortable.
The above treatments can help you heal your child's tired joints or muscles. If the pain persists along with other symptoms such as rash, swelling, fever, weight loss, and weakness, seek medical attention immediately. Your doctor will help you to determine the right diagnosis and treatment.
