Joint Pain in Children: Is it Just a Sore Knee?

Joint Pain in Children: Is it Just a Sore Knee?

Joint Pain in Children: Is it Just a Sore Knee?

Joint Pain in Children

Persistent Joint Pain in Children

Children that suffer from sore or achy joints may be experiencing natural growing pains or soreness resulting from a recent injury. However, if the pain persists, a medical evaluation is necessary to determine whether the pain is a result of a more serious condition like juvenile arthritis. An autoimmune disease, juvenile idiopathic arthritis should be diagnosed as early as possible so that proper treatment can be administered. Without treatment, this condition may result in irreversible joint damage, developmental problems, disability, or deformity.

Symptoms of Juvenile Arthritis Include:

  • Tenderness, pain, or swelling of the joints
  • Limited range of motion of the affected joint
  • Joint stiffness upon waking that improves throughout the day
  • Light rash
  • Fatigue
  • Weight loss
  • Irritability
  • High Fever
  • Blurred vision or redness in the eyes

Patients may not exhibit all or any of these symptoms. Some patients will be diagnosed with juvenile arthritis while being treated for another injury. History is usually the best indicator of whether your child suffers from this or any other joint related condition. A physical examination is often necessary to identify these conditions.

Seeing a Physician for Joint Pain in Children

Joint pain in children is rarely a symptom of a more serious disease, but it is important to have a medical evaluation performed by a skilled orthopedic physician if you suspect that your child may be suffering from a recurring condition. Your physician will consider your child’s age, sex, the onset of symptoms, previous injuries or related episodes of joint pain, history of illness or injury, vaccinations, and the location/duration of pain to determine whether your child has juvenile arthritis.

If you think your child may have juvenile arthritis or another orthopedic problem, contact Shasta Orthopaedics for a proper evaluation.
Click here to request an appointment or call 530.246.2467.

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