Why do children have knee pain?

As a mother, it is natural to care about the growth of your child. In our lives, we often find that some children cry out in pain for unknown reasons, and the pain is mostly in the knee area. Many parents will feel very anxious about this, but after examination, they cannot find the cause of the pain, which makes people even more anxious. So, why do children have knee pain?

Growing pains are also known as "growing pains in children" and are medically called nonspecific limb pain. They may be related to growth and development and are more common in children aged 3 to 5 years old. Physiological studies have shown that children aged 1 to 3 years old gain weight faster than their height, so they appear fat and cute. This stage is medically called the "first weight gain period."

After the age of 3, the child's height growth rate will accelerate. Since the child's bone growth rate during this period exceeds the growth rate of the nerves and tendons around the bones, other muscles and nerves may experience uncoordinated pain. The pain is located in the knees and nearby muscles and occasionally in the thighs or ankles. Upper limb pain may also occur. Generally, the pain site is relatively fixed and occurs at night or after falling asleep. The degree of pain varies greatly. Children may suddenly wake up due to the pain, which may last for several minutes to several hours and can be relieved by massage. However, it is rare for both legs to hurt at the same time, and there is no local redness, swelling or fever, and the pain can be relieved by itself. When the child recovered, he no longer felt pain and was able to run and jump as lively as before. No special findings were found in laboratory tests and X-ray examinations. As the child grows older, the rate of height increase slows down, the pain gradually decreases and disappears, and no sequelae are left.

Growing pains in children should be distinguished from pathological pain. The characteristics of pathological pain are: the pain worsens during activity and eases during rest, the affected area of ​​the leg has abnormal changes such as redness, swelling, heat, and pain, and leg movement is restricted. Diagnosis of growth retardation in children requires laboratory tests and X-rays to rule out rheumatoid arthritis and suppurative arthritis, which are more serious and require prompt treatment. Growing pains are related to growth and development and are a temporary physiological phenomenon. Generally, no treatment is required. When the pain occurs, local massage or hot compress can be performed. You can also guide the child to play with toys or games to divert the child's attention. At the same time, you should explain the reason to the child and let him know that this pain is a normal phenomenon in the process of growth and development and there is no need to be afraid. When attacks are frequent and the pain is severe, you can take salicylic acid analgesics orally. If the pain persists after taking the medicine, you need to go to the hospital for a detailed examination to rule out pathological pain or other diseases.

Children may experience this kind of pain as they grow up. When this happens, everyone needs to check as soon as possible to avoid other symptoms caused by worsening pain. When the child is in pain, parents also need to take care of them carefully and patiently, so that the children can relieve pain and recover their bodies more quickly.