Chronic Back & Leg Pain in Children

Back and leg pain in children is not normal and is often caused by something more serious than just growing pains. It is important to identify the cause of this pain to avoid more serious damage being done.

Effects

In addition to pain that occurs in the leg and the back, children will have swelling, redness and trouble walking.

Causes

Causes of chronic back and leg pain in children include trauma, muscle injuries and rheumatic diseases.

Identification

To identify the cause of the chronic back and leg pain in children, a doctor will take a complete family and medical history, including what events led up to the pain. After a physical exam, they will perform an X-ray.

Treatment

After is has been determined what is causing the child to have chronic back and leg pain, the child may need to participate in physical therapy and take medication to control the pain.

Prevention/Solution

To prevent chronic back and leg pain in children, it is important to avoid activities where the leg and back are put under stress and can be injured. If an underlying medical condition is causing the pain, treating that condition is beneficial as well.

References

• American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons- Introduction, Identification, Treatment and Prevention
• Emedicine Health- Effects and Causes
• American Academy of Family Physicians- Effects and Causes