The muscles and ligaments encircling a joint are almost always damaged or strained when there is pain in the joints, especially those of the arm or leg. Fortunately, serious conditions in children that cause pain in multiple joints are uncommon. However, if your child experiences chronic or recurrent pain or if the pain is accompanied by other generalized symptoms of illness, you should see your doctor.
Limp
A limp is a normal reaction to muscle, bone, or joint pain in the limb or foot, and it may be the only sign of a problem in a child who is too young to express discomfort or unable to pinpoint the exact source of the pain. Limping can also happen without any discomfort, and this could indicate a problem with the hip or thigh bone. (femur).
What action should you take?
Check the legs for any signs of injury or other potential sources of pain, such as bruising or swelling, and the feet for blisters or plantar warts if you notice that your child has begun to limp. If your kid no longer limps when walking barefoot, a shoe issue like a protruding nail or an uncomfortable fit is most likely to blame. You should see a doctor if the limp appears to be harmless. X-rays and other diagnostic exams could be required.
Sprains and strains: First aid
When the ligaments that support a joint are torn or twisted beyond their usual range of motion, as might occur in a fall, the joint is said to be sprained. Particularly vulnerable to this kind of harm are the ankles. Pain, swelling, and bruising are the primary symptoms, which may be difficult to distinguish from those of a minor strain. You should administer first aid if your child is unable to move or bear weight on the injured area, if it appears deformed, or if discomfort spreads to areas of the limb other than the joints. Try the following treatment.
- Immediately following the accident. Cool the area that is injured.
- Use a firm bandage that is not too tight to support an injured joint or limb. A sling may provide support for an arm or wrist.
- Your kid should be encouraged to rest the injured area for a day or so. When at all possible, maintain the injured foot, leg, or ankle raised.
Cooling an injury
Any injury that has resulted in discomfort, swelling, or bruising can be relieved of pain and inflammation by applying cold treatment. The ideal method for doing this is to use an ice pack, which is a cloth bag packed with ice, but you can also make your own by soaking a cloth pad in cold water or using an unopened package of frozen vegetables.
Bruises
When a blood artery close to the skin’s surface is damaged, blood leaks into the nearby tissues, resulting in bruises. This results in the distinctive purplish-blue color of a contusion. Small bruises don’t require any special care but applying cold to the region right away after an injury can lessen the size and pain of a large bruise.
