Does Your Child Complain of Leg Pain?

Leg pain is a common problem amongadolescent children. It is usually temporary and goes away with adequate rest.  But if your child complains about leg painoften, following conditions should be considered:

VitaminD deficiency

Vitamin D or Calciferol deficiency is avery common deficiency seen in adolescent children. Vitamin D helps inabsorption of calcium into bones. Without Calciferol, bones become brittle andweak. In extreme cases bones bend and cause deformity, this condition is knownas rickets. Sunlight is the most abundant source of this vitamin, other thanthis; supplements may be required to reduce deformity.

Calciumdeficiency

Calcium is the main component of bone andmay become deficient in kids who don’t like milk products or are allergic tothem. Sometimes there is congenital deficiency of calcium and is very difficultto manage. Child suffers fractures and often complains of pain. Other thanpain, swelling in leg and limping while walking can be observed. You shouldtake your child to a specialist bonedoctor, if your child often complaints of such pain.

Malnutrition

Protein deficiency and improper calorieintake may cause muscles to shrink also known as muscle atrophy. Child becomesweak with protruding belly and has some amount of mental retardation.  He or she may complain of pain and giddinessafter some amount of physical activity. Protein rich diet and regular physicalactivity can help in increasing muscle mass.

Osgood Schlatter disease

Osgood Schlatter or tibial apophisitis is acondition in which ligament below the knee is inflamed and calcified whichcauses a painful bump below the knee. It makes physical activity difficult. Patientoften complains of calf pain along with it. Stretching leg muscles along withproper medications can make the condition better.

Adequate physical activity and balanceddiet should be the main line of treatment for these conditions. Avoid givingyour kids junk food and encourage them to play outside during morning and earlyevening. Most importantly, don’t risk your child’s future with just homeremedies. If the pain persists or comes back frequently, you should considertaking him or her to a orthopaedicdoctor at the earliest.