Why is my 6 year old boy getting these pains in his knees. He is crying in agony when he comes to stand up.?

Question

He doesnt recall injuring himself at any time. The pain is there all the time but gets worse when he stands up. Every now and again his leg gives way on him when he is walking. I thought it may be growing pains at first, but now I am not convinced.

Answer 1

*** Let it be known that the person below me with the user name "black mushroom" has copied and pasted my answer and used it as his own. How ludicrous that people have sunk this low!

It's extremely common and VERY normal for a child of his age to experience this. Growth spurts are indeed painful but he will overcome them with a bit of time. Each child's body reacts differently to these growth spurts and that could be why you're unsure as to whether or not they are growing pains. Some children can keep going and not be bothered by the pain while other children may find it difficult to walk normally because of the pain. In the end, they all work themselves out.

To help ease his pain, just give him some children's Tylenol or Motrin and have him soak in a tub of warm water. You can also help a bit more by having him soak in a tub of warm water mixed with some Epsom salt. You can get it for under $1 at any drug store. Here is what it looks like, mind you each brand may differ a bit in appearance. http://www.csupomona.edu/~hcmireles/Courses/Sci210/Activities2005/ACamp1_files/200.jpg

If his discomfort has not lessened or becomes worse after a week's time, then I suggest taking him to his doctor. But I do assure you, his age, gender and your description are clear indications of growing pains.

It's tough on both of you I know, but hang in there, they will stop! I wish you both the very best!

Answer 2

Growing pains is a medical euphemism for another medical euphemism, GOK, god only knows, the term is still used but really has no meaning. The commonest cause of bilateral (both sides) knee pain in children is a condition called Osgood-Schlatter disease. However he is a little young, 10+ is more the norm. This is a diagnosis made on clinical grounds, rather than by X-ray. However X-rays are often taken to exclude other conditions. Classically there is tenderness of the tibial tuberosity. http://pharyngula.org/images/bonefiles/tibia.gif
See this picture for position.

If this is the diagnosis the treatment is generally only rest. Take him to your GP for an opinion.

Answer 3

Best to get this checked out by his doctor. My Son used to wake up at nights from time to time, rubbing his legs and appearing to be in agony. This was put down to growing pains. However, what you describe is something different, especially if it is in his knees.

Answer 4

i'd be quite concerned about this level of pain in a young child; especially as his leg seems to be giving way. i'd make an appoint ment to see your family doctor to eliminate the possibility of some serious underlying condition. there's no point in guessing in someone so young. Years ago, I took my oldest son to doctor at the age of six because from time to time, he would literally double up with pain in his tummy; I took him to my gp, feeling a bit of a twit, because he looked fine and healthy. Luckily, he had an attack of the tummy crampswhile we were there; it turned out he'd had a tummy bug about two months before, and his intestines had lost all of the natural mucous lining, leading to indigstion and cramps. My doctor gave him something to slow down the movement of his gut, and allow the food to be absorbed.
It might be something simple, like a vitamin deficiency; but bst have it checked.

Answer 5

Arthritis - either rheumatoid or Osteo - is not confined to the elderly - so your son could be suffering from Arthritis - which is causing him considerable pain - I should know - because I too have osteo Arthritis.

The only thing to do is to take him to your Doctor - and get it checked out - he may need to be referred to hospital and have x-rays and/or MRI scans - but the sooner you do this the better since the less damage will be done long term if he continues to stand on them without any treatment.

Answer 6

I am going through a number of blood work ups myself for similar issues (although I am much older). It turns out I have an elevated RA factor - rheumatoid arthritis. Anyway, started reading up on it, and still going for more testing to be sure that's what it is, but you may want to talk to doc about it. There's a juvenile version of RA that he can be tested for w/bloodwork.

Answer 7

I just read your question... I remember of seeing an episode of untold stories of the er and this boy(about 5) had pains just like your son, screaming as if he was being tortured whenever he stood up. Doctors couldn't figure it out and where stumped.

They eventually figured out what was wrong but I can't remember the name of the diagnoses but I do remember it was serious and very rare it could have also killed him. I think you should go to the doctor.

edit* Do growing pains really exist? I can't remember having pains and I'm 21 and remember most of my childhood.

Answer 8

Don't you think this is a question you should be asking your Dr. If this were my child and he was having those problems I would not hesitate to take him to the Dr. There could be many reasons why this child is having problems and I don't think without proper professional diagnosis anyone here could give you the reason why your child is in pain. SEE THE DOCTOR>

Answer 9

So he is crying in agony and you haven't been to the doctor? Have a word with yourself and get your child to the doctors.

Answer 10

growing pains can't be that bad. Take him to a doctor, he's probably hurt himself and can't remember, or has disloged some bone slightly..which is causing him pain. take him now before permanent damage is done