My three year old often complains of pain in her legs. It happens most often at night when she wakes up screaming and thrashing around in bed, kicking her legs and saying they hurt. It can get quite scary for me and I'm sure it's scary for her as well. This has been happening for quite some time now, at least 6 months or more but it is sporadic so I've never thought to mention it to her pediatrician. When I ask her where it hurts she usually rubs her knee joint or shins but also sometimes her calves. We usually give her some light massage, as much as she can stand, and I always give her Children's Tylenol (tonight I used Children's Motrin) and she seems fine after that takes effect.
So I'm just wondering... is this common or should I be concerned something else is going on? My husband says it's just "growing pains" and he remembers having them when he was young. I never remember anything like that myself, nothing that made me scream and cry...
2007-03-31 18:19:57 · 18 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Toddler & Preschooler
Well, you should mention it to the pediatrician next time you go, but it does sound like growing pains. I never had them either, but my daughters both did. It really helped to just rub the legs a little, especially in the soft place behind the knee. You might make this a night-time ritual. Maybe after a nice warm bath.
Another thing is to make sure she gets enough exercise. Running around helps stretch out the legs.
The painkillers for kids are OK, but I think you should save them for the times that a little massage doesn't work.
2007-03-31 18:30:26 · answer #1 · answered by Madame M 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have had severe leg pain for as long as i can remember. The best thing to do for her is to give her a dose of Motrin..Motrin reduces swelling and is better for that sort of pain. She is probably experiencing growing pains. After you give her the meds, take a small pillow or stuffed animal and tuck it under her knees so they're slightly bend, almost with her feet flat on the bed. It may also help if you rub right above the knee and right below it. Another thing you can try is making a heat sack. Fill an old sock (with no holes) with dried beans, but don't fill it too full. Tie the end shut. Then when she wakes up crying, heat it in the microwave for a few seconds, shake it and check to see that it isn't too hot. Lay that across her knees. (that's more than likely where it hurts)Hope this helps.
2007-03-31 18:31:19 · answer #2 · answered by trehuginhipee 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Leg Cramps In Toddlers
2016-11-11 04:07:16 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
My son has the same problem!! It just happened last night. He was VERY tired. I don't know if that had something to do with it. I can remember having growing pains but not that made me thrash around in the bed and cry like that. I have been to the pediatrician but have forgotten to ask about that because of other issues. I have read though that it can be a sign of other more serious problems so I'll be getting it checked out too.
2007-04-01 05:30:21 · answer #4 · answered by teachermom 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well, I had experienced with my children when they were 6 up to 9 yrs.of age wherein they complain once in a while of pains in their knees, calves and legs. My mother-in-law informed me of this growing pains. So far, they are both alright and I really charged it to growing pains. I don't know about toddlers age but I guess if he doesn't show signs of fever or change of stool or whatever, maybe it is; on the contrary, if your so bothered, go to your pedia and maybe you'll get a better result.
2007-03-31 23:24:14 · answer #5 · answered by angel 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I remember growing pains, but I think she's too young to be experiencing such pain! And, the pain is usually in your knees if it's from growing. My question - how much water does she drink? If she's even slightly dehydrated, she could be getting charlie horses. Not sure if you've ever had one, but they are one of the worst things to experience, and usually strike at night while you're sleeping. I used to get them all the time! I would really check with her doctor. That just doesn't seem right to me. Increase her water intake until you can see the doctor - it might help!
2007-03-31 18:25:06 · answer #6 · answered by Emily J 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My son did the same thing! I kept taking him to different doctors insisting something was wrong. All the doctors had the same diagnosis: Growing pains. I think it just effects children in different ways and at different ages. I spent many nights rubbing and massaging my sons legs. He is now 13 years old and almost 6 feet tall! So now I see why he got growing pains. Good luck and God speed.
2007-03-31 23:30:29 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'm not too sure. I've had weird leg cramps my whole life, but I don't know what they are. The only thing that helps me is for my husband to massage them, like you are doing, or to walk around. I would ask her doctor, it might be growing pains but you never know with such a young child.
2007-03-31 18:25:16 · answer #8 · answered by munkees81 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
These are pretty common, usually called "growing pains." I had them all the time growing up, as do all my friends kids/neices and nephews. There really is not much you can do other than Tylenol/Motrin. If they are "charlie horses" (very strong leg cramps), try giving her a banana every day- the potassium would help with that.
Check with your pediatrician to be sure, but this sounds very normal to me.
2007-03-31 18:25:21 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Funny, I had posted almost this identical question here! It is growing pains - my son and daughter suffer from them awful at times. I do the exact same thing you do as well, which seems to help. I myself never had them as well, but I'm told by everyone its completely normal and will pass. Hope this helps!
2007-04-01 00:43:38 · answer #10 · answered by Mom 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋