What causes leg pain in children?
Under normal circumstances, leg pain in children may be caused by growth-related pain, intense physical activity, calcium deficiency, trauma, osteoarthritis, or other reasons. Parents are advised to take their child to see a doctor promptly to determine the underlying cause and receive appropriate treatment under medical guidance. Specific analyses are as follows:
1. Growth pain: As children are in a rapid phase of growth and development, continuous bone growth may lead to leg pain. This is a normal physiological phenomenon that does not require special treatment, so parents need not worry excessively.
2. Intense physical activity: If a child engages in strenuous exercises such as long-distance running or football, it may cause muscle tension and lactic acid buildup in the legs, resulting in pain. Parents can gently massage the child's legs according to medical advice to promote lactic acid absorption and thus relieve pain.
3. Calcium deficiency: Irregular eating habits may lead to insufficient calcium intake, increasing muscle excitability and causing symptoms such as leg pain and fatigue. Parents should ensure the child maintains regular meals and consumes more calcium-rich foods such as eggs and lean meat.
4. Trauma: Leg injuries can also cause significant pain and swelling. In such cases, cold compresses applied according to medical advice can help reduce swelling and relieve pain.
5. Osteoarthritis: This may be related to injury or inflammation. If a child has osteoarthritis in the leg, inflammatory stimulation may lead to symptoms such as leg pain and joint stiffness. Parents may administer medications such as acetaminophen tablets, ibuprofen sustained-release capsules, or glucosamine sulfate tablets under medical supervision.
Parents should ensure children get adequate rest, maintain a balance between work and relaxation, and keep their legs warm. Additionally, encouraging moderate exercise can help strengthen physical health and support recovery.