Do you find our website to be helpful?
Yes   No

My Child Keeps Complaining About Stiffness: Can You Help?

My Child Keeps Complaining About Stiffness: Can You Help?

It isn’t unusual for children to complain about aches and pains—real or imagined. But if your child has come to you complaining about ongoing stiffness, pain, or other persistent aches, it’s time to seek the opinion of a medical expert.  

The orthopedic specialists at OasisMD Lifestyle Healthcare, in Encinitas, San Diego, and Temecula, California, offer personalized pediatric orthopedic care for younger patients suffering from ongoing pain, stiffness, or injury. 

Here’s a closer look at some of the most common causes of this type of pediatric complaint and the different ways your child’s OasisMD Lifestyle Healthcare provider can ease their discomfort.  

Causes of ongoing pediatric stiffness, aches, and pain

It can be difficult to know when your child’s stiffness or pain is normal or the sign of a more serious condition. For this reason, it’s always better to err on the side of caution and bring them in for an evaluation. 

Many conditions share symptoms, and only an experienced provider can rule in or out problematic conditions that may require ongoing treatment. In the meantime, here’s a look at some causes of ongoing pediatric stiffness, aches, and pain:

Overuse injuries

Active children may experience stiffness and other symptoms from overuse. This is especially true for children who play a sport that requires repetitive motions, like running, soccer, gymnastics, baseball, or basketball.

These types of injuries can affect parts of the body that are still developing, like the soft tissues, bones, or growth plates. If your child complains about ongoing pain, stiffness, or other discomfort, don’t wait to bring them in for an evaluation. 

Early treatment can prevent permanent damage and can help your child avoid future damage or injury.

Growing pains

Many children complain about feeling stiff, achy, or uncomfortable as they grow—especially in their legs. These “growing pains” aren’t usually a cause for concern, though they can be quite unpleasant for your child and cause symptoms such as:

This type of discomfort usually strikes between the preschool ages through middle school, but it isn’t a sign of a serious underlying condition. 

Idiopathic arthritis

If your child experiences ongoing stiffness, pain, or swelling in one or more of their joints, it could be a sign of idiopathic arthritis. This inflammatory disease results when your child’s immune system “overreacts” and attacks the body’s healthy tissue, causing symptoms like:

It can also cause non-joint symptoms, like rash, fatigue, eye symptoms, and reduced appetite. 

Lupus

This autoimmune disorder affects female teenagers most often, and about one-fifth of people with the disease get diagnosed in childhood or adolescence. This disorder causes pain, swelling, or stiffness in the joints, among other symptoms, and requires ongoing care. 

How pediatric orthopedic care can help

At OasisMD Lifestyle Healthcare, your child’s orthopedic provider first determines the underlying cause of your child’s discomfort using physical examination, blood tests, advanced imaging studies, specialized tests, and their symptoms and medical history.

With a diagnosis in hand, your child’s provider creates a personalized pediatric care plan that’s customized for your child’s condition, age, and preferences. Based on their needs, your provider may recommend different therapies, including one or more of the following:

Your child doesn’t need to suffer from ongoing stiffness, aches, and pain. Contact a pediatric orthopedist at the OasisMD Lifestyle Healthcare location nearest you, or request an appointment online now!

You Might Also Enjoy...

Which Type of Breast Implant is Right for Me?

Considering augmenting your breasts and wondering which type of breast implant is best? Learn the differences between saline and silicone implants and how to select the right option for your body and aesthetic goals.
4 Ways PRP Therapy Can Boost Your Recovery

4 Ways PRP Therapy Can Boost Your Recovery

Recovering from a sports injury or chronic pain and wondering if PRP therapy can help? Read on to learn how this safe and effective treatment offers four key benefits, so you can get to your active lifestyle faster.
Can You Treat a Meniscus Tear Without Surgery?

Can You Treat a Meniscus Tear Without Surgery?

Worried you have a meniscus tear and dread the thought of surgery? Learn about a range of treatments that might help manage pain and heal your knee, allowing you to return to your active lifestyle faster.

3 Types of Facelifts to Take Years Off Your Appearance

Congratulations on considering the most effective procedure in reversing the visible signs of aging: the facelift. However, not all facelifts are created equal. Here’s a look at three types of facelifts that can refresh your face.
What to Expect During Your Tummy Tuck Recovery

What to Expect During Your Tummy Tuck Recovery

Considering a tummy tuck but worried about the recovery, especially with kids at home? Keep reading to learn what you can expect in each stage of recovery, including tips to help make the healing process go smoothly.